Lessons from the Doctrine and Covenants 2021
Lesson No. Nineteen

The Gifts of God Are Infinite and Eternal

“For there are many gifts, and to every man is given a gift by the Spirit of God” (D&C 46:11) – Because God is infinite and eternal His gifts are infinite in number, endless in their manifestations, and are eternal in their nature.  The children of God are given very important gifts in the pre-mortal existence, while in mortality, and in the eternity that follow this life.  These gifts include: 

The gift of spirituality developed while in the premortal existence – “All mankind are spirit children of God; all dwelt in his presence, awaiting the day of their mortal probation; all have come or will come to earth at an appointed time, in a specified place, to live among designated people. In all of this there is no chance. A divine providence rules over the nations and governs in the affairs of men. Birth and death and mortal kinship are the Lord’s doings. He alone determines where and when and among what people his spirit children shall undergo their mortal probation….This second estate is a continuation of our first estate; we are born here with the talents and capacities acquired there….The greatest and most important talent or capacity that any of the spirit children of the Father could gain is the talent of spirituality….Though all mankind may be saved by obedience, some find it easier to believe and obey then others” (Bruce R. McConkie, A New Witness for the Articles of Faith, p. 512).

The light of Christ is a gift from God given to all His Children when they come to mortality – “If the light of Christ were not present, life would cease, for it is the light of life and all life comes from God…. Creation itself came by the light of Christ” (A New Witness, p. 258). One of the unique manifestations of the light of Christ is called conscience, by which all men know good from evil. (See Moroni 7:16; D&C 84:45-46; 93:2) Having a conscience distinguishes mankind, being the literal spirit children of God, from all other life. The light of Christ “is the means by which the Lord invites and entices all men to improve….It is the medium of intelligence that guides inventors, scientists, artists, composers, poets, authors, statesmen, generals, philosophers, leaders, and influential people in general, when they set their hands to do that which is for the benefit and blessing of their fellowmen” (A New Witness, p. 259).

Above all things in this world we should seek for the gift of the Holy Ghost – “There is no price too high, no labor too onerous, no struggle too severe, no sacrifice too great, if out of it all we receive and enjoy the gift of the Holy Ghost” (A New Witness, p. 253). As we enjoy the companionship of the Holy Ghost we will receive guidance for our life in every needful way. The Holy Ghost also acts as a cleansing agent to purify and sanctify us from all sin. The gift of the Holy Ghost also brings the many gifts of the Spirit as set forth in 1 Corinthians 12:1-2; Moroni 10:8-18; and D&C 46:11-33.

The enjoyment of the gift of the Holy Ghost – “There is a difference between the gift of the Holy Ghost and the enjoyment of the gift. All saints after baptism receive the gift of right to the sanctifying power of the Spirit; only those who are worthy and who keep the commandments actually enjoy the promised reward….The actual enjoyment of the gift of the Holy Ghost is a supernal gift that a man can receive in mortality…Is it any wonder, then, that the Nephite Twelve ‘did pray for that which they most desired; and they desired that the Holy Ghost should be given unto them’ (3 Nephi 19:9)….Though all men are guided by the light of Christ, only the faithful return to the presence of God and gain the companionship of the Holy Spirit” (A New Witness, p. 257, 263).

The greatest gift of God in time and all eternity is the gift of eternal life made possible by the gift of His Son – “For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish but have everlasting life” (John 3:16). The Father gave the Son so that through His atoning sacrifice all of the terms and conditions of the great and eternal plan of salvation might be made operative. Through the atonement of Jesus Christ the unconditional gift of resurrection is given to all mankind. Moreover, it is through His atonement that the greatest of all the gifts of God, that of eternal life, is given to those who obey and endure to the end. (See D&C 14:7; 1 Nephi 15:36).

We are commanded to “seek ye earnestly the best gifts, always remembering for what they are given; For verily I say unto you, they are given for the benefit of those who love me and keep all my commandments, and him that seeketh so to do” (D&C 46:8-9). As we remember the great and marvelous gifts we are given, we also remember the Givers of these gifts. This will greatly increase our desire to be one with our Father and with His Beloved Son, our Lord Jesus Christ.