12 And it came to pass that when Aaron saw that the king would believe his words, he began from the creation of Adam, reading the scriptures unto the king—how God created man after his own image, and that God gave him commandments, and that because of transgression, man had fallen.
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.
14 And since man had fallen he could not merit anything of himself; but the sufferings and death of Christ atone for their sins, through faith and repentance, and so forth; and that he breaketh the bands of death, that the grave shall have no victory, and that the sting of death should be swallowed up in the hopes of glory; and Aaron did expound all these things unto the king.
I have had many conversations with friends and strangers about the Gospel, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and various topics connected with these. Often these conversations center on one minute aspect or one discrete question. It is often something of a mystery how some people in this world really think that they have the Church figured out and get things so very wrong. While it is true that we are witness of Christ, and vitally concerned with family and very much interested in living exemplary lives, these are all just parts of a great whole that is far bigger and far more encompassing than anything conceived in the hearts and minds of men.
As for myself, I am in awe at the mercy, justice, wisdom and the love of our God which is evident in every aspect of His plan for us. I am not going to claim to know the answer to every little question, but what I know and have confirmed to me by the Spirit of God is beyond that contemplated by any other people or tradition of which I am aware. I find myself yearning for a chance to lay out the Plan of Redemption in all of its glory and wonder in one extended presentation. I thrill when reading the account of Aaron teaching the King in Alma Chapter 22. I would want to hear such a sermon, and I would want to be able to preach such a sermon.
It was such a thought that is inspiring this post today. I am intending to make it my task to study out and present here in as clear a way possible the great plan of redemption which was laid before the foundations of this world. This is no small undertaking. I will give you the broad strokes of this here, but I will make a much greater job of it moving forward.
In doing so, I will set forth the answers to important questions as set forth in the words of prophets and apostles, ancient and modern, that center on common questions in the heart of all men and women: who am I really? what is my real purpose in life? from whence have I come and to where am I going? These are the questions of existence itself, the questions of deepest meaning and import. Answers are there, and they are tangible.
Following in the footsteps of Aaron, we will address the creation; and not just the fact of it but the purpose in it. Next, we will address the fall of man, and the results thereof, which leads us to the central mission and purpose of Christ, which is far more wonderous than that taught in most of Christendom today. And from thence, we will explore what we know of what comes after this life and into the eternities for the family of God.
I invite you to join me in expounding and exploring this wonderous plan, and I hope to be able to convey adequately the majesty of it.