Elder Linder

In my previous post, we explored the fundamental truth that we are literally children of God, with divine parentage and potential. Today, we’ll examine how this understanding transforms every aspect of our theology and daily lives.

Understanding our divine heritage fundamentally changes how we view the purpose of mortal life. It isn’t just to be tested—it’s to gain experience necessary for our eternal development, as the Lord revealed to Abraham: “We will prove them herewith, to see if they will do all things whatsoever the Lord their God shall command them” (Abraham 3:25). The Atonement of Jesus Christ isn’t just about forgiveness—it’s about enabling our transformation into divine beings, for “as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God” (John 1:12). Ordinances aren’t just symbolic rituals—they’re actual power-conferring steps in our eternal progression, “keys of the kingdom of heaven” (Matthew 16:19) that unlock divine potential. Eternal marriage isn’t just about companionship—it’s about becoming co-creators with God, for “in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them… and God said unto them, Be fruitful, and multiply” (Genesis 1:27-28). Through this sacred union, couples can “continue their seeds forever and ever… and shall be above all, because all things are subject unto them” (D&C 132:19-20).

Traditional Christianity often sees salvation as being saved from something (hell, punishment, separation from God). The restored gospel reveals it’s also about being saved to something—the full realization of our divine potential. As President Russell M. Nelson has taught, “In God’s eternal plan, salvation is an individual matter; exaltation is a family matter.” This truth echoes Paul’s teaching that we are “joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together” (Romans 8:17).

This understanding transforms how we approach every aspect of our lives. Our prayers become conversations between child and Parent, as we cry “Abba, Father” (Romans 8:15). Our scripture study becomes personal instruction, as we “liken all scriptures unto us” (1 Nephi 19:23). Our service becomes family helping family, as we “bear one another’s burdens” (Mosiah 18:8). Our trials become opportunities for divine development, as we are “made perfect through suffering” (Hebrews 2:10). Our relationships become eternal connections, sealed by priesthood power “in heaven as on earth” (Matthew 16:19).

The temple stands at the heart of this divine progression. Temple ordinances aren’t just ceremonies—they’re sacred moments where heaven and earth meet, where we receive the keys and knowledge necessary for our exaltation. As the Lord declared, “I will show unto my servants all things concerning this house, and its priesthood” (D&C 124:42). The endowment ceremony itself is a blueprint for our eternal progression, teaching us not just where we came from, but what we can become, for “in the ordinances thereof, the power of godliness is manifest” (D&C 84:20).

This doctrine of eternal progression gives new meaning to mortal experience. Every challenge becomes an opportunity for growth, as “all things work together for good” (Romans 8:28). Every relationship becomes a chance for eternal connection, as we become “fellowcitizens with the saints” (Ephesians 2:19). Every commandment becomes a step toward divine nature, as we receive “glory upon glory” (D&C 93:20). As Elder Joseph B. Wirthlin taught, “The gospel of Jesus Christ is a gospel of transformation. It takes us as men and women of the earth and refines us into men and women for the eternities.”

The Atonement of Jesus Christ makes this transformation possible. Through His infinite sacrifice, Christ not only pays for our sins but provides the power for our eternal progression, “that he might bring us to God” (1 Peter 3:18). As President David O. McKay taught, “The purpose of the gospel is … to make bad men good and good men better, and to change human nature.” Indeed, as Elder David A. Bednar explained, “The gospel of Jesus Christ encompasses much more than avoiding, overcoming, and being cleansed from sin and the bad influences in our lives; it also essentially entails doing good, being good, and becoming better.”

Our covenants mark the path of this progression. Each covenant—from baptism to temple sealing—represents not just a promise but a step toward godhood. As President Russell M. Nelson has taught, “The temple lies at the center of strengthening our faith and spiritual fortitude because the Savior and His doctrine are the very heart of the temple.” This understanding should fill us with both humility and hope. Humility, because we recognize how far we have to go; hope, because we know our divine potential, for “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” (1 John 3:2).

During His mortal ministry, Jesus taught, “Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect” (Matthew 5:48). Yet when He appeared to the Nephites after His resurrection, having completed His mortal mission and received a fulness, He expanded this invitation: “Therefore I would that ye should be perfect even as I, or your Father who is in heaven is perfect” (3 Nephi 12:48). This progression in Christ’s own teaching reveals something profound about the journey to perfection. As Elder Jeffrey R. Holland reminded us, we needn’t be discouraged by the gap between where we are and where we’re called to be. The command to “be ye therefore perfect” includes the unspoken word “eventually”—a truth demonstrated by the Savior’s own path to receiving a fulness.

I testify that we are literally children of Heavenly Parents, with all the divine potential that relationship implies. Through the Atonement of Jesus Christ, the ordinances of the gospel, and our faithful covenant-keeping, we can indeed become like Them. This isn’t just doctrine—it’s destiny, available to all who choose to follow the path Christ has marked, for “eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him” (1 Corinthians 2:9). As we embrace this truth, our daily choices take on eternal significance, and our lives become a journey of divine becoming.