Gospel Principles
Unit 1: Our Premortal Life with God
Chapter 4: Freedom To Choose
Concept 3: Agency Is a Necessary Part of the Plan of Salvation
"Agency makes our life on earth a period of testing. When planning the mortal creation of his children, God said, "We will prove [test] them herewith, to see if they will do all things whatsoever the Lord their God shall command them; " (Abraham 3:25). Without the gift of agency, we would have been unable to show our Heavenly Father whether we would do all that he commanded us. Because we are able to choose, we are responsible for our actions (Helaman 14:30-31 "30 And now remember, remember, my brethren, that whosoever perisheth, perisheth unto himself; and whosoever doeth iniquity, doeth it unto himself; for behold, ye are free; ye are permitted to act for yourselves; for behold, God hath given unto you a knowledge and he hath made you free.
31 He hath given unto you that ye might know good from evil, and he hath given unto you that ye might choose life or death; and ye can do good and be restored unto that which is good, or have that which is good restored unto you; or ye can do evil, and have that which is evil restored unto you.").
When we choose to live according to God's plan for us, our agency is strengthened. Right choices increase our power to make more right choices.
As we obey each of our Father's commandments, we grow in wisdom and strength of character. Our faith increases. We find it easier to make right choices.
We began to make choices as spirit children in our Heavenly Father's presence. Our choices there made us worthy to come to earth. Our Heavenly Father wants us to grow in faith, power, knowledge, wisdom, and all other good things. If we keep his commandments and make right choices, we will learn and understand. We will become like him. (D&C 93:28. "He that keepeth his commandments receiveth truth and light, until he is glorified in truth and knoweth all things.")
Discussion
Moses 3:17 "But of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, thou shalt not eat of it, nevertheless, thou mayest choose for thyself, for it is given unto thee; but, remember that I forbid it, for in the day thou eatest thereof thou shalt surely die."
Joshua 24:14-15 "14 ¶ Now therefore fear the Lord , and serve him in sincerity and in truth: and put away the gods which your fathers served on the other side of the flood, and in Egypt; and serve ye the Lord .
15 And if it seem evil unto you to serve the Lord , choose you this day whom ye will josh/24/15c">serve; whether the gods which your fathers served that were on the other side of the flood, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land ye dwell: but as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord ."
What choices have you made this week? Did these choices bring you closer to the Lord?"
Why is agency necessary?
2 Nephi 28:30. "For behold, thus saith the Lord God : I will give unto the children of men line upon line, precept upon precept, here a little and there a little; and blessed are those who hearken unto my precepts, and lend an ear unto my counsel, for they shall learn wisdom; for unto him that receiveth I will give more; and from them that shall say, We have enough, from them shall be taken away even that which they have."
How does making right choices help us make more right choices?