Precious Promises of the Father’s Plan

In the premortal council, Heavenly Father presented to His spirit children His plan for their eternal progression and happiness. He told us He would send us to earth to prove us, to see if we would be obedient to Him and qualify to “have glory added upon [our] heads for ever and ever” (see Abraham 3:24–26).

And then He said: “Whom shall I send? And one answered like unto the Son of Man: Here am I, send me. And another answered and said: Here am I, send me. And the Lord said: I will send the first.

“And the second was angry, … and, at that day, many followed after him” (Abraham 3:27–28).

Only one plan was presented—the Father’s plan. Our Heavenly Father did not pose the question, “What shall we do?” He did not seek input, ask for recommendations, or request proposals. The essence of His question focused upon who should be sent to execute the terms and conditions of His plan.

Lucifer did not present a plan that was voted down by a majority of the participants in the premortal council. He rebelled! He sought to destroy the agency of man, was cast down, and “became Satan, … the devil, the father of all lies, to deceive and to blind men, and to lead them captive at his will” (see Moses 4:1, 3–4). Pride, arrogance, and selfishness motivated his revolt against the Father’s plan.

The plan describes the works of the Father and the Son that make the blessings of eternal life available to all humankind.

The gospel of Jesus Christ is the way we receive the blessings promised in God’s plan, even the doctrine, principles, ordinances, and covenants we must believe and follow. “There is none other name given under heaven save it be this Jesus Christ … whereby man can be saved” (2 Nephi 25:20). Truly, the Lord Jesus Christ is “the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by [Him]” (John 14:6; emphasis added).

We learn important truths by identifying and studying the many different titles for the Father’s plan in the Book of Mormon: Another Testament of Jesus Christ. For example, consider the following selected sample of titles:

• “The merciful plan of the great Creator” (2 Nephi 9:6).

• “The plan of our God” (2 Nephi 9:13).

• “The plan of salvation” (Jarom 1:2; Alma 24:14).

• “The plan of redemption” (Alma 12:25, 26, 30, 32, 33; 42:11, 13).

• “The plan of restoration” (Alma 41:2).

• “The plan of happiness” (Alma 42:16).

• “The great plan of mercy” (Alma 42:31).

Each of these titles helps us understand more clearly the precious promises of the Father’s plan and enriches our perspective about the purposes and meaning of our mortal lives.

Significantly, the most frequently used title for God’s plan in the Book of Mormon (“the plan of redemption”) focuses upon the redemption from sin and death made possible through the Atonement of Jesus Christ (see Alma 12:25; 33:22).

Our souls should swell with gratitude as we consider God’s great plan. Knowledge of His plan provides precious perspective, enriches our joys, and strengthens us to overcome our challenges and adversities.

Heavenly Father yearns for us to return home to Him. He invites and promises blessings, but He will never compel, coerce, or constrain our exercise of the moral agency He gave to us. We must act and choose to return to Him by following the example of His Beloved Son.

“The way is prepared, and if we will look we may live forever” (Alma 37:46; emphasis added).

I joyfully witness that Heavenly Father is the author of the divine plan for His children. Jesus Christ is our Redeemer and Savior. And as one of His latter-day Apostles, I witness that He indeed is “the way, the truth, and the life” (John 14:6; emphasis added).