"Lesson 36: “Beloved of God, Called to Be Saints”," New Testament Gospel Doctrine Teacher’s Manual, (2002)
Purpose
To remind class members that they are children of God and to encourage them to live worthy of their divine inheritance.
Romans 2 - 15
Preparation
- Read, ponder, and pray about the following scriptures:
- a. Romans 2–5. Paul teaches that all people are justified by faith in Jesus Christ, which is demonstrated by righteous works.
- b. Romans 6; 8. Paul teaches that the children of God can be reborn and become joint-heirs with Christ.
- c. Romans 12–13; 15:1–7. Paul counsels the Romans to live as becomes Saints.
- Additional reading: Bible Dictionary, “Grace,” 697; “Pauline Epistles: Romans,” 745
- You may want to invite a soloist or small group to sing or play “I Am a Child of God” (Hymns,no. 301, or Children’s Songbook,2–3) or “I Feel My Savior’s Love” (Children’s Songbook, 74–75). If this is not feasible, you may want to prepare to sing one or both of these songs with class members.
- Suggestion for teaching: In his epistle to the Romans, Paul reminded teachers of the importance of living the principles they teach (Romans 2:21–22). Your example can teach class members more than your words. Show class members that your testimony of gospel principles comes from living those principles each day (John 7:17). (See Teaching, No Greater Call [36123], pages 18–19.)
Suggested Lesson Development
Attention Activity
As appropriate, use the following activity or one of your own to begin the lesson.
Have a class member read Romans 3:10. Explain that in this verse Paul was not suggesting that no one ever does righteous acts; instead, he was pointing out that no one on earth is perfectly righteous. Christ was the only person who ever lived a completely sinless life. Everyone else has committed some sin (see also Romans 3:23).
- • When we have sinned, what must we do to become clean again? (Exercise faith in Christ and repent of our sins so we may receive the cleansing power of his Atonement.)
Explain that once we commit sin, we cannot become completely clean again on our own. This lesson will discuss how we can become clean through the Atonement of Jesus Christ, a process that Paul called justification.
Scripture Discussion and Application
Prayerfully select the scripture passages and questions that will best meet class members’ needs. Encourage class members to share their testimonies of the doctrines and principles discussed in the lesson.
1. We are justified by faith in Jesus Christ.
Read and discuss Romans 2–5. Invite class members to read selected verses aloud. Explain that Paul had been writing to Church members in several areas who had returned to practicing the law of Moses, believing that strict observance of this law was necessary for salvation. Although the Saints in Rome were strong in the gospel (Romans 1:8), Paul wrote this epistle to emphasize that justification and salvation come through faith in Christ, not through the works of the law of Moses.
- • In his letter, Paul tried to help the Roman Saints understand the doctrine of justification. What does it mean to be justified? (To be reconciled to God, pardoned from punishment for sin, and declared righteous and guiltless.)
- • Why do we need to be justified? (See Romans 3:10–12, 23; see also Alma 7:21. We have all offended God and become unclean through sin. Since no unclean thing can dwell with God, we must be justified in order to return to him.)
- • What did Paul teach about how we are justified? (See Romans 3:24, 28; 5:1–2; see also 2 Nephi 2:6. We are justified by the grace of Jesus Christ and our faith in him.) What is grace? (Divine help or strength; see Bible Dictionary, “Grace,” 697.) How is this divine help made available to us? (See Romans 5:8–11; 2 Nephi 2:7–8. The grace of Jesus Christ is made available to us through his Atonement.) Why is it necessary for us to have faith to fully receive the Savior’s grace?
- • Paul explained that justification comes through the grace of Jesus Christ, not through “the deeds of the law” (Romans 3:20, 24, 28). Why can’t we earn justification and salvation exclusively through our works? (See Mosiah 2:20–21; Alma 22:14.)
- • Many people have interpreted Paul’s writings to mean that we can be justified through faith alone without good works. What is the relationship between our actions (or works) and justification through the grace of Christ? (See Romans 3:31; James 2:14–18, 24; 2 Nephi 25:23; D&C 88:38–39.)
The Prophet Joseph Smith said: “To be justified before God we must love one another: we must overcome evil; we must visit the fatherless and the widow in their affliction, and we must keep ourselves unspotted from the world: for such virtues flow from the great fountain of pure religion, strengthening our faith by adding every good quality that adorns the children of the blessed Jesus. We can pray in the season of prayer; we can love our neighbor as ourselves, and be faithful in tribulation, knowing that the reward of such is greater in the kingdom of heaven. What a consolation! What a joy!” (Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith, sel. Joseph Fielding Smith [1976], 76).
2. We can be reborn and become joint-heirs with Christ.
Read and discuss selected verses from Romans 6 and 8.
- • Paul compared baptism to death, burial, and resurrection. How does baptism represent death, burial, and resurrection (new birth)? (See Romans 6:3–4; D&C 76:50–52.) How was baptism a new birth for you?
Explain that baptism by immersion is a symbol of our spiritual rebirth. When we go under the water, it is a symbol that we are burying our old self in a grave. When we come out of the water, we are symbolically washed clean. We have become a new person who has covenanted to follow Christ.
- • How can we maintain the cleanness and “newness of life” (Romans 6:4) that we experienced at baptism? (Answers may include by renewing our baptismal covenants as we partake of the sacrament each week, by repenting and seeking forgiveness from the Lord, and by beginning each day with a renewed determination to serve God.)
- • What does it mean to be “carnally minded”? (See Romans 8:5–6.) What are the consequences of being carnally minded? (See Romans 8:6–8, 13.) How can we eliminate the carnal from our minds and hearts? How have you been blessed when you have chosen to be spiritually minded?
- • Paul testified “that we are the children of God” (Romans 8:16). How are you affected by the knowledge that you are a child of God? What does this imply about your capacities and potential?
Elder Dallin H. Oaks said: “Consider the power of the idea taught in our beloved song ‘I Am a Child of God’ (Hymns, 301). … Here is the answer to one of life’s great questions, ‘Who am I?’ I am a child of God with a spirit lineage to heavenly parents. That parentage defines our eternal potential. That powerful idea is a potent antidepressant. It can strengthen each of us to make righteous choices and to seek the best that is within us. Establish in the mind of a young person the powerful idea that he or she is a child of God, and you have given self-respect and motivation to move against the problems of life” (in Conference Report, Oct. 1995, 31; or Ensign, Nov. 1995, 25).
If you arranged to have “I Am a Child of God” sung or played as a special musical number, have the soloist or small group present it now. Or sing it with class members (see the “Preparation” section).
- • What great promise did Paul say the children of God will receive? (See Romans 8:17.) What does it mean to be a joint-heir with Christ? (See D&C 76:50, 54–70.) What must we do to receive this great inheritance? (See D&C 76:51–53.)
- • How can knowing that we are children of God and potential joint-heirs with Christ help us endure the trials of this world? (See Romans 8:18, 28, 31; see also Romans 5:3–5.) How have you seen “all things work together for good to them that love God”? (Romans 8:28).
- • What did Paul teach in Romans 8:35–39 about the love of Jesus Christ? How have you felt the Savior’s love in your life? What difference has his love made in your life?
If you arranged to have “I Feel My Savior’s Love” sung or played as a special musical number, have the soloist or small group present it now. Or sing it with class members (see the “Preparation” section).
3. We should live as becomes Saints.
Read and discuss selected verses from Romans 12–13; 15:1–7.
- • Paul exhorted the Roman Saints to present themselves as “a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God” (Romans 12:1). How can we present ourselves as living sacrifices to God? (See 3 Nephi 9:20; D&C 59:8.)
Elder Bruce R. McConkie explained, “To present [oneself] as a living sacrifice is to come forth with a broken heart and a contrite spirit through obedience” (Doctrinal New Testament Commentary, 3 vols. [1966–73], 2:292).
- • Paul counseled the Roman Saints to “be not conformed to this world” (Romans 12:2). What are some ways that we try to conform to the world today? How can we overcome this tendency? (See Romans 12:2.)
- • Romans 12 and 13 list many attributes of true Saints. Have class members identify these attributes, and write them on the chalkboard. (You may want to divide the class into small groups and assign each group to search part of a chapter.) Then discuss the following questions about several of these attributes: Why is this attribute important to develop? What can we do this week to further develop this attribute?
- • How did Paul instruct us to treat our enemies? (See Romans 12:19–21.) What blessings can come into our lives if we treat our enemies this way? What examples have you seen of someone using kindness to overcome evil or ill will?
- • What commandment did Paul say includes all other commandments? (See Romans 13:8–9.) How does this commandment include all others? (See Romans 13:10.)
- • What did Paul teach about how members who are strong in the faith should respond to members who are weak in the faith? (See Romans 15:1–7.) How can a person who is strong in the faith help a person who is weak?
Conclusion
Emphasize that it is through faith in Jesus Christ and righteous living that we can be justified—declared righteous and reconciled to God. Testify that we are children of God and have the potential to become joint-heirs with Christ if we have faith in him and live as he has commanded us.
Additional Teaching Ideas
The following material supplements the suggested lesson outline. You may want to use one or both of these ideas as part of the lesson.
1. “I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ” (Romans 1:16)
Have a class member read Romans 1:16.
- • How can we show that we are not ashamed of the gospel of Jesus Christ? (See 1 Peter 3:15 for one suggestion. List class members’ answers on the chalkboard, and encourage each class member to do at least one of these things during the coming week.)
2. Youth activity
Give each class member a piece of paper and a pen or pencil. Have class members write on their papers the following question from Romans 8:31:
“If God be for us, who can be against us?” (You may want to use the wording from the Joseph Smith Translation, which gives the last part of the sentence as “who can prevail against us?”)
Discuss how this statement can strengthen class members in their daily lives. Encourage class members to place the card where they can see it often.
___________________________________________________
Student Manual
"Lesson 36: “Beloved of God, Called to Be Saints”," New Testament Class Member Study Guide, (1997)
Romans
- We are justified when we are reconciled to God, pardoned from punishment for sin, and declared righteous and guiltless. Why do we need to be justified? (See Romans 3:10–12, 23; see also Alma 7:21.) What did Paul teach about how we are justified? (See Romans 3:24, 28; 5:1–2; see also 2 Nephi 2:6.)
- How does baptism represent death, burial, and resurrection (new birth)? (See Romans 6:3–4; D&C 76:50–52.) How was baptism a new birth for you?
- How have you seen “all things work together for good to them that love God”? (Romans 8:28).
- What attributes of true Saints are listed in Romans 12:9–21? Which of these attributes is the hardest for you to develop? What can you do this week to further develop this attribute?
Suggestion for Family Discussion
Read the passages in this section’s scripture chain, and have family members identify members of the ward or branch who have some of the qualities listed in those passages. Challenge each family member to do something in the coming week to follow the examples of those people.
Scripture Chain: Qualities of Saints
Romans 1:7–8
Romans 12:9–21
Ephesians 4:1–3
Mosiah 3:19
D&C 4:5–6
D&C 88:74–77, 81
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Institute New Testament Manual Section 8, Lessons 39-41
Chapters 1-5 -- excerpts
http://institute.lds.org/manuals/new-testament-institute-student-manual/nt-in-08-8-39.asp
http://institute.lds.org/manuals/new-testament-institute-student-manual/nt-in-08-8-40.asp
That the Roman saints were generally faithful and diligent seekers after truth seems evident from Paul’s readiness to write to them of profound doctrinal concepts, understandable to those who have matured in their possession of the gift of the Holy Ghost, who are spiritually inclined, and who already perceive the purposes and objectives for man in God’s great plan of salvation. For he wrote to them that man may obey the gospel and become like God the Father, and inherit, possess, and retain in eternity all that the Father has.
40-1) Romans 6:1–6 . What Is the Symbolism of Baptism?
“Baptism cannot be by any other means than immersion of the entire body in water, for the following reasons:
“1. It is in the similitude of the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ, and of all others who have received the resurrection.
“2. Baptism is also a birth and is performed in the similitude of the birth of a child into this world.
“3. Baptism is not only a figure of the resurrection, but also is literally a transplanting or resurrection from one life to another. . . .” (Smith, Doctrines of Salvation, 2:323–24.)
“As a matter of fact, whenever the Melchizedek Priesthood—which ‘administereth the gospel’ ( D. & C. 84:19 )—was found in ancient Israel, the law of Moses was dead, and the people were alive in Christ. Hence, we find Nephi saying, some six hundred years before Christ, ‘Notwithstanding we believe in Christ, we keep the law of Moses, and look forward with steadfastness unto Christ, until the law shall be fulfilled. For, for this end was the law given; wherefore the law hath become dead unto us, and we are made alive in Christ because of our faith; yet we keep the law because of the commandments.’ ( 2 Ne. 25:24–25 .)” (McConkie, DNTC, 2:253–54.)
“If we are led by the Spirit of God in our lives, we are promised heirship with him and joint-heirship with Christ our Lord in the great estate of God’s kingdom and glory. We ‘suffer with Christ’ as we sacrifice the things of the world and yield complete obedience to every truth, principle, and ordinance of the gospel plan. Whatever we contribute in honest tithes and other contributions along with unselfish participation and service to our fellow men to build the kingdom of God on the earth, increases our personal joy and happiness in heirship with Christ the Lord.” (Delbert L. Stapley in CR, Apr. 1961, p. 66.)
“This is a doctrine which delighted President Snow, as it does all of us. Early in his ministry he received by direct, personal revelation the knowledge that (in the Prophet Joseph Smith’s language), ‘God himself was once as we are now, and is an exalted man, and sits enthroned in yonder heavens,’ and that men ‘have got to learn how to be Gods . . . the same as all Gods have done before. . . .’ [ Teachings, pp. 345–46.]
“After this doctrine had been taught by the Prophet, President Snow felt free to teach it also, and he summarized it in one of the best known couplets in the Church in these words:
“‘As man now is, God once was;
As God now is, man may be.’
“This same doctrine has of course been known to the prophets of all the ages, and President Snow wrote an excellent poetic summary of it, which came to him as a result of pondering what some of the ancient prophets had written on the subject.
“Paul wrote: ‘Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God.’ [ Philippians 2:5, 6 .]
“The Beloved Disciple John wrote:
“‘Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God: therefore the world knoweth us not, because it knew him not.
“‘Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is.
“‘And every man that hath this hope in him purifieth himself, even as he is pure.’ [ 1 John 3:1–3 ]
“Then President Snow, addressing himself to Paul and referring to the words written by John, penned these lines:
Brigham Young
“When you are prepared to see our Father, you will see a being with whom you have long been acquainted, and he will receive you into His arms, and you will be ready to fall into His embrace and kiss Him, as you would your fathers and friends that have been dead for a score of years, you will be so glad and joyful. Would you not rejoice? When you are qualified and purified, . . . you can endure the glory of eternity, so that you can see your Father. . . .” ( JD, 4:54–55.)
Chapters 9-16 -- excerpts
http://institute.lds.org/manuals/new-testament-institute-student-manual/nt-in-08-8-41.asp
The meaning of "spirituality":
“In this prior life, this premortal existence, this pre-existence, we developed various capacities and talents. Some developed them in one field and some in another. The most important of all fields was the field of spirituality, the ability, the talent, the capacity to recognize truth.” (Bruce R. McConkie, as cited in When Thou Art Converted, Strengthen Thy Brethren, A Study Guide for the Melchizedek Priesthood Quorums of the Church, 1974–75, pp. 8–9.)
Romans 12:9–21
Ephesians 4:1–3
Mosiah 3:19
D&C 4:5–6
D&C 88:74–77, 81
______________________________________________________________
Institute New Testament Manual Section 8, Lessons 39-41
Chapters 1-5 -- excerpts
http://institute.lds.org/manuals/new-testament-institute-student-manual/nt-in-08-8-39.asp
- Twenty years after the road to Damascus
- Writing from Corinth
- . . . it can be said with some certainty that the letter to Rome was written from Corinth near the end of the third journey, most likely during the winter months of A.D. 57–58.
- Romans is a sealed book to the sectarian world; it is an open volume of inspiring gospel truth to the saints of God.” (McConkie, DNTC, 2:216.)
(39-6) Romans 2:6–13 . The Importance of Works
Those churches that make much of Paul’s doctrines of justification by faith and salvation by grace either skip or gloss over the powerful teaching of Paul in these verses. Paul clearly teaches that good works are rewarded and evil works punished, concluding with these powerful words: “For not the hearers of the word are just before God, but the doers of the law shall be justified.”
“So it is easy to understand that we must accept the mission of Jesus Christ. We must believe that it is through his grace that we are saved, that he performed for us that labor which we were unable to perform for ourselves, and did for us those things which were essential to our salvation, which were beyond our power; and also that we are under the commandment and the necessity of performing the labors that are required of us as set forth in the commandments known as the gospel of Jesus Christ:” (Smith, Doctrines of Salvation, 2:309–11.)
Question: If a person is doing all he can do to overcome the world, do his works “earn” for him the companionship of the Spirit, or does he merely merit that companionship? Answer: Mosiah 2:20, 21 . Question: Then God’s blessings are worth more than a man’s good works could ever earn? Does that mean that I am justified by grace after all I can do? Answer: Yes, see 2 Nephi 25:23 ; Moroni 10:32, 33 .
Whenever the Lord speaks of his glory and kingdom being transmitted to man, the verb used is inherit and the noun is gift. While there is no suggestion that the gift is given unconditionally, that it is a gift is always clear. The Doctrine and Covenants illustrates that balance perfectly. “If thou wilt do good, yea, and hold out faithful to the end, thou shalt be saved in the kingdom of God, which is the greatest of all the gifts of God; for there is no gift greater than the gift of salvation.” ( D&C 6:13 .)
Here is how Joseph Smith defined faith:
“By this we understand that the principle of power which existed in the bosom of God, by which the worlds were framed, was faith; and that it is by reason of this principle of power existing in the Deity, that all created things exist; so that all things in heaven, on earth, or under the earth exist by reason of faith as it existed in HIM.
“Had it not been for the principle of faith the worlds would never have been framed neither would man have been formed of the dust. It is the principle by which Jehovah works, and through which he exercises power over all temporal as well as eternal things. Take this principle or attribute—for it is an attribute—from the Deity, and he would cease to exist.” ( Lectures on Faith, Lecture First, vss. 15, 16.)
So simply put, faith is the power of God, and only this power of God can justify a person. Does that remind you of something Paul wrote to the Romans?
Joseph Smith said there were three things necessary for the development of faith: first, an idea of God’s existence; second, a correct idea of his attributes; and third, the knowledge that your life is in accordance with the will of God. ( See Lectures on Faith, Lecture Third, vss. 2–5.)
http://institute.lds.org/manuals/new-testament-institute-student-manual/nt-in-08-8-40.asp
That the Roman saints were generally faithful and diligent seekers after truth seems evident from Paul’s readiness to write to them of profound doctrinal concepts, understandable to those who have matured in their possession of the gift of the Holy Ghost, who are spiritually inclined, and who already perceive the purposes and objectives for man in God’s great plan of salvation. For he wrote to them that man may obey the gospel and become like God the Father, and inherit, possess, and retain in eternity all that the Father has.
40-1) Romans 6:1–6 . What Is the Symbolism of Baptism?
“Baptism cannot be by any other means than immersion of the entire body in water, for the following reasons:
“1. It is in the similitude of the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ, and of all others who have received the resurrection.
“2. Baptism is also a birth and is performed in the similitude of the birth of a child into this world.
“3. Baptism is not only a figure of the resurrection, but also is literally a transplanting or resurrection from one life to another. . . .” (Smith, Doctrines of Salvation, 2:323–24.)
“As a matter of fact, whenever the Melchizedek Priesthood—which ‘administereth the gospel’ ( D. & C. 84:19 )—was found in ancient Israel, the law of Moses was dead, and the people were alive in Christ. Hence, we find Nephi saying, some six hundred years before Christ, ‘Notwithstanding we believe in Christ, we keep the law of Moses, and look forward with steadfastness unto Christ, until the law shall be fulfilled. For, for this end was the law given; wherefore the law hath become dead unto us, and we are made alive in Christ because of our faith; yet we keep the law because of the commandments.’ ( 2 Ne. 25:24–25 .)” (McConkie, DNTC, 2:253–54.)
(40-4) Romans 8:17 . What Does Paul Imply When He Says, “We Shall Be Joint-Heirs with Christ”?
“In the important doctrinal discourse known as the ‘King Follett Sermon’ the Prophet Joseph Smith, referring to those who ‘shall be heirs of God and joint-heirs with Jesus Christ,’ described joint-heirship as inheriting the same power, the same glory, and the same exaltation, until an individual ascends to the station of Godhood and rises to the throne of eternal power sharing the rewards with all the faithful who have preceded him. A joint-heir legally inherits and shares all equities and gifts in equal interest with all other heirs. Nothing is excluded nor adjusted in value between the participating joint-heirs. . . .“If we are led by the Spirit of God in our lives, we are promised heirship with him and joint-heirship with Christ our Lord in the great estate of God’s kingdom and glory. We ‘suffer with Christ’ as we sacrifice the things of the world and yield complete obedience to every truth, principle, and ordinance of the gospel plan. Whatever we contribute in honest tithes and other contributions along with unselfish participation and service to our fellow men to build the kingdom of God on the earth, increases our personal joy and happiness in heirship with Christ the Lord.” (Delbert L. Stapley in CR, Apr. 1961, p. 66.)
“This is a doctrine which delighted President Snow, as it does all of us. Early in his ministry he received by direct, personal revelation the knowledge that (in the Prophet Joseph Smith’s language), ‘God himself was once as we are now, and is an exalted man, and sits enthroned in yonder heavens,’ and that men ‘have got to learn how to be Gods . . . the same as all Gods have done before. . . .’ [ Teachings, pp. 345–46.]
“After this doctrine had been taught by the Prophet, President Snow felt free to teach it also, and he summarized it in one of the best known couplets in the Church in these words:
“‘As man now is, God once was;
As God now is, man may be.’
“This same doctrine has of course been known to the prophets of all the ages, and President Snow wrote an excellent poetic summary of it, which came to him as a result of pondering what some of the ancient prophets had written on the subject.
“Paul wrote: ‘Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God.’ [ Philippians 2:5, 6 .]
“The Beloved Disciple John wrote:
“‘Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God: therefore the world knoweth us not, because it knew him not.
“‘Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is.
“‘And every man that hath this hope in him purifieth himself, even as he is pure.’ [ 1 John 3:1–3 ]
“Then President Snow, addressing himself to Paul and referring to the words written by John, penned these lines:
Dear Brother:
Hast thou not been unwisely bold,
Man’s destiny to thus unfold?
To raise, promote such high desire,
Such vast ambition thus inspire?
Still ’tis no phantom that we trace
Man’s ultimatum in life’s race;
This royal path has long been trod
By righteous men, each now a God:
As Abra’m, Isaac, Jacob, too,
First babes, then men—to gods they grew.
As man now is, our God once was;
As now God is, so man may be,—
Which doth unfold man’s destiny.
For John declares: When Christ we see
Like unto him we’ll truly be.
And he who has this hope within,
Will purify himself from sin.
Who keep this object grand in view,
To folly, sin, will bid adieu,
Nor wallow in the mire anew;
Nor ever seek to carve his name
High on the shaft of worldly fame;
But here his ultimatum trace:
The head of all his spirit-race.
Ah, well: that taught by you, dear Paul,
’Though much amazed, we see it all;
Our Father God, has ope’d our eyes,
We cannot view it otherwise.
The boy, like to his father grown,
Has but attained unto his own;
To grow to sire from state of son,
Is not ’gainst Nature’s course to run.
A son of God, like God to be,
Would not be robbing Deity;
And he who has this hope within,
Will purify himself from sin.
You’re right, St. John, supremely right:
Whoe’er essays to climb this height,
Will cleanse himself of sin entire—
Or else ’twere needless to aspire.
( Improvement Era 22:660–61 [June 1919.])
Brigham Young
“When you are prepared to see our Father, you will see a being with whom you have long been acquainted, and he will receive you into His arms, and you will be ready to fall into His embrace and kiss Him, as you would your fathers and friends that have been dead for a score of years, you will be so glad and joyful. Would you not rejoice? When you are qualified and purified, . . . you can endure the glory of eternity, so that you can see your Father. . . .” ( JD, 4:54–55.)
Chapters 9-16 -- excerpts
http://institute.lds.org/manuals/new-testament-institute-student-manual/nt-in-08-8-41.asp
The Blue Bird: a Fairy Play in Six Acts by Maurice Maeterlinck
http://www.gutenberg.org/catalog/world/readfile?fk_files=1471572&pageno=2The meaning of "spirituality":
“In this prior life, this premortal existence, this pre-existence, we developed various capacities and talents. Some developed them in one field and some in another. The most important of all fields was the field of spirituality, the ability, the talent, the capacity to recognize truth.” (Bruce R. McConkie, as cited in When Thou Art Converted, Strengthen Thy Brethren, A Study Guide for the Melchizedek Priesthood Quorums of the Church, 1974–75, pp. 8–9.)
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