Eternal Plan of Happiness

Question: If you could reduce the Great Plan of Salvation to just one word, what would it be?

Look Familiar?

Elder Maxwell Conversationally, we reference God's great design almost too casually at times; we even sketch its rude outlines on chalkboards and paper as if it were the floor plan for an addition to one's house. However, when we really take time to ponder the Plan, it is breathtaking and overpowering! Indeed, I, for one, cannot decide which creates in me the most awe-its very vastness or its intricate, individualized detail. ("'Thanks Be to God.'")

Sometimes we are so overwhelmed by the “moment”

Elder Neal A. Maxwell How can we truly understand who we are unless we know who we were and what we have the power to become? How can there be real identity without real history? How can one understand his tiny, individual plot without knowing, even a little, about Father's grand, galactic plans? (Ensign, May 1986, p. 35.)

Aaron and Lamoni’s Father Alma 22 3 … And the king said unto [Aaron]: Arise, … for I have been somewhat troubled in mind… 13 And Aaron did expound unto him the scriptures from the creation of Adam, laying the fall of man before him, and their carnal state and also the plan of redemption, which was prepared from the foundation of the world, through Christ, for all whosoever would believe on his name.

The King’s Response? 15 And it came to pass that after Aaron had expounded these things unto him, the king said: What shall I do that I may have this eternal life of which thou hast spoken? … Behold, said he, I will give up all that I possess, yea, I will forsake my kingdom, that I may receive this great joy

Those that understand the “Great Plan” as the King did… Alma 23:3 … for the king had been converted unto the Lord, and all his household; therefore he sent his proclamation throughout the land … that his people might be convinced concerning the wicked traditions of their fathers #1 They refuse to follow the wicked traditions of their “fathers”

Alma 23:16 And now it came to pass that the king and those who were converted were desirous that they might have a name, that thereby they might be distinguished from their brethren; #2 They take on a new name!

Secondly: Alma 24:15 Oh, how merciful is our God! And now behold, since it has been as much as we could do to get our stains taken away from us, and our swords are made bright, let us hide them away… #3 They buried their swords of destruction!

Norman Vincent Peale "I don't know the name of the character-actor who was the grandfather, but when he died and entered the eternal existence, bewilderment and wonder were written on his face. All of a sudden, he caught a glimpse of his wife from whom he had been parted. She ran to him and threw her arms around him. Then came his brothers, sisters, mother and father, aunts, uncles, grandparents, and all who were near and dear to him on earth. Surrounded by those who loved him, the camera gave us a closeup of his face, whereon was written radiant, exultant joy. I have never seen such a character portrayal, nor such a beautiful scene. Out of this film, I learned two things: (l) an entirely new concept of the purpose of life and its connection with the eternities, and (2) an entirely new concept of the importance of the family in connection with the eternities."