“The Hearts of the Children Shall Turn to Their Fathers”
The Spirit of Elijah is frequently mentioned by members of the Church. We typically associate it with the genealogical fervor and passion that many people, Mormon and gentile alike, have for family history. The spirit of Elijah spoken of by the prophets on many occasions is something very real. When members of the Church comes under its influence, it is a powerful, compelling force which motivates them with a desire to be attending to genealogical and temple work. It leaves us anxious over the well-being of our forebears. When that spirit comes, somehow we desire to know more about those forebears-we desire to know them.
In this lesson we will discuss the doctrine of redemption for the dead by briefly studying the work of four prophets: Elijah, President Wilford Woodruff, President Joseph F. Smith, and President Gordon B. Hinckley. The purpose of this lesson is to gain a greater understanding of the need to redeem the dead. The next lesson discusses some ways we can participate in temple and family history work.
OVERVIEW:
Reading assignment: Doctrine and Covenants 2; 110:13–16; 138; Joseph Smith—History 1:37–39; Our Heritage,pages 98–99, 101–2, 105–7.
- Elijah: “The keys of this dispensation are committed into your hands.”
- President Wilford Woodruff: “Somebody has got to redeem them.”
- President Joseph F. Smith: “The eyes of my understanding were opened.”
- President Gordon B. Hinckley: “We are determined…to take the temples to the people.”
Here is the handout for this week’s lesson: D&C-Church History Lesson 39.
pax vobiscum
Filed under: Gospel Doctrine Tagged: | Christianity, Church History, Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Family History, Genealogy, Gospel Doctrine, History, LDS, Mormon, Redemption for the Dead, Religion
