When I read Section 76 this time around, my mind kept getting brought back to one idea.
In case you aren’t familiar, Section 76 in the Doctrine and Covenants is all about the big plan of salvation.
Most people know it as the section that talks about the celestial, terrestrial, and telestial kingdoms.
Pretty much everything in this section of scripture sums up how we are DIFFERENT in many of our beliefs about the premortal, mortal, and post-mortal existence.
But this idea that kept coming back to me as I studied all 119 verses?
Not an interesting tidbit about who is going to which degree of glory, or what exactly will be waiting for us in each kingdom.
Instead, my mind was brought over and over to the idea that none of this would be possible without Jesus Christ.
This whole idea that we can just repent and become clean enough to enter God’s presence in the celestial kingdom, purely because we feel badly about the wrong choices we’ve made?
Literally impossible without Jesus Christ’s atoning sacrifice here on earth.
The whole idea that our bodies will all die— some being riddled with disease, and yet we can be reunited with these same exact bodies, but in a perfected form, for the rest of eternity?
Literally impossible without the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus Christ here on earth.
The whole idea that we even know how to act in righteousness and love while here on the earth so that we can qualify to inherit a kingdom of glory in the next life?
Literally impossible without Jesus Christ’s mortal life and example, as recorded in the scriptures.
This plan would not have been set into motion without Jesus.
None of these promised blessings could actually come to fruition without Jesus.
He’s at the center of it all.
So… is He at the center of my life?
Is He completely pivotal in every decision I make?
Would my life be literally impossible without Him in it every single day?
Jesus Christ is at the center of this entire plan that will bring salvation to everyone.
And I have the choice to make Jesus Christ the center of my life each day.
Today, I’m choosing Jesus.
Happy Studying!
-Cali Black
4 Responses
I sometimes have gotten upset or frustrated, during my 50 years as a convert member, when I hear talks or hymns talking about DOING more or checklists of how to get to the Celestial Kingdom. Of course, I understand we should strive to be perfect per scripture instructions, but we need to always acknowledge that perfection or worthiness comes only through the amazing grace and love of Jesus Christ, after all we can do. Sometimes I hear or read goodies from other members that leave HIM out of the equation. I will not ever reach the Celestial Kingdom without Him and what He has done for me.
I love your thoughts! Thank you for sharing <3
Thank you. Cannot say it any plainer.
Thanks!