Thoughtful answers from Gramps

Thoughtful answers for everyday questions, curiosities, and challenges.

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How was there light before the sun was created?

How was there light before the sun was created?

Question   Dear Gramps, If on the first day of creation the light was called Day and the darkness Night, where did the light come from if the sun wasn't created until the fourth day?  Thanks! Shannon   Answer   Shannon, One of the most persistent...

What about aborted babies? Is a fetal body enough?

What about aborted babies? Is a fetal body enough?

Question   Gramps, We are taught that stillborn children and children dying before the age of accountability receive exaltation in the Celestial Kingdom. What happens to the millions of children who are aborted? Must Heavenly Father redirect their spirits again...

How can I show gratitude and thankfulness?

How can I show gratitude and thankfulness?

Question   Gramps, How can I show gratitude and thankfulness? Harold   Answer   Harold, As November arrives, the air fills with anticipation for turkey feasts, family gatherings, and the warmth of shared tradition. For many, Thanksgiving is about far...

Is the Apostle John and John the Beloved the same person?

Is the Apostle John and John the Beloved the same person?

Question   Gramps, Is the Apostle John (As in Peter, James, and John) and John the Beloved the same person? David   Answer   David, The gospels paint John, son of Zebedee, as a fisherman called to be one of Jesus Christ’s closest associates—part of the...

How do I honor the Sabbath if I have to work?

How do I honor the Sabbath if I have to work?

Question   Dear Gramps, I have a job that requires me to work on Sundays occasionally. How do I then honor the Sabbath as we have been commanded to do? Robert   Answer   Robert, “Remember the sabbath day, to keep it holy.” With these words, God etched...

Who are the saved ones at Christ’s second coming?

Who are the saved ones at Christ’s second coming?

Question   Gramps, Who are the saved ones at Christ’s second coming? Sylvia   Answer   Sylvia, The Second Coming, often called "the great and dreadful day," will unfold in stunning drama. According to prophetic statements, Christ will not come only...

What does Doctrine & Covenants 124:39 mean?

What does Doctrine & Covenants 124:39 mean?

Question   Gramps, In D&C 124:39, what does "...for your oracles in your most holy places wherein you receive conversations, and your statutes and judgments" mean? Debbie   Answer   Debbie, Thank you for such an insightful question. This appears to...

Why do we use oil when giving blessings?

Why do we use oil when giving blessings?

Question   Gramps, Why do we use oil when giving blessings? Marla   Answer   Marla, The concept of anointing is not unique to contemporary Church practices. The earliest written account dates to the time of Moses, when the Israelites, freshly delivered...

Is it harder to repent after we die?

Is it harder to repent after we die?

Question   Gramps, I know I read somewhere that it is harder to go through the repentance process after we die than it is in this life.   I have not been able to find a scripture that supports this claim.  Can you help me? Yvette     Answer  ...

What makes the LDS Church the one true church over others?

What makes the LDS Church the one true church over others?

Question   Gramps, What makes the LDS Church the one true church among all the other denominations in the world? Marcus   Answer   Marcus, Picture a world alive with faith: steeples rising above cities, churches great and small dotting countrysides from...

Can we regress from spirit paradise to spirit prison?

Can we regress from spirit paradise to spirit prison?

Question   Gramps, Since we can progress to spirit paradise from spirit prison, can we also regress from spirit paradise to spirit prison? Alexandra   Answer   Alexandra, The easy and fast answer...not that I'm aware of.  However, since we've had new...

Why is Satan called a serpent?

Why is Satan called a serpent?

Question   Gramps, Why is Satan called a serpent? Marie   Answer   Marie, Was Satan literally a snake, or is the serpent a metaphor? Across scripture and Latter-day Saint prophetic commentary, the prevailing interpretation is one of symbolism. A...

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This website is not owned by or affiliated with The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (sometimes called the Mormon or LDS Church). The views expressed herein do not necessarily represent the position of the Church. The views expressed by individual users are the responsibility of those users and do not necessarily represent the position of the Church. For the official Church websites, please visit churchofjesuschrist.org or comeuntochrist.org.

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