Understanding Our Divine Heritage and the Atonement of Christ

Before Birth: “Our birth is but a sleep and a forgetting…” | Doctrine | S1E2 [2]

In our latest podcast episode, we embark on a profound exploration of the concept of premortal existence and its implications for our spiritual journey here on Earth. The idea that our spirits predate our mortal bodies is a cornerstone of the doctrine of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, suggesting that our time on this planet is but a small segment of our eternal journey.

Our hosts, Sam Binns and Tyler Gordon, delve into the significance of agency—a gift from God—and ponder over its value in the divine realm where material wealth fades in comparison. This idea of agency as our soul's currency is a theme that runs throughout the episode, highlighting the choices we make and the impact they have on our progression toward divinity.

As we delve further into the conversation, we encounter the intriguing concept of intelligences, as introduced in Latter-day Saint scriptures like the Doctrine and Covenants and the Book of Abraham. These texts suggest that our spirits have always existed and were once intelligences before being endowed with a spiritual form. This challenges the traditional Christian concept of creation ex nihilo, proposing instead that elements of our existence are uncreated and eternal.

The episode also tackles the enigmatic King Follett sermon delivered by Joseph Smith, which posits that intelligences are co-eternal with God and that God's greater intelligence allowed Him to create a framework for these spirits to advance and ultimately become like Him. This principle gives us a sense of hope and purpose, indicating a path for eternal progression and the possibility of reaching a divine state.

Our spiritual odyssey wouldn't be complete without discussing the war in heaven—a pivotal event that underscored the importance of agency and the ongoing battle between good and evil. This narrative isn't just a tale from the past; it continues to echo in our daily struggles and choices, reinforcing the value of our mortal existence as a test of faith and a chance to grow closer to our Heavenly Father.

The pinnacle of the discussion is the central role of Jesus Christ's atonement. It's through His sacrifice that we understand the transformative power of grace, which is integral to our spiritual growth and eternal progression. The atonement isn't just a single event in history; it's the thread that weaves through the very fabric of our existence, offering us the opportunity to overcome sin and return to our Father in Heaven.

In summary, this episode invites listeners to consider their divine potential and the eternal principles that guide their path back to God. Through scriptural insights, prophetic wisdom, and heartfelt reflection, we gain a deeper appreciation for the infinite reach of Christ's sacrifice and the boundless love He has for each of us. This podcast isn't merely a source of information; it's a spiritual compass, guiding us toward a greater understanding of who we are and what we can become.