What is the Purpose of Life?
I gave a talk at church today. I thought I'd share it with you. Enjoy! :)
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“What is the Purpose of Life?”
Copyright ©2015 by Jinky S.
February 8, 2015
Perhaps at one point of your life you’ve asked yourself, “What is the Purpose of Life?” Maybe you asked it at one of your lowest moments or pondered it in philosophical terms. Whatever the case may be, it is one of life’s challenging questions. Today, I will share with you God’s answer to that query.
Like in anything I study, I look up definition of words for clarification. In this case, I looked up the word “purpose”. Google defines it as, “the reason for which something is done or created or for which something exists”. Hence, another way of looking at, “What is the Purpose of Life?” is to ask, “What is the reason for which we humans are created or exist?” Believe it or not, I found that question less overwhelming. This is so because to me, the answer is clearly, God’s Plan of Salvation or God’s plan for our happiness.
So let me walk you through the plan. The plan of salvation is defined in Guide to Scriptures under Plan of Redemption as, “the fullness of the gospel of Jesus Christ, designed to bring about man’s immortality and eternal life. It includes the Creation, Fall, and Atonement, along with all God-given laws, ordinances, and doctrines. This plan makes it possible for all people to be exalted and live forever with God.” It was introduced in a period called pre-earth life; our life before we were born on this earth where we lived in the presence of our Heavenly Father as His spirit children. We did not have physical bodies. There, we were taught the principles and commandments that would lead to happiness. We grew intelligence and learned to love the truth. In Revelations, clarified by Joseph Smith, we read, “And there was war in heaven. Michael and his angels fought against the dragon; and the dragon and his angels fought against Michael, and prevailed not; neither was their place found any more in heaven.” (JST, Rev 12:7-8) In other words, Satan and his followers did not approve God’s plan and did not win. He and his crew were cast out of heaven.
God’s plan moved forward. Therefore earth was created; our new home. A veil to our pre-earth life put in place. Now, here’s the delicate part. Adam and Eve were the first to come to earth having “physical” bodies made from the dust of the earth but at this point, they were not yet mortal, in other words subject to sin and death. In the Garden of Eden, they were in the presence of God and given commandments. Two of which are well known that we will examine … paraphrasing … 1. Thou shalt not eat the fruit from the tree of good and evil, and 2. Multiply and replenish the earth. Obeying the first commandment meant that they could remain in the garden but they could not progress by learning from experiences and challenges. Satan tempted Adam and Eve to eat the forbidden fruit and they partook taking account commandment #2. This decision caused their physical and spiritual separation from God, or what is called the Fall. They became mortal and thus were able to follow commandment #2. “If Adam had not transgressed he would not have fallen, but he would have remained in the garden of Eden …And would have had no children; wherefore they would have remained in a state of innocence, having no joy, for they knew no misery; doing no good, for they knew no sin. But behold, all things have been done in the wisdom of him who knoweth all things. Adam fell that men might be; and men are that they might have joy.” (2Nephi 2:22-25) How amazing is that?! The Fall of Adam and Eve was part of God’s plan so that all who come to earth may obtain a body, gain experience, and learn to make right choices and be happy.
Remember, being mortal means being subject to sin and death so our choices matter as David pointed out. Our wrong choices have consequences. In some degree, disobeying divine law separates one further and further from God or we become estranged from Him. Heavenly Father loves us so He sent His Son, Jesus Christ, to pay for our sins. This payment is part of the Atonement of Jesus Christ, or being “at one” again with God. It is the central point in the plan of salvation. Our elder brother, Jesus, voluntarily suffered for our sins, pains, sicknesses, and sorrows and through His grace and mercy, He can help us in our trials and relieve us of the guilt and shame that results from our sins. Through Jesus Christ we can be clean again through repentance. Pretty cool!
In the course of preparation for this talk, I came across a video that helped to illustrate the plan. God’s plan of salvation was compared to a three-act play. The first act is compared to pre-earth life, having lived with God where knew the entire plan. In the second act is our life on earth, where we prove ourselves. Then on the third act is life after death. Imagine that you came late to the show and started to watch in Act Two, having missed Act One. You would find yourself lost and ask many questions. Well, that’s where we are now in the plan of salvation, Act Two, but not as an audience but as a performer. So imagine when it came to your part in the play to say your lines. You are absolutely at a lost. Top that, you witness a good guy being killed and think that it is unfair, not understanding what will happen in Act Three. Brothers and sisters, we have the script to our lines now. We have the scriptures that tell us God’s plan for our happiness, modern day prophets that lead and guide us, a personal patriarchal blessing available to us, a Holy Ghost that confirms the truth of all things, and a living Heavenly Father and Savior to turn to. These are the resources that will carry us to Act Three successfully to live with God once more.
As you recall, I mentioned that I look up words for clarification. I invite you to do the same. Many of you find the Holy Bible to be the word of God. I testify that the Book of Mormon contains the words of God as well; as the title states, Book of Mormon: Another Testament of Jesus Christ. Therefore, read the Holy Bible and come to know that the Book of Mormon will help clarify Christ’s teachings.
A little over a couple of weeks ago, I had the privilege of attending a baptism. The father of the 11 year old that was being baptized kneeled in front of his son, eye to eye, to offer some personal words for him. It was quite moving. I imagine a similar act as Heavenly Father sent us here to earth. I imagine that He sat us down one by one and offered us words of encouragement and blessings. I imagine that He said something like this to me, “My dear, Jinky. Thank you for choosing my plan. You have a noble and strong spirit that will be carried on to your second estate. You would have forgotten all that has happened here with me but be assured I will provide you with the tools you need to recall the vital purpose for your life there, which is comprehensively to receive a body, grow, and prove seeking to attain all the blessings that I enjoy. Your experience there is important and necessary. Be of good cheer, your elder brother, Jesus, will I send to lead and provide the way back to me. The outcome is up to you. Be faithful and honor your covenants. Your choices matter. The right ones will lead you to great happiness in your earth life and eternal joy thereafter. I love you, my daughter. My blessings I will send to you as you stand in need of them.”
I have come to the knowledge of Heavenly Father’s plan. I testify that it is alive and well. I choose to follow it through.
These truths and prayers I say in the name of our savior, Jesus Christ, amen.
Sources:
LDS.org
Google dictionary
“The Plan of Salvation” missionary handout
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
“What is the Purpose of Life?”
Copyright ©2015 by Jinky S.
February 8, 2015
Perhaps at one point of your life you’ve asked yourself, “What is the Purpose of Life?” Maybe you asked it at one of your lowest moments or pondered it in philosophical terms. Whatever the case may be, it is one of life’s challenging questions. Today, I will share with you God’s answer to that query.
Like in anything I study, I look up definition of words for clarification. In this case, I looked up the word “purpose”. Google defines it as, “the reason for which something is done or created or for which something exists”. Hence, another way of looking at, “What is the Purpose of Life?” is to ask, “What is the reason for which we humans are created or exist?” Believe it or not, I found that question less overwhelming. This is so because to me, the answer is clearly, God’s Plan of Salvation or God’s plan for our happiness.
So let me walk you through the plan. The plan of salvation is defined in Guide to Scriptures under Plan of Redemption as, “the fullness of the gospel of Jesus Christ, designed to bring about man’s immortality and eternal life. It includes the Creation, Fall, and Atonement, along with all God-given laws, ordinances, and doctrines. This plan makes it possible for all people to be exalted and live forever with God.” It was introduced in a period called pre-earth life; our life before we were born on this earth where we lived in the presence of our Heavenly Father as His spirit children. We did not have physical bodies. There, we were taught the principles and commandments that would lead to happiness. We grew intelligence and learned to love the truth. In Revelations, clarified by Joseph Smith, we read, “And there was war in heaven. Michael and his angels fought against the dragon; and the dragon and his angels fought against Michael, and prevailed not; neither was their place found any more in heaven.” (JST, Rev 12:7-8) In other words, Satan and his followers did not approve God’s plan and did not win. He and his crew were cast out of heaven.
God’s plan moved forward. Therefore earth was created; our new home. A veil to our pre-earth life put in place. Now, here’s the delicate part. Adam and Eve were the first to come to earth having “physical” bodies made from the dust of the earth but at this point, they were not yet mortal, in other words subject to sin and death. In the Garden of Eden, they were in the presence of God and given commandments. Two of which are well known that we will examine … paraphrasing … 1. Thou shalt not eat the fruit from the tree of good and evil, and 2. Multiply and replenish the earth. Obeying the first commandment meant that they could remain in the garden but they could not progress by learning from experiences and challenges. Satan tempted Adam and Eve to eat the forbidden fruit and they partook taking account commandment #2. This decision caused their physical and spiritual separation from God, or what is called the Fall. They became mortal and thus were able to follow commandment #2. “If Adam had not transgressed he would not have fallen, but he would have remained in the garden of Eden …And would have had no children; wherefore they would have remained in a state of innocence, having no joy, for they knew no misery; doing no good, for they knew no sin. But behold, all things have been done in the wisdom of him who knoweth all things. Adam fell that men might be; and men are that they might have joy.” (2Nephi 2:22-25) How amazing is that?! The Fall of Adam and Eve was part of God’s plan so that all who come to earth may obtain a body, gain experience, and learn to make right choices and be happy.
Remember, being mortal means being subject to sin and death so our choices matter as David pointed out. Our wrong choices have consequences. In some degree, disobeying divine law separates one further and further from God or we become estranged from Him. Heavenly Father loves us so He sent His Son, Jesus Christ, to pay for our sins. This payment is part of the Atonement of Jesus Christ, or being “at one” again with God. It is the central point in the plan of salvation. Our elder brother, Jesus, voluntarily suffered for our sins, pains, sicknesses, and sorrows and through His grace and mercy, He can help us in our trials and relieve us of the guilt and shame that results from our sins. Through Jesus Christ we can be clean again through repentance. Pretty cool!
In the course of preparation for this talk, I came across a video that helped to illustrate the plan. God’s plan of salvation was compared to a three-act play. The first act is compared to pre-earth life, having lived with God where knew the entire plan. In the second act is our life on earth, where we prove ourselves. Then on the third act is life after death. Imagine that you came late to the show and started to watch in Act Two, having missed Act One. You would find yourself lost and ask many questions. Well, that’s where we are now in the plan of salvation, Act Two, but not as an audience but as a performer. So imagine when it came to your part in the play to say your lines. You are absolutely at a lost. Top that, you witness a good guy being killed and think that it is unfair, not understanding what will happen in Act Three. Brothers and sisters, we have the script to our lines now. We have the scriptures that tell us God’s plan for our happiness, modern day prophets that lead and guide us, a personal patriarchal blessing available to us, a Holy Ghost that confirms the truth of all things, and a living Heavenly Father and Savior to turn to. These are the resources that will carry us to Act Three successfully to live with God once more.
As you recall, I mentioned that I look up words for clarification. I invite you to do the same. Many of you find the Holy Bible to be the word of God. I testify that the Book of Mormon contains the words of God as well; as the title states, Book of Mormon: Another Testament of Jesus Christ. Therefore, read the Holy Bible and come to know that the Book of Mormon will help clarify Christ’s teachings.
A little over a couple of weeks ago, I had the privilege of attending a baptism. The father of the 11 year old that was being baptized kneeled in front of his son, eye to eye, to offer some personal words for him. It was quite moving. I imagine a similar act as Heavenly Father sent us here to earth. I imagine that He sat us down one by one and offered us words of encouragement and blessings. I imagine that He said something like this to me, “My dear, Jinky. Thank you for choosing my plan. You have a noble and strong spirit that will be carried on to your second estate. You would have forgotten all that has happened here with me but be assured I will provide you with the tools you need to recall the vital purpose for your life there, which is comprehensively to receive a body, grow, and prove seeking to attain all the blessings that I enjoy. Your experience there is important and necessary. Be of good cheer, your elder brother, Jesus, will I send to lead and provide the way back to me. The outcome is up to you. Be faithful and honor your covenants. Your choices matter. The right ones will lead you to great happiness in your earth life and eternal joy thereafter. I love you, my daughter. My blessings I will send to you as you stand in need of them.”
I have come to the knowledge of Heavenly Father’s plan. I testify that it is alive and well. I choose to follow it through.
These truths and prayers I say in the name of our savior, Jesus Christ, amen.
Sources:
LDS.org
Google dictionary
“The Plan of Salvation” missionary handout
Labels: purpose of life, talks
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