Question
Gramps,
I’ve been pondering the three kingdoms of glory as of late, and how people who have lived without the gospel can be redeemed in death and still achieve celestial glory. Our blessings aside, why should we spread the gospel if people can learn about it in the next life? Why do we have the gospel if we can live ignorantly and still achieve the highest kingdom of glory?
Anna
Answer
Anna,
In a world that often questions the necessity of missionary work, members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints face an intriguing dilemma: why should we spread the gospel if individuals can learn about it in the next life? This question invites profound reflection on the nature of agency, relationships, and the divine purpose behind sharing the message of Jesus Christ.
The gospel of Jesus Christ is a message of hope, love, and redemption. As members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, we are called to share this message with others, not only as a commandment but also as an expression of our faith and love. While it is true that individuals may receive opportunities to learn about the gospel in the next life, there are several compelling reasons to actively engage in sharing the gospel during our earthly existence.
At the heart of the doctrine of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is the commandment to share the gospel. Jesus Christ Himself instructed His disciples to go forth and teach all nations (Matthew 28:19; Mark 16:15). Elder D. Todd Christofferson reminds us, “Internalize the purpose of inviting people to come unto Christ, and you will understand that the world has no access to atoning grace and salvation but through The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.”
This Great Commission is not merely a suggestion; it is a sacred duty that connects us to our divine purpose.
When we share the gospel, we participate in the divine plan of salvation. It is an act of love that reflects our commitment to Christ and our desire for others to experience the joy that comes from living the gospel. As President Ezra Taft Benson stated, “More is expected of us than any previous generation.”
One of the core principles of the gospel is the concept of agency, the God-given ability to choose for ourselves. While individuals may learn about the gospel in the next life, the experiences, choices, and growth that occur in this life are vital for spiritual progression. Doctrine and Covenants 130:18–19 teaches us that “whatever principle of intelligence we attain unto in this life, it will rise with us in the resurrection.”
Elder Robert D. Hales emphasized the significance of agency when he stated, “Agency is the ability and privilege God gives us to choose and ‘to act for [ourselves] and not to be acted upon.” By sharing the gospel, we provide others with the knowledge and opportunities to exercise their agency. We invite them to make choices that can lead to eternal joy, growth, and fulfillment.
Sharing the gospel is not just about disseminating information; it is about building relationships. The connections we form with others can lead to a stronger sense of community and belonging. Doctrine and Covenants 130:2 reminds us that the social connections we create in this life will carry into the next.
As we engage in sharing the gospel, we cultivate relationships rooted in love and service. Victoria Alliaud noted, “As we love and serve our sisters and brothers, we’ll be filled with a desire to help them experience the ‘exceeding joy’ that comes from living the gospel of Jesus Christ.” These relationships are essential for our spiritual well-being, both now and in the eternities.
The act of sharing the gospel is not merely a duty; it is a source of profound joy. Elder Gary E. Stevenson beautifully articulated this sentiment: “As you do so, you will feel a measure of joy knowing that you are heeding the words of our beloved Savior.” When we invite others to come unto Christ, we experience a unique fulfillment that comes from participating in God’s work.
Cristina B. Franco eloquently pointed out, “If your joy will be great with one soul that you have brought unto me into the kingdom of my Father, how great will be your joy if you should bring many souls unto me!” This joy is a reflection of our love for others and our desire for them to find peace and happiness through the gospel.
The gospel equips individuals with the necessary tools to prepare for eternal life. Through faith, repentance, baptism, and receiving the Holy Ghost, individuals are guided toward a path that leads to eternal happiness. As we share the principles of the gospel, we help others understand these critical steps necessary for their spiritual journey (3 Nephi 27:16, 19–21).
The knowledge gained and covenants made in this life are crucial for our eternal standing. By sharing the gospel, we provide others with opportunities to make sacred covenants that will bless their lives in this world and in the next.
While it is true that individuals may have opportunities to learn about the gospel in the next life, the teachings of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints emphasize the importance of sharing the gospel during our mortal existence. It is a means of exercising agency, cultivating relationships, and fulfilling our divine purpose, all of which contribute to our eternal progression and joy.
As members of the Church, let us embrace the privilege of sharing the gospel with others. By doing so, we not only fulfill our divine duty but also experience the profound joy that comes from inviting others to come unto Christ. The gospel is a message that brings light and hope to the world, and our role in disseminating that message is a sacred calling.
Gramps
