Mysteries Revealed (Open Up Your Eyes!)

Luke 24:16

Why couldn't the two apostles see the resurrected Christ?

There are two possible answers:

1. They lacked the faith to see Him--> Luke 24:11
This answer is possible because of a contrasting example found in Ether 3:25-26. The Brother of Jared had great faith and had the mysteries of God revealed to him.

2. It was wisdom in the Lord to withhold the identity of Christ (or the "mystery" in this case) from the two apostles. --> D&C 25:4

Only after diligent inquiry and effort are some mysteries revealed to us--> Alma 40:3, Ether 3:26

The answers to our questions are revealed through the Holy Ghost:
D&C 121:26, Article of Faith 9

The apostles, as we learn later in verse 25 of Luke 24, did indeed lack the faith necessary to see Christ initially. Later on Jesus reveals himself to His apostles. If we have faith in Jesus Christ we can gain knowledge and light and elevate our lives to a higher spiritual level.

Resurrection and Truth

D&C 88:21-24

The resurrection redeems our bodies and sanctifies them to a kingdom of glory. It is according to our level of light and truth in our souls (gained by obedience) that determines what glory we achieve. A terrestrial being would be miserable if he/she were to live in the Celestial kingdom because they did not achieve the Celestial level of light and truth.

D&C 93:24
"And truth is knowledge of things as they are, and as they were, and as they are to come;"

The Three Kingdoms of Glory

D&C 76

Celestial- Those who receive and accept Jesus Christ and were baptized, received the Holy Ghost, kept the commandments, and fulfilled all other ordinances necessary. Those who inherit this kingdom reside with Heavenly Father in a state of immortality and eternal life. Those who valiantly keep the commandments at all times and in all places will have this highest glory.

Terrestrial- Those honorable men and women who were blinded by the world. They include those who initially did not accept the testimony in this life when they had the chance but did in the next life. These people are less valiant in doing His will but are good people.

Telestial- Did not accept the gospel. They are under subjection of the devil until after the Millennium.

Everyone has or will receive a chance to hear and accept the gospel of Jesus Christ. Whether we receive that chance in this life or in the life to come, it is up to us to make the choice to choose the right and attain the highest kingdom.

Understanding and Overcoming Trials and Afflictions

Understanding Trials

Our trials "began" or are present in our lives because Christ commanded us to be perfect.

• Matthew 5:48 (note the Joseph Smith Translation in the footnote)

It is through our trials that we are made perfect.

• Hebrews 11:40
• Mosiah 23:21-22

Trials are a manifestation of God's love for us because it shows that He wants us to become perfect.

• Romans 5:3-5
• Proverbs 3:11-12

Trials Are For Your Good

• D&C 98:1-3
• D&C 122:7

Trials may be in our lives so we can show forth a good example to others.

• Alma 17:11

How To Endure Through A Trial

Have a cheerful attitude and give thanks continually.

• D&C 123:17
• Mosiah 24:15
• D&C 98:1
• 1 Nephi 18:16

Patience

Patience is an important part of enduring a trial and becoming perfect.

• D&C 54:10
• Alma 26:27

Finding Help In Your Afflictions

The Holy Ghost and our friends are two sources of help when we are burdened with a trial or five.

• Romans 8:26-27 (24-28)
• D&C 121:7-9

Important Notes

It is only through God and His love that we become true conquerors over our afflictions. His love overcomes all and through Him we receive strength.

• Romans 8:35, 37-39
• Philippians 4:13

God may not remove a trial from our life but He can ease our burden and give us strength to overcome it if we seek Him diligently.

• Mosiah 24:10-16

God will not give us something more than we can bear. All trials are conquerable!

• 1 Corinthians 10:13

Final Touch

Ultimately we need to have faith and trust in God.

• Alma 36:3
• Proverbs 3:5-6