249. God is a just god; He is true and righteous in all things.
252. The Lord is a god of truth and cannot lie.
254. All things on the earth and above the earth denote there is a God.
255. Prophets bear witness of God's existence.
256. God is omniscient: He knows all things.
257. God is omnipotent: He has all power, might, and authority.
259. God is the same yesterday, today, and forever; there is no variableness in Him.
261. God has power over the devil.
248. God is a (glorified, exalted) personage in form like us; He has a body of flesh and bones as tangible as ours.
John R. Winder, Anthon H. Lund
The Church teaches that when God created man in his own image, he did not divest himself of that image. He is still in human form and is possessed of sanctified and perfected human qualities, which we all admire. All through the holy scriptures, the Father and the Son are seen to be separate and distinct personages. We affirm the doctrine of the ancient scripture and of the prophets that asserts that man was created in the image of God and that God possessed such human qualities as consciousness, will, love, mercy, justice. In other words he is an exalted, perfected, and glorified Being. CR1969Apr:51
(First Presidency)
God Himself is an exalted man, perfected, enthroned, and supreme. By His almighty power He organized the earth, and all that it contains, from spirit and element, which exist co-eternally with Himself. ("The Origin of Man," IE1909Nov:81) TLDP:221
[W]e know that both the Father and the Son are in form and stature perfect men; each of them possesses a tangible body, infinitely pure and perfect and attended by transcendent glory, nevertheless a body of flesh and bones. AF:38
Our Father in heaven is a personage of tabernacle, just as much as I am who stand before you to-day, and he has all the parts and passions of a perfect man, and his body is composed of flesh and bones, but not of blood. (To Sunday School children in Tabernacle, July 24, 1877, JD19:64) TLDP:221
The Father has a body of flesh and bones as tangible as man's; the Son also; but the Holy Ghost has not a body of flesh and bones, but is a personage of Spirit. Were it not so, the Holy Ghost could not dwell in us. . . . (Revelation received April 2, 1830) D&C 130:22
When Joseph came out of the grove, he had no need to argue for a theory—he knew the facts. God is in form like a man. He has a voice. He speaks. He is considerate and kind. His Son is a like but distinct person. He is obedient to the Father and the mediator between God and man. The presumption of God as a mere essence or principle of power and force in the universe was for all time exploded. The testimony is direct and positive and irrefutable. Many have not believed, but no one has ever had the knowledge to disprove it. (Where is Wisdom?, p. 31) TLDP:221-22
Question: "If God has a body of flesh and bones plus spirit, how is it that his children were spirits, in the pre-existence?" Answer: According to the gospel as revealed, we came here purposely to obtain tabernacles of flesh and bones, and if faithful to return to our Father to partake of his fulness. This question the Lord has not fully explained, but there are sufficient reasons why we should believe that he does have a tabernacle of flesh and bones. MPSG1972-73:17
Jesus is the express image and likeness of His Father; therefore, as Jesus is a personage of flesh and bones, having a body as tangible as that of man, bearing in it the wounds of the nails and of the spear, so is the body of the Father just as tangible; it is just as real as that of the Son. (Millennial Star, Nov. 1, 1906, p. 690) TLDP:221
quoted by Joseph Smith
And the Gods took counsel among themselves and said: Let us go down and form man in our image, after our likeness. . . .
27. So the Gods went down to organize man in their own image, in the image of the Gods to form they him, male and female to form they them. (The Gods plan the creation of the earth) Abraham 4:26-27
translating the Book of Moses
And I, God, said unto mine Only Begotten, which was with me from the beginning: Let us make man in our image, after our likeness; and it was so. . . .
27. And I, God, created man in mine own image, in the image of mine Only Begotten created I him; male and female created I them. (The record of Moses : God makes man and gives him dominion over all else) Moses 2:26-27
So God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them. (Revelation to Moses with respect to the Creation) Genesis 1:27
quoted by Moroni
And never have I showed myself unto man whom I have created, for never has man believed in me as thou hast. Seest thou that ye are created after mine own image? Yea, even all men were created in the beginning after mine own image.
16. Behold, this body, which ye now behold, is the body of my spirit; and man have I created after the body of my spirit; and even as I appear unto thee to be in the spirit will I appear unto my people in the flesh. (Christ, before he is born into the world, shows himself to be in the image of man) Ether 3:15-16
In common with the rest of Christianity, we believe in a Godhead of Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. However, we testify that these three members of the Godhead are three separate and distinct beings. We also testify that God the Father is not just a spirit but is a glorified person with a tangible body, as is his resurrected Son, Jesus Christ. (CR 1995Apr; Apostasy and Restoration, Ensign, May 1995, p.84)
One distinctive principle is a true concept of the nature of the Godhead: “We believe in God, the Eternal Father, and in His Son, Jesus Christ, and in the Holy Ghost.” (A of F 1:1.) The Godhead consists of three separate, distinct personages who are one in purpose. The Father and the Son have tangible bodies of flesh and bone while the Holy Ghost is a personage of spirit. (CR 1991Oct; Fruits of the Restored Gospel of Jesus Christ, Ensign, November 1991, p.15)
Related Witnesses:
John 14:23—The appearing of the Father and the Son, in that verse, is a personal appearance; and the idea that the Father and the Son dwell in a man's heart is an old sectarian notion, and is false. (Revelation, April 2, 1830) D&C 130:3
Through a continual course of progression, our heavenly Father has received exaltation and glory, and he points us out the same path; and inasmuch as he is clothed with power, authority, and glory, he says, "Walk ye up and come in possession of the same glory and happiness that I possess." (In Tabernacle, Oct. 1857) DGSM:92
And because he said unto them that Christ was the God, the Father of all things, and said that he should take upon him the image of man, and it should be the image after which man was created in the beginning; or in other words, he said that man was created after the image of God, and that God should come down among the children of men, and take upon him flesh and blood, and go forth upon the face of the earth— (King Limhi recounts the history of his people to Ammon and the throng assembled; he says a prophet [Abinadi] was slain because he testified that Christ is the God and Father of all things) Mosiah 7:27
quoted by Mormon
Ammon said unto him: I am a man; and man in the beginning was created after the image of God. . . . (Ammon responds to King Lamoni, about 90 B.C.) Alma 18:34
249. God is a just god; He is true and righteous in all things.
[God] is not a mere force of etherial immateriality, but is the embodiment in His personality of light, truth, virtue, justice, mercy, energy and all the eternal verities. CR1916Apr:23
It is also necessary, in order to exercise faith in God unto life and salvation, that men should have the idea of the existence of the attribute justice in him; for without the idea of the existence of the attribute justice in the Deity, men could not have confidence sufficient to place themselves under his guidance and direction; for they would be filled with fear and doubt lest the judge of all the earth would not do right, and thus fear or doubt, existing in the mind, would preclude the possibility of the exercise of faith in him for life and salvation. But when the idea of the existence of the attribute justice in the Deity is fairly in the mind, it leaves no room for doubt to get into the heart, and the mind is enabled to cast itself upon the Almighty without fear and without doubt, and with the most unshaken confidence, believing that the Judge of all the earth will do right.
17. Let the mind once reflect sincerely and candidly upon the ideas of the existence of the . . . attributes in the Deity, and it will be seen that, as far as his attributes are concerned, there is a sure foundation laid for the exercise of faith in him for life and salvation. . . . Seeing, also, that justice is an attribute of the Deity, he will deal with them upon the principles of righteousness and equity, and a just reward will be granted unto them for all their afflictions and sufferings for the truth's sake. (Lectures on Faith delivered to the School of the Prophets, 1834-35) LOF4:13,17
O Lord God Almighty, hear us in these our petitions, and answer us from heaven, thy holy habitation, where thou sittest enthroned, with glory, honor, power, majesty, might, dominion, truth, justice, judgment, mercy, and an infinity of fulness, from everlasting to everlasting. (Prayer given by revelation to be offered at dedication of Kirtland Temple, March 27, 1836) D&C 109:77
We know Him to be a living being with every essential property and attribute of personality—that He thinks, wills, feels, and has purposes—that He is a moral being who requires righteousness and justice—but that in His love He is compassionate, merciful, and long suffering. (The Abundant Life, p. 21) TLDP:217
And they sing the song of Moses the servant of God, and the song of the Lamb, saying, Great and marvellous are thy works, Lord God Almighty; just and true are thy ways, thou King of saints. (John sees in vision exalted Saints praising God in celestial glory) Revelation 15:3
I testify that God is a just God, and He will not give privileges to us and withhold them from our forebears. (CR 2003Oct; The Phenomenon That Is You, Ensign, November 2003, p.53)
Related Witnesses:
Justice and judgment are the habitation of thy throne: mercy and truth shall go before thy face. Psalms 89:14
And he answered: Yea, Lord, I know that thou speakest the truth, for thou art a God of truth, and canst not lie. (The Lord shows himself to the brother of Jared, about the time of the Tower of Babel) Ether 3:12
250. God is no respecter of persons (He has no favorites except upon grounds of their degree of righteousness).
[Respecter of persons] does not mean that the Lord does not respect those who obey him in all things more than he does the ungodly. Without question the Lord does respect those who love him and keep his commandments more than he does those who rebel against him. The proper interpretation of this passage is that the Lord is not partial and grants to each man, if he will repent, the same privileges and opportunities of salvation and exaltation. He is just to every man, both the righteous and the wicked. He will receive any soul who will turn from iniquity to righteousness, and will love him with a just love and bless him with all that the Father has to give; but let it not be thought that he will grant the same blessings to those who will not obey him and keep his law. If the Lord did bless the rebellious as he does the righteous, without their repentance, then he would be a respecter of persons. CHMR1:255; DCSM:6
So, my brethren and sisters, if there are to be distinctions among us, they must not be based on our financial condition, but rather upon the principle of righteousness. One man is better than another if he is more righteous than the other. One man is more acceptable to the lord than another if he lives nearer to the Lord than the other. CR1899Apr:4
God is not a respecter of persons. The rich man may enter into the kingdom of heaven as freely as the poor, if he will bring his heart and affections into subjection to the law of God and to the principle of truth; if he will place his affections upon God, his heart upon the truth, and his soul upon the accomplishment of God's purposes, and not fix his affections and his hopes upon the things of the world. (General conference, Oct. 1875) (Gospel Doctrine, pp. 260-61) TLDP:714
Then Peter opened his mouth, and said, Of a truth I perceive that God is no respecter of persons:
35. But in every nation he that feareth him, and worketh righteousness, is accepted with him. (Peter in a vision is commanded to take the gospel to the Gentiles) Acts 10:34-35
[W]e learn the following things respecting the character of God: . . .
17. . . . [T]hat he is no respecter of persons: but in every nation he that fears God and works righteousness is accepted of him. . . .
23. But it is also necessary that men should have an idea that he is no respecter of persons, for with the idea of all the other excellencies in his character, and this one wanting, men could not exercise faith in him; because if he were a respecter of persons, they could not tell what their privileges were, nor how far they were authorized to exercise faith in him, or whether they were authorized to do it at all, but all must be confusion; but no sooner are the minds of men made acquainted with the truth on this point, that he is no respecter of persons, than they see that they have authority by faith to lay hold on eternal life, the richest boon of heaven, because God is no respecter of persons, and that every man in every nation has an equal privilege. (Lectures on Faith delivered to the School of the Prophets, 1834-35) LOF:3:12,17,23
receiving the Word of the Lord
And again, verily I say unto you, O inhabitants of the earth: I the Lord am willing to make these things known unto all flesh; 35. For I am no respecter of persons, (Revelation received during conference of elders of the Church, Nov. 1, 1831) D&C 1:34-35
receiving the Word of the Lord
And for your salvation I give unto you a commandment, for I have heard your prayers, and the poor have complained before me, and the rich have I made, and all flesh is mine, and I am no respecter of persons. (Revelation of commandments to Saints in conference, Jan. 2, 1831) D&C 38:16
But little children are alive in Christ, even from the foundation of the world; if not so, God is a partial God, and also a changeable God, and a respecter to persons; for how many little children have died without baptism (Mormon writes to his son Moroni, prior to A.D. 384) Moroni 8:12
Hence these glorious temples which have been erected in our midst, that ordinances may be performed therein for the living and the dead. In this we see again that God is no respecter of persons, and that He is feeling after the dead as well as after the living. We cannot be made perfect without our fathers and mothers and our ancestors, and they cannot be made perfect without us. CR1904Oct:37
Either God treats all men the same or he is not God. If he respects persons and shows partiality, he does not possess those attributes of perfection which make him the exalted being that he is. (The Promised Messiah, p. 286) TLDP:221
Fundamental to temple worship is the principle that “God is no respecter of persons.” Within the hallowed walls of the temples, there is no preference of position, wealth, status, race, or education. All dress in white. All receive the same instruction. All make the same covenants and promises. All receive the same transcendent, eternal blessings if they live worthy to claim them. All are equal before their Creator. (CR 1997Apr; Eternity Lies before Us, Ensign, May 1997, p.18)
Related Witnesses:
Behold, the Lord esteemeth all flesh in one; he that is righteous is favored of God. (Nephi answers his rebellious brothers, about 591 B.C.) 1 Nephi 17:35
Now when we say that the Lord is not pleased with those churches, we do not mean that he is not pleased with the members thereof. We hold that God is no respecter of persons, but, on the contrary, that he will acknowledge good in any soul, no matter whether that person belongs to a church or not. But the Lord is not pleased with those churches that have been constructed by men and then labeled with his name. CR1928Oct:120
251. God is merciful.
[B]ut thou art a God ready to pardon, gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and of great kindness, and forsookest them not. (Levites bless and praise the Lord) Nehemiah 9:17
quoted by Mormon
Now my brethren, we see that God is mindful of every people, whatsoever land they may be in; yea, he numbereth his people, and his bowels of mercy are over all the earth. Now this is my joy, and my great thanksgiving; yea, and I will give thanks unto my God forever. Amen. (Ammon extols the mercy of God who has not forgotten this branch of the tree of Israel, 90-77 B.C.) Alma 26:37
And again, it is equally important that men should have the idea of the existence of the attribute mercy in the Deity, in order to exercise faith in him for life and salvation; for without the idea of the existence of this attribute in the Deity, the spirits of the saints would faint in the midst of the tribulations, afflictions, and persecutions which they have to endure for righteousness' sake. But when the idea of the existence of this attribute is once established in the mind it gives life and energy to the spirits of the saints, believing that the mercy of God will be poured out upon them in the midst of their afflictions, and that he will compensate them in their sufferings, and that the mercy of God will lay hold of them and secure them in the arms of his love, so that they will receive a full reward for all their sufferings.
17. Let the mind once reflect sincerely and candidly upon the ideas of the existence of the . . . attributes in the Deity, and it will be seen that, as far as his attributes are concerned, there is a sure foundation laid for the exercise of faith in him for life and salvation. . . . And as mercy is also an attribute of the Deity, his saints can have confidence that it will be exercised towards them, and through the exercise of that attribute towards them comfort and consolation will be administered unto them abundantly, amid all their afflictions and tribulations. (Lectures on Faith delivered to the School of the Prophets, 1834-35) LOF4:15,17
And the LORD passed by before him, and proclaimed, The LORD, The LORD God, merciful and gracious, longsuffering, and abundant in goodness and truth,
7. Keeping mercy for thousands, forgiving iniquity and transgression and sin. . . . (The Lord appears to Moses on Mount Sinai) Exodus 34:6-7
But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us,
5. Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;) (Letter to the Saints at Ephesus in Asia Minor, about A.D. 62) Ephesians 2:4-5
Glory, and honor, and power, and might, Be ascribed to our God; for he is full of mercy, Justice, grace and truth, and peace, Forever and ever, Amen. (Revelation on priesthood received with six elders, Sept. 22/23, 1832) D&C 84:102
O give thanks unto the God of gods: for his mercy endureth for ever.
3. O give thanks to the Lord of lords: for his mercy endureth for ever. 4. To him who alone doeth great wonders: for his mercy endureth for ever.
5. To him that by wisdom made the heavens: for his mercy endureth for ever.
6. To him that stretched out the earth above the waters: for his mercy endureth for ever.
7. To him that made great lights: for his mercy endureth for ever:
8. The sun to rule by day: for his mercy endureth for ever:
9. The moon and stars to rule by night: for his mercy endureth for ever.
10. To him that smote Egypt in their firstborn: for his mercy endureth for ever:
11. And brought out Israel from among them: for his mercy endureth for ever:
12. With a strong hand, and with a stretched out arm: for his mercy endureth for ever.
13. To him which divided the Red sea into parts: for his mercy endureth for ever:
14. And made Israel to pass through the midst of it: for his mercy endureth for ever:
15. But overthrew Pharaoh and his host in the Red sea: for his mercy endureth for ever.
16. To him which led his people through the wilderness: for his mercy endureth for ever.
17. To him which smote great kings: for his mercy endureth for ever:
18. And slew famous kings: for his mercy endureth for ever:
19. Sihon king of the Amorites: for his mercy endureth for ever:
20. And Og the king of Bashan: for his mercy endureth for ever:
21. And gave their land for an heritage: for his mercy endureth for ever:
22. Even an heritage unto Israel his servant: for his mercy endureth for ever.
23. Who remembered us in our low estate: for his mercy endureth for ever:
24. And hath redeemed us from our enemies: for his mercy endureth for ever.
25. Who giveth food to all flesh: for his mercy endureth for ever.
26. O give thanks unto the God of heaven: for his mercy endureth for ever. Psalms 136:2-26
Related Witnesses:
quoted by Mormon
O my son, I desire that ye should deny the justice of God no more. Do not endeavor to excuse yourself in the least point because of your sins, by denying the justice of God; but do you let the justice of God, and his mercy, and his long-suffering have full sway in your heart; and let it bring you down to the dust in humility.
31. And now, O my son, ye are called of God to preach the word unto this people. And now, my son, go thy way, declare the word with truth and soberness, that thou mayest bring souls unto repentance, that the great plan of mercy may have claim upon them. And may God grant unto you even according to my words. Amen. (Alma speaks to his son Corianton concerning the resurrection of the dead, about 73 B.C.) Alma 42:30-31
252. The Lord is a god of truth and cannot lie.
252. The Lord is a god of truth and cannot lie.
And he answered: Yea, Lord, I know that thou speakest the truth, for thou art a God of truth, and canst not lie. (The Lord shows himself to the brother of Jared, about the time of the Tower of Babel) Ether 3:12
He is a God of truth and cannot lie. . . .
22. And again, the idea that he is a God of truth and cannot lie, is equally as necessary to the exercise of faith in him as the idea of his unchangeableness. For without the idea that he was a God of truth and could not lie, the confidence necessary to be placed in his word in order to the exercise of faith in him could not exist. But having the idea that he is not man, that he cannot lie, it gives power to the minds of men to exercise faith in him. (Lectures on Faith delivered to the School of the Prophets, 1834-35) LOF3:16,22
And lastly, but not less important to the exercise of faith in God, is the idea of the existence of the attribute truth in him; for without the idea of the existence of this attribute the mind of man could have nothing upon which it could rest with certainty—all would be confusion and doubt. But with the idea of the existence of this attribute in the Deity in the mind, all the teachings, instructions, promises, and blessings, become realities, and the mind is enabled to lay hold of them with certainty and confidence, believing that these things, and all that the Lord has said, shall be fulfilled in their time; and that all the cursings, denunciations, and judgments, pronounced upon the heads of unrighteous, will also be executed in the due time of the Lord: and, by reason of the truth and veracity of him, the mind beholds its deliverance and salvation as being certain. (Lectures on Faith delivered to the School of the Prophets, 1834-35) LOF4:16
For God doth not walk in crooked paths, neither doth he turn to the right hand nor to the left, neither doth he vary from that which he hath said, therefore his paths are straight, and his course is one eternal round. (Revelation regarding the lost manuscript pages, July 1828) D&C 3:2
receiving the Word of the Lord
. . .I, the Lord, promise the faithful and cannot lie. (Revelation through Joseph Smith, Aug. 13, 1831) D&C 62:6
quoted by Mormon
I perceive that it has been made known unto you, by the testimony of his word, that he cannot walk in crooked paths; neither doth he vary from that which he hath said; neither hath he a shadow of turning from the right to the left, or from that which is right to that which is wrong; therefore, his course is one eternal round. (Alma preaches to the people in Gideon, about 83 B.C.) Alma 7:20
quoted by Mormon
And there came a voice unto me, saying: Enos, thy sins are forgiven thee, and thou shalt be blessed.
6. And I, Enos, knew that God could not lie; wherefore, my guilt was swept away.
7. And I said: Lord, how is it done?
8. And he said unto me: Because of thy faith in Christ, whom thou hast never before heard nor seen. (Enos prays mightily and gains a remission of sins, 544-421 B.C.) Enos 1:5-8
God is not a man, that he should lie; neither the son of man, that he should repent: hath he said, and shall he not do it? or hath he spoken, and shall he not make it good? (The prophet Balaam replies to Balak, telling him what the Lord has spoken) Numbers 23:19
In hope of eternal life, which God, that cannot lie, promised before the world began; (Letter to his companion Titus, about A.D. 64) Titus 1:2
Wherein God, willing more abundantly to shew unto the heirs of promise the immutability of his counsel, confirmed it by an oath:
18. That by two immutable things, in which it was impossible for God to lie, we might have a strong consolation, who have fled for refuge to lay hold upon the hope set before us:
19. Which hope we have as an anchor of the soul, both sure and stedfast, and which entereth into that within the veil; (Letter to the Jewish members of the Church, about A.D. 60) Hebrews 6:17-19
253. The works, designs, and purposes of God cannot be defeated by any person, but must come to pass.
The works, and the designs, and the purposes of God cannot be frustrated, neither can they come to naught.
2. For God doth not walk in crooked paths, neither doth he turn to the right hand nor to the left, neither doth he vary from that which he hath said, therefore his paths are straight, and his course is one eternal round. (Revelation regarding the lost manuscript pages, July 1828) D&C 3:1-2
receiving the Word of the Lord
What I the Lord have spoken, I have spoken, and I excuse not myself; and though the heavens and the earth pass away, my word shall not pass away, but shall all be fulfilled, whether by mine own voice or by the voice of my servants, it is the same. (Revelation received during conference of elders of the Church, Nov. 1, 1831) D&C 1:38
No weapon that has ever been formed against Zion has prospered. The efforts of the evil one to destroy the work of the Lord have only tended to spread it abroad. The persecutions which have been heaped upon this people have been the means of cementing us together, drawing us more closely to God, and making us more united and powerful. It is the heritage of the saints of God to be misrepresented and persecuted by the insincere and the wicked; but their efforts have never blocked the progress of the work of our Eternal Father. On the contrary, the labors of our most bitter enemies have been among the main factors in spreading the work abroad. The Lord has turned the wrath of the wicked to his own glory. Had it not been for the persecution of the Latter-day Saints, the mustard seed would not have been cast abroad; but in the attempt to destroy the mustard stalk, to which the Savior compared the Gospel, they have scattered the seed, and it has taken root wherever it has fallen. . . . I thank God that it is not his purposes which have failed, but the purposes of man. This should be an encouragement to every Latter-day Saint and a strong testimony that this is the work of God. It ought to be a testimony also to those who have sought to bring to naught the purposes of God. CR1901Oct:11-12
In his infinite wisdom, our Father has provided for every problem or difficulty that may arise to stop or hinder the progress of his work. No power on earth or in hell can overthrow or defeat that which God has decreed. Every plan of the Adversary will fail, for the Lord knows the secret thoughts of men, and sees the future with a vision clear and perfect, even as though it were in the past. Jacob, son of Lehi, in his rejoicing declared: "O how great the holiness of our God For he knoweth all things, and there is not anything save he knows it." (2 Nephi 9:20) He knew that Satan would try to frustrate the coming forth of the Book of Mormon by the stealing and changing of the manuscript, and provided for it hundreds of years before the birth of Jesus Christ. CHMR1:26; DCSM:10
Related Witnesses:
And there was given him dominion, and glory, and a kingdom, that all people, nations, and languages, should serve him: his dominion is an everlasting dominion, which shall not pass away, and his kingdom that which shall not be destroyed. (Daniel dreams visions and records them) Daniel 7:14
recorded in Matthew
Heaven and earth shall pass away, but my words shall not pass away. (Signs of the Second Coming are spoken of by the Savior) Matthew 24:35
quoted by Joseph Smith,
translating Matthew
Although, the days will come, that heaven and earth shall pass away; yet my words shall not pass away, but all shall be fulfilled. (Signs of the Second Coming are spoken of by the Savior) JS-M 1:35
254. All things on the earth and above the earth denote there is a God.
But Alma said unto him: Thou hast had signs enough; will ye tempt your God? Will ye say, Show unto me a sign, when ye have the testimony of all these thy brethren, and also all the holy prophets? The scriptures are laid before thee, yea, and all things denote there is a God; yea, even the earth, and all things that are upon the face of it, yea, and its motion, yea, and also all the planets which move in their regular form do witness that there is a Supreme Creator. (Korihor demands of Alma a sign that there is a god) Alma 30:44
translating the Book of Moses
And behold, all things have their likeness, and all things are created and made to bear record of me, both things which are temporal, and things which are spiritual; things which are in the heavens above, and things which are on the earth, and things which are in the earth, and things which are under the earth, both above and beneath: all things bear record of me. (The record of Moses : Enoch recounts God speaking to Adam) Moses 6:63
We are sensible that, after a revelation of Jesus Christ, the works of creation, throughout their vast forms and varieties, clearly exhibit his eternal power and Godhead. (Lectures on Faith delivered to the School of the Prophets, 1834-35) LOF2:4
Behold, all these are kingdoms, and any man who hath seen any or the least of these hath seen God moving in his majesty and power. (Revelation received Dec. 27/28, 1832; the "olive leaf message of peace") D&C 88:47
[T]he heavens declare the glory of a God, and the firmament showeth His handiwork; and a moment's reflection is sufficient to teach every man of common intelligence, that all these are not the mere productions of chance, nor could they be supported by any power less than an Almighty hand. . . . (Epistle to the elders of the Church, Jan. 1834) TPJS:56; DGSM:7
Related Witnesses:
For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; (Letter to the Church in Rome, about A.D. 55) Romans 1:20
And now, seeing ye know these things and cannot deny them except ye shall lie, therefore in this ye have sinned, for ye have rejected all these things, notwithstanding so many evidences which ye have received; yea, even ye have received all things, both things in heaven, and all things which are in the earth, as a witness that they are true. (Nephi speaks to the wicked Nephites) Helaman 8:24
Every process of nature is orderly. Chance, disorder, chaos are ruled out of the physical universe. If every condition involved in a system is precisely the same, the result, anywhere, everywhere, today or at any other time, will be the same. The sun does not rise in the east today and in the west tomorrow. That means that the phenomena of nature are products of law. The infinitely large or the infinitely small move in obedience to law. In man's earnest search for truth, no exception to this process has been found. . . . (Evidences and Reconciliations, pp. 19-21) DGSM:7
255. Prophets bear witness of God's existence.
As a supplementary evidence is the further historical fact that a number of men have declared that they have seen God, and even spoken with Him, or that they have received messages from Him for themselves and others. The historicity of their claims is in most cases well established. That which was done, for example, by Paul the Apostle and Joseph Smith the Prophet after their heavenly experiences helps confirm the truth of their claims. (Evidences and Reconciliations, pp. 19-21) DGSM:7
And while we meditated upon these things, the Lord touched the eyes of our understandings and they were opened, and the glory of the Lord shone round about.
20. And we beheld the glory of the Son, on the right hand of the Father, and received of his fulness;
21. And saw the holy angels, and them who are sanctified before his throne, worshiping God, and the Lamb, who worship him forever and ever.
22. And now, after the many testimonies which have been given of him, this is the testimony, last of all, which we give of him: That he lives 23. For 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—
24. 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. (Vision to Joseph Smith and Sidney Rigdon, Feb. 16, 1832) D&C 76:19-24
Yea, I make a record in the language of my father, which consists of the learning of the Jews and the language of the Egyptians.
3. And I know that the record which I make is true; and I make it with mine own hand; and I make it according to my knowledge. . . .
7. And it came to pass that he returned to his own house at Jerusalem; and he cast himself upon his bed, being overcome with the Spirit and the things which he had seen.
8. And being thus overcome with the Spirit, he was carried away in a vision, even that he saw the heavens open, and he thought he saw God sitting upon his throne, surrounded with numberless concourses of angels in the attitude of singing and praising their God.
9. And it came to pass that he saw One descending out of the midst of heaven, and he beheld that his luster was above that of the sun at noon-day.
10. And he also saw twelve others following him, and their brightness did exceed that of the stars in the firmament.
11. And they came down and went forth upon the face of the earth; and the first came and stood before my father, and gave unto him a book, and bade him that he should read. (Nephi tells of the vision of his father Lehi, about 600 B.C.) 1 Nephi 1:2-3,7-11
recorded in Acts
But he, being full of the Holy Ghost, looked up stedfastly into heaven, and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing on the right hand of God,
56. And said, Behold, I see the heavens opened, and the Son of man standing on the right hand of God. (Stephen is stoned and receives a vision of the Father and the Son) Acts 7:55-56
And Saul, yet breathing out threatenings and slaughter against the disciples of the Lord, went unto the high priest,
2. And desired of him letters to Damascus to the synagogues, that if he found any of this way, whether they were men or women, he might bring them bound unto Jerusalem.
3. And as he journeyed, he came near Damascus: and suddenly there shined round about him a light from heaven:
4. And he fell to the earth, and heard a voice saying unto him, Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me?
5. And he said, Who art thou, Lord? And the Lord said, I am Jesus whom thou persecutest: it is hard for thee to kick against the pricks.
6. And he trembling and astonished said, Lord, what wilt thou have me to do? And the Lord said unto him, Arise, and go into the city, and it shall be told thee what thou must do. (Jesus appears to Saul) Acts 9:1-6
So it was with me. I had actually seen a light, and in the midst of that light I saw two Personages, and they did in reality speak to me; and though I was hated and persecuted for saying that I had seen a vision, yet it was true; and while they were persecuting me, reviling me, and speaking all manner of evil against me falsely for so saying, I was led to say in my heart: Why persecute me for telling the truth? I have actually seen a vision; and who am I that I can withstand God, or why does the world think to make me deny what I have actually seen? for I had seen a vision; I knew it, and I knew that God knew it, and I could not deny it, neither dared I do it; at least I knew that by so doing I would offend God, and come under condemnation. (Joseph testifies of the reality of the First Vision) JS-H 1:25
256. God is omniscient: He knows all things.
But the Lord knoweth all things from the beginning; wherefore, he prepareth a way to accomplish all his works among the children of men; for behold, he hath all power unto the fulfilling of all his words. And thus it is. Amen. (Nephi discloses the Lord's command to him to make two sets of plates for a wise purpose unknown to Nephi, 600-592 B.C.) 1 Nephi 9:6
As a member of the Godhead, and being one with the Father and the Son, the Holy Ghost is, as are the Father and the Son, omniscient. He comprehends all truth having a knowledge of [all] things. (D&C 93:24) ("The Holy Ghost," EN1974May:90) MGSP:7
[W]ithout the knowledge of all things, God would not be able to save any portion of his creatures; for it is by reason of the knowledge which he has of all things, from the beginning to the end, that enables him to give that understanding to his creatures by which they are made partakers of eternal life; and if it were not for the idea existing in the minds of men that God had all knowledge it would be impossible for them to exercise faith in him.
17. Let the mind once reflect sincerely and candidly upon the ideas of the existence of the . . . attributes in the Deity, and it will be seen that, as far as his attributes are concerned, there is a sure foundation laid for the exercise of faith in him for life and salvation. For inasmuch as God possesses the attribute knowledge, he can make all things known to his saints necessary for their salvation; (Lectures on Faith delivered to the School of the Prophets, 1834-35) LOF4:11,17
God is Omni scient—By Him matter has been organized and energy directed. He is therefore the Creator of all things that are created; and "Known unto God are all his works from the beginning of the world." His power and His wisdom are alike incomprehensible to man, for they are infinite. Being Himself eternal and perfect, His knowledge cannot be otherwise than infinite. To comprehend Himself, an infinite Being, He must possess an infinite mind. Through the agency of angels and ministering servants He is in continuous communication with all parts of creation, and may personally visit as He may determine. AF:39-40
quoted by his son Nephi
But behold, all things have been done in the wisdom of him who knoweth all things. (Lehi explains the fall of Adam, 588-570 B.C.) 2 Nephi 2:24
. . .God is the only supreme governor and independent being in whom all fullness and perfection dwell; who is omnipotent, omnipresent and omniscient; without beginning of days or end of life; and that in him every good gift and every good principle dwell; and that he is the Father of lights; in him the principle of faith dwells independently, and he is the object in whom the faith of all other rational and accountable beings center for life and salvation. (Lectures on Faith delivered to the School of the Prophets, 1834-35) LOF2:2; DGSM:8
Related Witnesses:
quoted by Mormon
Believe in God; believe that he is, and that he created all things, both in heaven and in earth; believe that he has all wisdom, and all power, both in heaven and in earth; believe that man doth not comprehend all the things which the Lord can comprehend. (King Benjamin addresses his people, about 124 B.C.) Mosiah 4:9
257. God is omnipotent: He has all power, might, and authority.
God is Omni potent—He is properly called the Almighty. Man can discern proofs of the divine omnipotence on every side, in the forces that control the elements of earth and guide the orbs of heaven in their prescribed courses. Whatever His wisdom indicates as necessary to be done God can and will do. The means through which He operates may not be of infinite capacity in themselves, but they are directed by an infinite power. A rational conception of His omnipotence is power to do all that He may will to do. AF:40
God is the only supreme governor and independent being in whom all fullness and perfection dwell; who is omnipotent, omnipresent and omniscient; without beginning of days or end of life; and that in him every good gift and every good principle dwell; and that he is the Father of lights; in him the principle of faith dwells independently, and he is the object in whom the faith of all other rational and accountable beings center for life and salvation. (Lectures on Faith delivered to the School of the Prophets, 1834-35) LOF2:2; DGSM:8
Let the mind once reflect sincerely and candidly upon the ideas of the existence of the . . . attributes in the Deity, and it will be seen that, as far as his attributes are concerned, there is a sure foundation laid for the exercise of faith in him for life and salvation. . . . As he possesses the attribute power, he is able thereby to deliver them from the power of all enemies; (Lectures on Faith delivered to the School of the Prophets, 1834-35) LOF4:17
But the Lord knoweth all things from the beginning; wherefore, he prepareth a way to accomplish all his works among the children of men; for behold, he hath all power unto the fulfilling of all his words. And thus it is. Amen. (Nephi discloses the Lord's command to him to make two sets of plates for a wise purpose unknown to Nephi, 600-592 B.C.) 1 Nephi 9:6
quoted by Mormon
Believe in God; believe that he is, and that he created all things, both in heaven and in earth; believe that he has all wisdom, and all power, both in heaven and in earth; believe that man doth not comprehend all the things which the Lord can comprehend. (King Benjamin addresses his people, about 124 B.C.) Mosiah 4:9
quoted by Mormon
For behold, the time cometh, and is not far distant, that with power, the Lord Omni potent who reigneth, who was, and is from all eternity to all eternity, shall come down from heaven among the children of men, and shall dwell in a tabernacle of clay, and shall go forth amongst men, working mighty miracles, such as healing the sick, raising the dead, causing the lame to walk, the blind to receive their sight, and the deaf to hear, and curing all manner of diseases. (The Lord speaks to King Benjamin) Mosiah 3:5
And I heard as it were the voice of a great multitude, and as the voice of many waters, and as the voice of mighty thunderings, saying, Alleluia: for the Lord God omnipotent reigneth. (A vision of John the Revelator) Revelation 19:6
Related Witnesses:
Let it not be assumed, however, that the fact of God's foreknowledge as to what would be under any given conditions, is a determining cause that such must be. Omni potent though He be, He permits much that is contrary to His will. We cannot believe that vice and crime, injustice, intolerance, and unrighteous domination of the weak by the strong, the oppression of the poor by the rich, exist by the will and determination of God. It is not His design or wish that even one soul be lost; on the contrary it was and is His work and glory "to bring to pass the immortality and eternal life of man." So also, it is not God's purpose to interfere with, far less to annul, the free agency of His children, even though those children prostitute their Divine birthright of freedom to the accomplishment of evil, and the condemnation of their souls. ("The Philosophical Basis of 'Mormonism'," IE1915Sep951) TLDP:218
Author's Note: God is omnipotent, yet He works within established parameters. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, in contrast to the views of many in Catholicism or Protestantism, does not believe in an utterly transcendent Being—a God who recognizes no limitations.
258. God is omnipresent: through the medium of the Spirit, God is in direct communication with all things at all times.
There is no part of creation, however remote, into which God cannot penetrate; through the medium of the Spirit the Godhead is in direct communication with all things at all times. It has been said, therefore, that God is everywhere present; but this does not mean that the actual person of any one member of the Godhead can be physically present in more than one place at one time. The senses of each of the Trinity are of infinite power; His mind is of unlimited capacity; His powers of transferring Himself from place to place are infinite; plainly, however, His person cannot be in more than one place at any one time. Admitting the personality of God, we are compelled to accept the fact of His materiality; indeed, an "immaterial being," under which meaningless name some have sought to designate the condition of God, cannot exist, for the very expression is a contradiction in terms. If God possesses a form, that form is of necessity of definite proportions and therefore of limited extension in space. It is impossible for Him to occupy at one time more than one space of such limits; and it is not surprising, therefore, to learn from the scriptures that He moves from place to place. AF:38-39
quoted by John A. Widtsoe
[H]e knoweth every thought and intent of the hearts of all living, for he is everywhere present by the power of his Spirit—his minister, the Holy Ghost. He is the Father of all, is above all, through all, and in you all; he knoweth all things pertaining to this earth, and he knows all things pertaining to millions of earths like this. (In Tabernacle, Jan. 8, 1865, JD11:41) DBY:19
also quoting President Joseph F. Smith
President Joseph F. Smith has expressed it thus: "The Holy Ghost as a personage of Spirit can no more be omnipresent in person than can the Father or the Son, but by his intelligence, his knowledge, his power and influence over and through the laws of nature, he is and can be omnipresent throughout all the works of God." Thus when it becomes necessary to speak to us, he is able to do so by acting through the other Spirit, that is, through the Light of Christ. (Doctrines of Salvation, 1:40) TLDP:272
The Father has a body of flesh and bones, the Son also, but the Holy Ghost is a "personage of Spirit" (D&C:130). In their personality neither of them can be in more than one place at one time, no matter how speedily or by what means he can move through illimitable space. But universally diffused throughout the immensity of space is an everywhere-present holy spirit that is not a personage, and by that essence God can be and is omnipresent and omniscient at will. . . .
It pervades all worlds and "proceedeth from the presence of God throughout the immensity of space," being in all things, giving light to all things, and the law and power of God by which all things are governed, and by which "He comprehendeth all things, and all things are before Him and all things are round about Him, and He is above all things, and through all things, and in all things, and all things are by Him, and of Him, even God forever and ever." (John 1:1-9; Job 32:8; 1 Corinthians 12:4-11; D&C:88:7-13, 41; and 93:29) Thus God can receive our prayers, know our thoughts, understand our desires and minister to our necessities. He has also at His command angels, and other divine intelligences, who operate in different spheres and worlds and constellations, who are endowed with power and authority to speak and act for Him in the grand order of His spiritual kingdom, according to eternal principles and the developments and needs of His creatures and creations. ("Whom Do the Latter-day Saints Worship?" IE1914Jun:706,709) TLDP:362-63
God is the only supreme governor and independent being in whom all fullness and perfection dwell; who is omnipotent, omnipresent and omniscient; without beginning of days or end of life; and that in him every good gift and every good principle dwell; and that he is the Father of lights; in him the principle of faith dwells independently, and he is the object in whom the faith of all other rational and accountable beings center for life and salvation. (Lectures on Faith delivered to the School of the Prophets, 1834-35) LOF2:2; DGSM:8
Related Witnesses:
quoted by Mormon
Now my brethren, we see that God is mindful of every people, whatsoever land they may be in; yea, he numbereth his people, and his bowels of mercy are over all the earth. Now this is my joy, and my great thanksgiving; yea, and I will give thanks unto my God forever. Amen. (Ammon extols the mercy of God who has not forgotten this branch of the tree of Israel, 90-77 B.C.) Alma 26:37
259. God is the same yesterday, today, and forever; there is no variableness in Him.
For do we not read that God is the same yesterday, today, and forever, and in him there is no variableness neither shadow of changing? (Moroni addresses those who deny the revelations of God, A.D. 400-421) Mormon 9:9
And I would exhort you, my beloved brethren, that ye remember that he is the same yesterday, today, and forever, and that all these gifts of which I have spoken, which are spiritual, never will be done away, even as long as the world shall stand, only according to the unbelief of the children of men. (The final writings of Moroni, about A.D. 421) Moroni 10:19
For he is the same yesterday, to-day, and forever; and the way is prepared for all men from the foundation of the world, if it so be that they repent and come unto him. (Nephi's writings, 600-592 B.C.) 1 Nephi 10:18
quoted by his son Nephi
And thou hast beheld in thy youth his glory; wherefore, thou art blessed even as they unto whom he shall minister in the flesh; for the Spirit is the same, yesterday, today, and forever. And the way is prepared from the fall of man, and salvation is free. (Lehi to his son, Jacob, between 588-570 B.C.) 2 Nephi 2:4
For behold, I am God; and I am a God of miracles; and I will show unto the world that I am the same yesterday, today, and forever; and I work not among the children of men save it be according to their faith. (Nephi has been foretelling the coming forth of the Book of Mormon, now writes the words of the Lord, about 559-545 B.C.) 2 Nephi 27:23
And I do this that I may prove unto many that I am the same yesterday, today, and forever; and that I speak forth my words according to mine own pleasure. And because that I have spoken one word ye need not suppose that I cannot speak another; for my work is not yet finished; neither shall it be until the end of man, neither from that time henceforth and forever. (Nephi writes the word of the Lord regarding the witnesses of the Bible and Book of Mormon) 2 Nephi 29:9
Thereby showing that he is the same God yesterday, today, and forever. Amen. . . .
17. By these things we know that there is a God in heaven, who is infinite and eternal, from everlasting to everlasting the same unchangeable God, the framer of heaven and earth, and all things which are in them; (Revelation April 1830; the Book of Mormon proves the divinity of the latter-day work) D&C 20:12,17
[W]e learn the following things respecting the character of God:
13. First, that he was God before the world was created, and the same God that he was after it was created. . . .
15. . . . that he changes not, neither is there variableness with him; but that he is the same from everlasting to everlasting, being the same yesterday, to-day, and for ever; and that his course is one eternal round, without variation. (Lectures on Faith delivered to the School of the Prophets, 1834-35) LOF3:12,13,15
Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning. (Letter to his brethren in the Church) James 1:17
Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever. (Letter to the Jewish members of the Church, about A.D. 60) Hebrews 13:8
also quoting James, Paul and Moroni
The everlasting gospel was with God in the beginning; it was taught in the councils of eternity before the foundations of this world were laid; we have it now; and it will continue forever, being enjoyed in its eternal fulness in those realms of light and joy where celestial beings abide. . . .
Anyone who, with James, knows that the Almighty is a being "with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning" (James 1:17) thereby knows also that the gospel is everlasting and that all men are saved by conforming to the same eternal standards.
Anyone who, with Paul, believes the statement "Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever" (Hebrews 13:8), knows that Adam and Abraham, Moses and Elijah were saved by faith in the same person in whom the New Testament saints believed.
Anyone who, with Moroni, knows, "That God is the same yesterday, today, and forever, and in him there is no variableness neither shadow of changing" (Mormon 9:9), also knows, automatically and instinctively, that Adam had the gospel of Jesus Christ in the same literal sense that the same plan of salvation was enjoyed by Paul. (The Promised Messiah, pp. 285-87) TLDP:235-36
260. God loves His children.
[Our Father in Heaven] has eyes to see, and his eyes are upon all the works of his hands; he has ears, which are open to hear the prayers of little children, and he loves you, and knows you, for you are all his offspring; and his knowledge of you is so minute that, to use the language of the ancients, not a hair of your head falls to the ground unnoticed. This is the kind of God we worship. (To Sunday School children in Tabernacle, July 24, 1877; JD19:64) TLDP:220
Through this loving one more than you love yourself, you become truly Christian. Then you know, as few others know, what the word Father means when it is spoken of in the scriptures. You may then feel something of the love and concern that he has for us.
It should have great meaning that of all the titles of respect and honor and admiration that could be given him, God himself, he who is the highest of all, chose to be addressed simply as Father. CR1972Apr:139
God, the Father, the supreme God, knows the equivalent of every phase of the Great Plan, which we are working out. He has had our experiences or their equivalents, and understands therefore the difficulties of our journey. His love for us is an understanding love. Our earth troubles we may lay fully before him, knowing that he understands how human hearts are touched by the tribulations and the joys of life. (A Rational Theology, p. 67) TLDP:220
Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us, and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins.
11. Beloved, if God so loved us, we ought also to love one another. . . .
16. And we have known and believed the love that God hath to us. God is love; and he that dwelleth in love dwelleth in God, and God in him. (John writes to the churches in Asia) 1 John 4:10-11,16
That Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith; that ye, being rooted and grounded in love,
18. May be able to comprehend with all saints what is the breadth, and length, and depth, and height; 19. And to know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge, that ye might be filled with all the fulness of God. (Paul writes to the Saints at Ephesus in Asia Minor, about A.D. 62) Ephesians 3:17-19
J. Reuben Clark, Jr., David O. McKay
(First Presidency)
We bear witness that God loves and cherishes His children who live righteously, even as He loved His Only Begotten Son, whom He suffered to endure the agony of death on the cross that we might be blessed by a resurrection from the dead and pass on to glory and eternal progression in His Service and Kingdom.
We further testify that the Father who lets no sparrow fall to the ground unnoticed, guards and protects those who live righteously in Him. (Principles of the Gospel, 1943 edition, pp. i-iii); (Message to armed forces personnel during World War II to encourage righteous living; emphasis on the love of God toward those who live righteously, for in the righteous God has special pleasure—yet, we know that God loves all of his children, including those who err) MOFP6:192
quoted by John
Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.
14. Ye are my friends, if ye do whatsoever I command you.
15. Henceforth I call you not servants; for the servant knoweth not what his lord doeth: but I have called you friends; for all things that I have heard of my Father I have made known unto you. (Jesus discourses on perfect love) John 15:13-15 Nephi, son of Lehi
And he said unto me: Knowest thou the condescension of God?
17. And I said unto him: I know that he loveth his children; nevertheless, I do not know the meaning of all things.
18. And he said unto me: Behold, the virgin whom thou seest is the mother of the Son of God, after the manner of the flesh.
19. And it came to pass that I beheld that she was carried away in the Spirit; and after she had been carried away in the Spirit for the space of a time the angel spake unto me, saying: Look 20. And I looked and beheld the virgin again, bearing a child in her arms.
21. And the angel said unto me: Behold the Lamb of God, yea, even the Son of the Eternal Father Knowest thou the meaning of the tree which thy father saw?
22. And I answered him, saying: Yea, it is the love of God, which sheddeth itself abroad in the hearts of the children of men; wherefore, it is the most desirable above all things. (Nephi sees in vision the mother of the Son of God) 1 Nephi 11:16-22
Related Witnesses:
Be faithful and diligent in keeping the commandments of God, and I will encircle thee in the arms of my love. (Revelation to Joseph Smith and Oliver Cowdery, April 1829) D&C 6:20
quoted by his son Nephi
But behold, the Lord hath redeemed my soul from hell; I have beheld his glory, and I am encircled about eternally in the arms of his love. (Lehi exhorts his sons to put on the armor of God, 588-570 B.C.) 2 Nephi 1:15
receiving the Word of the Lord
Verily, I say unto my servant Joseph Smith, Jun., or in other words, I will call you friends, for you are my friends, and ye shall have an inheritance with me— (Revelation received at Kirtland, Ohio, May 6, 1833) D&C 93:45
Neither the Father Elohim nor the Son Jehovah would alienate himself from the children of men. It is they, the men, who cut themselves off if there be estrangement. Both the Father and the Son would gladly commune and associate with men. CR1964Apr:93
receiving the Word of the Lord
And again I say unto you, my friends, for from henceforth I shall call you friends, it is expedient that I give unto you this commandment, that ye become even as my friends in days when I was with them, traveling to preach the gospel in my power; (Revelation on priesthood, Sept. 22/23, 1832) D&C 84:77
261. God has power over the devil.
receiving the Word of the Lord
Retaining all power, even to the destroying of Satan and his works at the end of the world, and the last great day of judgment, which I shall pass upon the inhabitants thereof, judging every man according to his works and the deeds which he hath done. (Christ announces himself and gives a commandment of God for Martin Harris, March 1830) D&C 19:3
Satan exerts a mastery over the spirits that have been corrupted by his practices; he is the foremost of the angels who were thrust down, and the instigator of the ruin of those who fall in this life; he seeks to molest and hinder mankind in good efforts, by tempting to sin; or it may be by imposing sickness, or possibly death. Yet in all these malignant doings, he can go no farther than the transgressions of the victim may enable him, or the wisdom of God may permit; and at any time he may be checked by the superior power. Indeed, even the operations of his utmost malice may be turned to the accomplishment of divine purposes. The scriptures prove to us that the days of Satan's power are numbered; his doom has been pronounced, and in the Lord's own time he will be completely overcome. He is to be bound during the millennial reign, and after that thousand years of peace he will be loosed for a little season, then his defeat will be made complete, and his power over the children of God will be destroyed. AF:57
Not even Lucifer, the Star of the Morning, the arch-enemy of mankind can withstand the power of the priesthood of God. CR1964Apr:96
We talk about Satan being bound. Satan will be bound by the power of God; but he will be bound also by the determination of the people of God not to listen to him, not to be governed by him. The Lord will not bind him and take his power from the earth while there are men and women willing to be governed by him. That is contrary to the plan of salvation. To deprive men of their agency is contrary to the purposes of our God. There was a time on this continent, of which we have an account, when the people were so righteous that Satan did not have power among them. Nearly four generations passed away in righteousness. They lived in purity, and died without sin. That was through their refusal to yield to Satan. It is not recorded that Satan had no power in other parts of the earth during that period. According to all history that we have in our possession, Satan had the same power over men who were willing to listen to him. But in this land he did not have power, and he was literally bound. I believe that this will be the case in the millennium. CR1897Oct:65
