We lived as spirit sons and daughters of God in heaven before we came to earth.

A veil of forgetfulness is drawn over our memory of our pre-existence in order for us to live by faith, which was necessary for our further growth and progression.

Earth life Presents Many Challenges for us to Further our Progression.

Our key challenges are:

• Controlling our physical bodies. It is difficult for our eternal spirit to learn to control our physical bodies according to the commandments and direction from our Heavenly father and savior;

•Learn to live by faith. The apostle Paul said, “But without faith it is impossible to please God…” (Hebrews 11: 6 in the Bible);

• Keeping the commandments of God. The Savior said, “If ye love me, keep my commandments” (John 14: 15 in the Bible); and

• Love, service to others, and righteousness should become our motivation in life. The Savior taught, “…That ye love one another; as I have loved you…” (John 13: 34 in the Bible)

An ancient prophet explained, “…when ye are in the service of your fellow beings ye are only in the service of your God.” (Mosiah 2: 17 p. 148 in the Book of Mormon)

The Savior further instructed us on this subject, “Verily I say, men should be anxiously engaged in a good cause, and do many things of their own free will, and bring to pass much righteousness; For the power is in them, wherein they are agents unto themselves. And inasmuch as men do good they shall in nowise lose their reward.” (Doctrine and Covenants 58: 27-28 p. 105)

What are the rewards of keeping the commandments of God While We live on the Earth?

The Savior said of those that follow him and accept his Gospel in the face of opposition, “Rejoice ye in that day, and leap for joy: for, behold, your reward is great in heaven: “ (Luke 6: 23 in the Bible)

“…be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life.” (Revelation 2: 10 in the Bible)

If we are faithful in keeping the commandments, the Savior has promised almost unbelievable blessings.

Blessings Promised

“For thus saith the Lord—I, the Lord, am merciful and gracious unto those who fear me, and delight to honor those who serve me in righteousness and in truth unto the end. Great shall be their reward and eternal shall be their glory. And to them will I reveal all mysteries, yea, all the hidden mysteries of my kingdom from days of old, and for ages to come, will I make known unto them the good pleasure of my will concerning all things pertaining to my kingdom. Yea, even the wonders of eternity shall they know, and things to come will I show them…” (Doctrine and Covenants 76: 5-8 p. 137)

Dallas Jones

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