This book was a breakdown of Paul’s life and everything he ever wrote – thus the title. I haven’t read the New Testament beginning to end. I want to finish the Old Testament first. This book helped me get a better understanding of Paul’s writings. His writing was deep and powerful. I also think his writings have always been and are increasingly misunderstood.
Paul was such a fascinating figure. I’ve long wondered what it would have been like to be alongside him. Everything he did he did with such zeal. Reading and learning about him, I’m awed by his work ethic. He’s somebody to be admired for his hard work. The fervor with which he did whatever he put his mind to. It’s motivating on one hand and terrifying on the other. Few can live up to the devotion Paul had to what he was passionate for. We are lucky his passion turned towards the Gospel of Jesus Christ and worship of God as we’ve seen how his efforts against the early saints caused much pain and suffering.
The book starts with a history of Paul. Where he was from, who he was, how he became who he became. The beginning was basically a historical biography of who Paul was. As Paul got into the portion of his life where he was writing so much, the book transitions.
This book is one I will refer back to often as I continue to study scripture. It had a great breakdown of Paul’s individual epistles and when they were estimated to be written. For example, chapter 13 was “Paul’s third missionary journey (continued).” It gave a detailed breakdown of the epistle to the Galatians including everything Paul said, the authenticity, importance, style, and doctrine from that epistle. I would find myself marking entire pages during these chapters.
There were many notable things I learned about Paul from this book. One was that he worked throughout his missionary ministry. Despite travelling all over the ancient world and spending many, many years as a full-time missionary, it never appears that Paul was paid for his ministry. He was given “gifts” from church members from time to time. But it seems very clear that Paul always worked. The predominant theory is that he was a tent builder. I found this very interesting given that many modern-day ministers point to Paul’s writings as proof that Paul advocated a paid ministry.
One amazing thing about this book was the feeling I had while reading it. Especially while reading the breakdown of Paul’s letters. There were moments where I’d pause and ask myself what I was feeling. This isn’t normally something I do, but I was aware I was feeling something. It was joy. It was a feeling like, ‘what is this earth and what does it really matter but to be a test for something greater? Live righteously and prepare to live with Christ and God forever.’ While reading his writings everything seemed so clear and simple. It was a feeling in my chest while reading his messages. Pure joy. Pure peace. Pure comfort in the future if I am faithful. Motivation to be faithful. As long as I am obedient and keep faith, I truly have nothing to fear. It’s a similar feeling to what I get when I read the Book of Mormon. That testified and made it so clear to me that what I was reading was the word of God, meant to lift up and inspire.
I’m grateful for this book and the understanding it gave me of Paul and his writings. As I mentioned, I know I’ll be using this book often as I continue to read scripture and one day study Paul’s writings more intently. The principles Paul taught were pure. He was called by Jesus Christ Himself which tells us of the importance of Paul’s work. The missionary effort Paul put forth and his contribution to building God’s kingdom is inspiring. He has the greatest conversion story of all time. We could all be better if we spent more time aspiring to be like Paul the Apostle.
In a book called The Forerunners by Mark E. Petersen, I was introduced to an interpretation of a scripture that I’d read and heard quoted a thousand times. The truth of the interpretation was so clear I couldn’t believe I’d lived so long with such a clear misunderstanding of the meaning of that important scripture.
The verse is Matthew 16:18 which reads:
18 And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.
Let’s give some context to this important passage.
Jesus was with His apostles and He asked a simple question: Who do the people say I am? (verse 13)
They responded with some of the rumors out there – Some thought Jesus was the returned John the Baptist, some thought Elias, others thought Jeremias or another of the prophets. (verse 14)
Jesus asked, who do you say I am? (verse 15)
Peter, Jesus’s first apostle responded, “Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God.” (verse 16)
Christ responds, “Blessed art thou, Simon Barjona (Peter): for flesh and blood hath not revealed it unto thee, but my Father which is in heaven.”
Which leads us to our important verse and the part I always misunderstood.
Christ says to Peter, “thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church.”
One more quick review to make the point clear:
Christ says who am I?
Peter answers – you are the Christ, the Son of the living God.
Christ responds – blessed are you, for flesh and blood (man) has not revealed this but my Father who is in heaven has revealed this to you.
Christ, in responding to Peter stating properly that He is the Christ, says “thou art Peter.”
Then, adding to what Jesus said about the truth being revealed to Peter by God, Jesus says, “and upon this rock I will build my church.”
Christ wasn’t saying the church would be built on Peter. Christ’s Church couldn’t be built on anyone’s shoulders but His own. Additionally, Christ is adding that the testimony of Him could only be received by man from Heavenly Father, more specifically the Holy Spirit. The rock of Christ’s Church would be Christ Himself, and the testimony of Christ only comes by revelation from the Holy Spirit. Not by flesh or blood, but by Heavenly Father and personal revelation. Thus, the rock of Christ’s Church would be personal revelation that Jesus is the Christ.
I was always so confused by this scripture. Why would the rock, the sure foundation of Christ’s Church be on anyone but Christ? How could Peter be the foundation? He is not. There is only one foundation. There is only one name by which we can receive salvation, there is only one person who can save us. That is Jesus Christ. The Son of the living God. Our Savior and King.
This scripture, when properly read, emphasizes the importance of coming to a personal testimony that Jesus is the Christ. We’re reminded that the testimony of Christ does not come from man. It comes from personal revelation. It is unfortunate that personal revelation has been removed from much of modern Christianity. Modern Christian churches say the heavens are closed and God speaks to us no longer. He only speaks to us through His ancient word. But what of today? How do we come to a testimony of Jesus Christ but through revelation from heaven and the Holy Spirit?
If God no longer speaks to man then man can no longer receive testimony of Jesus Christ. But men receive testimony of Jesus Christ daily. Every day millions worship Jesus Christ. Every day thousands come to the realization that only through Christ can they be saved.
Revelation is alive. The Holy Spirit talks to us daily. He reveals the testimony of Christ to the hearts of man. God speaks to us; through scripture, through prophets, and most importantly through the Holy Ghost.
A quote from William Barclay of the Church of Scotland:
“The rock is the truth that Jesus Christ is the Son of the living God. To Peter that great truth had been divinely revealed. It was God Himself who had opened Peter’s eyes to that great discovery. The fact that Jesus Christ is the Son of God is indeed the foundation stone of the Church’s faith and belief. On that great truth the Church is founded for ever and ever. This explanation holds that the divinely revealed truth that Jesus is the Son of God is the only foundation on which the Church is founded.”
The Church of Jesus Christ of latter-day Saints.
It was restored to point men to Christ. His name is in the name of His Church.
Jesus Christ still is actively interested and engaged in the affairs of man. Under the direction of His Father, our Father, He sent an angel named Moroni to reveal an ancient record to his modern-day prophet. He, through the Holy Spirit, directed and guided Joseph Smith through the translation of a record that would make clear His doctrine and the saving ordinances of His gospel. Not to replace the Bible, but to add a second testimony to it.
The testimony of the Bible, the Book of Mormon, and my testimony is this: Jesus Christ lives. He directs His church. He loves all and wants us all to return to Him.
I like to think about what critics would say as proof against the Book of Mormon. I think it helps to have responses to honest concerns about its validity. I always hope something I read, know, or especially my testimony can one day help someone to see what I see, the truth of this ancient record.
The Book of Mormon makes a very important claim. The claim is that many plain and precious truths have been removed from the Bible over time. When Joseph Smith first translated the Book of Mormon this was an outlandish and inflammatory statement. Even more so than today. Christianity in the early to mid-1800s had a firm belief that the Bible was infallible.
“Richardson, Richardson and Bentley write that while the Book of Mormon testifies to the authenticity of the Bible, it does not claim that the Bible is without error. It specifically states that there were many “plain and precious things” that were deleted from its pages through the evil works of men. (See 1 Nephi 13:20-32; 19:10-12; 20:1-3; 2 Nephi 3:5-22; Alma 33:3, 13, 15; 34:7; 46:23-27; Helaman 8:19-20; 15:11; 3 Nephi 10:14-17; 12:13, 17-19, 22, 29-30; 14:1.)
Scholars of the Bible have found indisputable evidence that the Bible has indeed suffered many deletions. Non Mormon scholarship has concluded that the gospels found in the New Testament have also been manipulated.”
Critics may ask for specific examples of any “plain and precious truths” found in the Book of Mormon that are not also found in the Bible.
The website I mentioned above goes on to list 24 plain and precious truths removed from the Bible and where they are laid forth in the Book of Mormon. I’d like to go over an extremely important one.
Baptism is only for those who are accountable (Moroni 8:5-23).
I know of nowhere in the Bible that lays forth the age of accountability. Should children be baptized? We know baptism is of the utmost importance:
John 3:5 “Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God.”
What does the Book of Mormon teach us on the subject of baptism? Moroni chapter 8 is full of profound truths found nowhere in the Bible. I will quote portions of the chapter here but encourage everyone to read the chapter and ponder its truthfulness.
8 “the whole need no physician, but they that are sick; wherefore, little children are whole, for they are not capable of committing sin; wherefore the curse of Adam is taken from them in me (Jesus Christ), that it hath no power over them”
9 “I know that it is solemn mockery before God, that ye should baptize little children.”
10 “repentance and baptism unto those who are accountable and capable of committing sin; yea, teach parents that they must repent and be baptized, and humble themselves as their little children, and they shall all be saved with their little children.”
11 “And their little children need no repentance, neither baptism.”
12 “But little children are alive in Christ…if not so, God is a partial God, and also a changeable God, and a respector of persons; for how many little children have died without baptism!”
15 “For awful is the wickedness to suppose that God saveth one child because of baptism, and the other must perish because he hath no baptism.”
19 “Little children cannot repent; wherefore, it is awful wickedness to deny the pure mercies of God unto them, for they are all alive in him because of mercy.”
20 “And he that saith that little children need baptism denieth the mercies of Christ, and setteth at naught the atonement of him and the power of his redemption.”
Who can read this and deny the truth that speaks to your heart and soul? It is so clearly laid out. So perfectly explained.
What about how to baptize? There is so much confusion in the world on not only when but how. Does the Book of Mormon provide an answer? Of course! 3 Nephi 11:24-28.
24 And now behold, these are the words which ye shall say, calling them by name, saying:
25 Having authority given me of Jesus Christ, I baptize you in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. Amen.
26 And then shall ye immerse them in the water, and come forth again out of the water.
27 And after this manner shall ye baptize in my name; for behold, verily I say unto you, that the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Ghost are one; and I am in the Father, and the Father in me, and the Father and I are one.
28 And according as I have commanded you thus shall ye baptize. And there shall be no disputations among you, as there have hitherto been; neither shall there be disputations among you concerning the points of my doctrine, as there have hitherto been.
How lucky we are to live in the dispensation of the fullness of times. I’m grateful for the Book of Mormon. I’m grateful that it clarifies what has been a point of contention within Christianity for centuries.
Christ was our ultimate example.
2 Nephi 31:5 And now, if the Lamb of God, he being holy should have need to be baptized by water, to fulfil all righteousness, O then, how much more need have we, being unholy, to be baptized yea, even by water!
Click below to learn more about baptism as it has been perfectly restored through the Gospel of Jesus Christ by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
If you haven’t watched The Social Dilemma on Netflix, watch it as soon as possible. Could end up being the most important documentary of our generation. Given that we are the generation of documentaries, that would make it the most important documentary ever.
Why is this documentary important? Because it’s real and it’s happening now.
What will be the downfall of America? Have we given Civil War enough consideration?
Let’s do a quick thought experiment. What happens if Donald Trump wins the election this November? There will be 165 million mad people. Mad enough, maybe, to protest, riot, and maybe fight.
What happens if Joe Biden wins the election in November? There will be 165 million mad people. Mad enough, maybe, to protest, riot, and maybe fight.
Of course, 165 million people is an exaggeration because not everybody is this passionate, or angry, or inflamed about the upcoming election.
Let’s call the number 30 million on each side. Sound much better?
Why is this happening? Why are people always so angry?
There is an increasing gap between what we would deem the “center.” Center of anything. Not overly passionate about one side or the other. I’m not just talking about politics. I’m talking about anything. The middle is gone. The “hear the other side,” “hear them out,” “hear their opinions,” are disappearing. We’re turning into a world of people who think we know everything while not knowing anything.
So much from The Social Dilemma gave me an intense feeling of anxiety. One statistic mentioned was that a study showed lies are spread on the internet/social media 6 times more quickly than truths. What happens if a lie always has a 6x head start on the truth? What happens is what we’re seeing happen. Contention. Hatred. Vitriol. Anger. Confusion. Aggression. Fighting.
This brings me to the most important point.
What is truth?
Can we even know what truth is?
Truth is a concept society is starting to wonder exists. How do we find something our society is starting to believe is a myth?
This is where I turn off all my non-religious friends, but I would ask my non-religious friends: What is your truth? What do you turn to when everything around you is chaos, and confusion, and darkness?
I don’t say this to spread the divide more. I say this to invite others to find truth and make that truth love-based at all costs.
I love God because He loved me first.
What is truth?
God is truth.
He’s my truth. Maybe He isn’t yours. But you must find a truth to hold to dearly. This truth must be centered on love. We’ve seen what hate-filled “truth” results in.
How do we survive in an age of disinformation?
What do we do to protect ourselves?
I think first we follow all the suggestions given during the credits of The Social Dilemma documentary. I will list those here and then add my own suggestions.
Uninstall apps from your phone that waste your time.
Hint: most of them.
Turn off notifications. Especially for anything that vibrates your leg that doesn’t provide an immediate and important alert you need to see at that moment.
Never watch a video recommended to you anywhere: Facebook, Youtube, etc. If it’s not something you went there to search for and to watch, just don’t watch it.
Wayyyyy easier said than done (but let’s all try!)
Use a Chrome extension to remove recommendations. Below are some options.
I used this second one. Pretty amazing going to Youtube and not being bombarded by videos AI knows I want to watch. Squirrel! Squirrel! Squirrel!
Before you share anything online, fact check, consider the source, do the extra research (make sure it is GOOD).
If it looks like it’s designed to push your emotional buttons, it probably is. Don’t share it.
You vote with your clicks. If you click on clickbate you’re perpetuating the problem. Reward GOOD material.
Get different kinds of information.
If you are on Twitter, add people who have different opinions from you.
Talk to people in the real world about real issues.
When you find enough people in the real world to talk to, delete your Twitter.
Delete the social media accounts you really don’t need, that you don’t feel are healthy, that are taking you away from life. Delete it and embrace the freedom!
Get out of the system.
The World is beautiful. Live.
For Families:
Don’t give devices to your children. Don’t allow them on social media. Just don’t.
Minimal screen time.
Set a limit and stick to it. It was suggested to ask your child what they think is a good amount of time to spend looking at a screen each day. Your child will often give a reasonable response.
Create that limit and then give rewards for going under it. Set a 7 hour per week limit for screen time and your child spent 6 hours? 1-hour reward is a bowling trip or mini golf outing. I used to love incentives like these as a kid. I hope kids still do.
No devices in the bedroom a set amount of time before bedtime. This will also help with sleep because you’re removing blue light which signals to your brain that it’s time to wind down.
Here’s a suggestion – read a book instead of your phone!
Treat Social Media how Latter-day Saints treat dating – not before 16.
Here are my suggestions. If you can- delete it all. Just do it. I can almost promise you’ll feel better within a couple weeks, after the withdrawals stop.
Me personally, I have a Facebook. I use it so I can share my blog. It’s good to have. I see the use. I’m working on limiting my scrolling down my timeline to zero and especially not watching suggested videos in my feed. Suggested videos inevitably lead me to watching video after video of garbage material.
Another thing that has helped me a ton has been moving the Facebook app from my main page. I have it on page two. That way I’m not constantly slapped in the face by that addictive, dopamine-igniting red alert symbol. I have my Gospel Library on my home screen and if I find myself instinctively (or robotically) looking at my phone I do my best to open the scriptures and read those instead.
I understand all these things are easier said than done. It’s not easy to delete social media. It’s not easy, I get it. I’m right there with you. Technology is so good. It can be used for so much good. Why don’t we start using it for good again?
That brings me to my last point.
My final and most important point. What can we do to make a difference: Share GOOD stuff.
Emphasis on GOOD MATERIAL.
By good material I don’t mean you like it, or it tickled your fancy. I mean it is GOOD. It is wholesome. It is kind. It doesn’t make you explosively emotional but makes you feel gentle in your emotions. I mean good as in the good guided by the spirit. I mean good as in loving. I mean good as in spreading positivity.
I’m guilty like everyone else. I see a post from the Church, and I scroll right through. The AI (artificial intelligence) involved sees that (how scary is that?!). They know I scrolled quickly past something GOOD. We each need to make a conscious effort to spend time on the good stuff. Read the good stuff. Watch the good stuff. If you don’t have good stuff on your Facebook timeline, use AI for good! Go to google and search for Jesus Christ, the scriptures, conference talks, missionary messages. You know how when you search for that cute new jacket for winter and there are suddenly cute winter jackets on your timeline? Works the same way for good stuff. Search for good stuff. You’ll see more good stuff. Spend more time with the good stuff.
This is how we can combat and fight the echo chamber of hatred. This is how we remove political polarization. This is how we remove lies.
In the steps above I mentioned fact-checking what you share. How about this? Spiritually check what you share. Stop. Say a prayer. Ask yourself if what you’re sharing is spreading goodness, positivity, or love. If not, it can be deleted.
I often pray before I write, and I often pray before I share what I write. I always hope what I write is guided by something bigger and better than me.
Spiritually check everything you do online. Is this making me a better person? No. Get it out of here. Could this make someone’s day, bring a smile, alter someone for the better – SHARE IT.
This is what we can do. This is how we can make a difference.
I don’t ever say like and share on my blog posts because it’s become such a stupid thing to say. But we need to say it for the things that deserve it. Maybe we should change it to “LIKE AND SHARE GOODNESS.”
So, if you think this was worth reading, did something positive for you, or helped you in any way, please share it.
We can all do our part by sharing goodness.
You can join the discussion and learn more about the Social Dilemma documentary at TheSocialDilemma.com
I think this is important and I think it should be something we all start thinking about. Let’s start thinking about it. Let’s start doing our part.
I believe a careful reading of different scriptural records gives us a picture of Satan’s progression and tells us how he ultimately ended up cast down. There will be a lot of scriptural references here (duh). If you follow the story something becomes pretty clear about Satan. There’s a major revelation I learned about Satan that I never understood, and I don’t think many church members know.
Before I start I want to mention, my interest in studying Satan is the opposite of my interest in studying Christ, but helps with the same purpose. I think it’s good to study Satan to see how he fell and to avoid the behavior he exhibited that led him there. Through his story you see examples of pride, unrighteous ambition, anger, envy, jealousy, bitterness, selfishness, along with many other negative attributes. All of Satan’s attributes are the direct opposite to the traits of Jesus Christ. Ultimately Satan became a being of darkness. He rejected all light. Many around us reject light and I think as we understand Satan and understand his motivations (to tempt, enslave, and control us) we are better suited to withstand him. With that, we begin.
Satan’s story starts in the Book of Moses chapter 4:1-2:
1 And I, the Lord God, spake unto Moses, saying: That Satan, whom thou hast commanded in the name of mine Only Begotten, is the same which was from the beginning, and he came before me, saying—Behold, here am I, send me, I will be thy son, and I will redeem all mankind, that one soul shall not be lost, and surely I will do it; wherefore give me thine honor.
2 But, behold, my Beloved Son, which was my Beloved and Chosen from the beginning, said unto me—Father, thy will be done, and the glory be thine forever.
Here we see what I believe is well known to Latter-day Saints. Heavenly Father asked, “who will I send?”
Satan came forth and responded, “Behold, here am I, send me, I will be thy son, and I will redeem all mankind, that one soul shall not be lost, and surely I will do it; wherefore give me thine honor.”
Christ said, “Father, thy will be done, and the glory be thine forever.”
We know what happens here, though it isn’t said in these two verses. Christ is chosen by the Father.
Now we’re going to jump to a new book of scripture to continue Satan’s story. Abraham 3:24-28 reads:
24 And there stood one among them that was like unto God, and he said unto those who were with him: We will go down, for there is space there, and we will take of these materials, and we will make an earth whereon these may dwell;
25 And we will prove them herewith, to see if they will do all things whatsoever the Lord their God shall command them;
26 And they who keep their first estate shall be added upon; and they who keep not their first estate shall not have glory in the same kingdom with those who keep their first estate; and they who keep their second estate shall have glory added upon their heads for ever and ever.
27 And the Lord said: Whom shall I send? And one answered like unto the Son of Man: Here am I, send me. And another answered and said: Here am I, send me. And the Lord said: I will send the first.
28 And the second was angry, and kept not his first estate; and, at that day, many followed after him.
In verse 24 – “one among them that was like unto God” – clearly refers to Jesus Christ. He is speaking to “those who were with him.” He goes on to talk about the first and second estates of man, of us. Verse 27 is where it gets important.
Verse 27 – The Lord (Jesus Christ) said, “Whom shall I send?” Note that Christ is following the same pattern He learned from His Father. “And one answered like unto the Son of Man.” This is Adam, the first man, or Michael as he was known in the premortal existence. Adam said, “Here am I, send me.”
Still in verse 27 – “And another answered and said: Here am I, send me.” – This will prove to be Satan.
“And the Lord said: I will send the first.”
Now the critical verse 28:
“And the second was angry, and kept not his first estate; and, at that day, many followed after him.”
So, it is clearly put forth here. I always thought Satan rebelled at Christ being chosen by the Father, and maybe he did in his heart. If you read Moses chapter 4 straight through that is how it seems. But when you read this story sequentially, we see what actually happened. Christ was chosen by the Father. Christ is essentially now leading the “project” under the direction of Heavenly Father. He is standing with others helping in the work. He follows the Father’s pattern and asks who will be the first man. Here Christ chooses Adam over Satan.
This adds a dimension to my understanding of Satan. A couple things of note. First, we know from the beginning Satan wanted the glory and wanted all of God’s children to return to heaven (see Moses 4:1). When he is passed over, he doesn’t openly rebel yet. When Christ is choosing who will be the first man, it’s possible Satan still saw a way to foil God’s plan and have all the honor given to him. He would go down as the first man and he would refuse to fall. If Satan went as the first man and refused to fall, man could never choose and therefore could never sin. If man couldn’t sin, there would be no need for a redeemer, there would be no choice, repentance, or progression. Satan would bring everyone back to heaven and in so doing destroy their agency. I think this was his plan.
Christ wisely chooses Adam to be the father of all and lead the human race into mortality.
It’s at this point we see Satan has had enough. He’s been passed over once by the Father. Now the one who took what he believed to be his rightful spot is choosing to pass him over as well.
Verse 28: “And the second (Satan) was angry, and kept not his first estate; and, at that day, many followed after him. – Emphasis added.
Here we see Satan’s rebellion. Here we see he leads “many” away. Before we continue with Satan’s story, I feel it’s important to remind you: Congratulations! If you’re reading this, you kept your first estate and are in the process of keeping your second estate. Keep it up and you’re promised to “have glory added upon (your) head for ever and ever” (Abraham 3:26).
Back to Satan.
Our story picks back up in Revelations chapter 12. I’ll be using the Joseph Smith Translation as it makes everything so much clearer.
The first part of Revelations 12:4 reads:
“And there appeared another sign in heaven; and behold, a great red dragon, having seven heads and ten horns, and seven crowns upon his heads. And his tail drew the third part of the stars of heaven, and did cast them to the earth.”
The great red dragon is obviously Satan, and here we see he drew away one third of the children of God after him. He and his followers were cast down to earth.
Revelations 12:6
“And there was war in heaven; Michael and his angels fought against the dragon; and the dragon and his angels fought against Michael;“
Michael (Adam) and his angels fought against Satan and his angels.
Verse 7 tells us that Michael and his angels (who might be us!?) prevailed.
Revelations 12:8
“Neither was there place found in heaven for the great dragon, who was cast out; that old serpent called the devil, and also called Satan, which deceiveth the whole world; he was cast out into the earth; and his angels were cast out with him.”
Here we see the official result. There was no more place found in heaven for Satan, his followers, and their rebellion against Christ, which meant rebellion against God. Satan’s plan was foiled. He was not chosen to be the redeemer of man and he was not chosen to be the first man where he could foil God’s Plan of Salvation. He was cast down, in bitterness.
In conclusion, it doesn’t appear Satan rebelled at the outset. He was conniving and always looking for another way to enslave us, God’s children. I mentioned it earlier but every person on this earth already chose Christ. We were not fooled by Satan. We are here.
How did Satan get one third to follow him? I think if we carefully consider this question we can come up with some likely possibilities. There were many in the premortal existence that maybe didn’t properly prepare for this life, our second estate. When the time came to be tested, those who didn’t prepare would be fearful. We knew that some would fail to reach the Celestial Kingdom, and those among the host of heaven who had not used their agency to prepare well for mortal life were likely cognizant of that fact. From there it would be easy for Satan to convince some that they would fail, and they should therefore follow him.
Secondly, I believe Satan’s focus in the premortal life would have been to doubt Jesus Christ and his ability to redeem us. I believe Satan would have told many that Christ would fail, and then what? They would all fail and never be able to return home. I believe Satan likely attacked Christ. This would also be an attack on the ability to repent. Satan would have told those who didn’t use their agency well premortally that they wouldn’t use their agency well in life, that they wouldn’t repent, and change, and improve, and would ultimately fail. It’s the same tactic Satan uses today.
I invite everyone to hold firmly in your heart, remember, you chose Christ already. You were valiant already. You were brave already. You may have already fought Satan in heaven with Michael. You won. You are still fighting Satan today and you can still win. Remember that he is the father of lies, and Christ is our salvation. Look to Christ, keep your faith in him, keep repenting, keep changing, keep looking to Christ and we will all return to Him again.
I know that Satan is never giving up, just like he never gave up in the premortal life. Just like in the premortal life we will prevail. We have Christ on our side. With Jesus Christ and Heavenly Father on our team, we cannot lose.
![“Build firmly upon the rock of your Redeemer. Treasure His life and teachings. Follow His example and commandments. Embrace the powerful gifts of His Atonement. As you do, I promise you that you will see the [challenges of life] for what they are, [and] the spiritual rock under your feet will be solid and secure.” From #ElderAndersen’s pinterest.com/pin/24066179229002852 inspiring #LDSconf facebook.com/223271487682878 message lds.org/general-conference/2014/04/spiritual-whirlwinds #ShareGoodness](https://i.pinimg.com/564x/57/13/3e/57133ec7b00ced0295af80df6032f79d.jpg)
