Lessons from the Doctrine and Covenants 2021
Lesson No. Four

You Can Face the Future with Either Confidence or Fear - D&C 3:1-3

We can have confidence in the future if we understand that “the works, and the designs, and the purposes of God cannot be frustrated, neither can they come to naught” (D&C 3:1) – With this knowledge, and by keeping covenants people of all ages can have confidence in the future.  For example, the rising generation can, with confidence, get an education which will lead to productive and satisfying work.   They can, with confidence, get married and raise a family, and have a future of productive service to the Lord, to family, and to society.

Jesus spoke of our day when the nations of the earth will be in “distress…with perplexity” and with “men’s hearts failing for fear.” Then teaching His disciples to have confidence in the future, He said:  “And when these things begin to come to pass, then look up, and lift up you hearts; for your redemption draweth nigh” (Luke 21:25-26, 28).  To be fearful is easy and common, but confidence requires goodness and understanding.  Many good people, including some members of the Church, are fearful of the future because they lack knowledge and understanding of the gospel of Jesus Christ, and that “the works, and the designs, and the purposes of God cannot be frustrate, neither can the come to naught” (D&C 3:1-3).

We can have confidence in the future of the United States – Its founding was the work of God and preparatory to the restoration of the gospel.  It is the place from where the gospel is now being administered to the world, and from where the gathering of covenant Israel is being directed. This is all in preparation for the Second Coming of the Lord.  Jesus explained:  “For it is wisdom in the Father that they (the founding generations) should be established in this land (the United States), and be set up as a free people by the power of the Father (the Constitution was established by the power of the Father), that these things (the Book of Mormon and the restoration of the gospel) might come forth unto a remnant of your seed, that the covenant of the Father may be fulfilled which he hath covenanted with his people, O house of Israel (covenant Israel is scattered worldwide, and is now being gathered)” (3 Nephi 21:4, explanation added).

The Lord established the Constitution the United States, and said it must be maintained to preserve “the rights and protection of all flesh” meaning for all people – The Lord said that the Constitution was “established and should be maintained for the rights and protection of all flesh (all people), according to just and holy principles” (D&C 101:77, emphasis and explanation added).  These just and holy principles are agency and accountability. (See D&C 101:78)  The Lord continued:  “And for this purpose have I established the Constitution of this land, by the hands of wise men whom I raised up unto this very purpose” (D&C 101:77-80).

The just and holy principles of agency and accountability are fundamental to the plan of salvation and necessary for the purposes of God to be accomplished – “The heavens are opened” and “the promised Restoration goes forward through continuing revelation.  The earth will never again be the same, as God will ‘gather together in one all things in Christ’ (Ephesians 1:10)” (Restoration Proclamation).  Because the Constitution of the United States preserves agency and accountability and is part of “the works, and the designs, and purposes of God” (D&C 3:1), the Lord will ensure that it will be maintained so there will be a place where His gospel can continue to be administered to world.

Many latter day Prophets have testified about the role of the United States in connection with the gospel of Jesus Christ – I add my testimony to that of President Harold B. Lee: 

“Men may fail in this country, earthquakes may come seas may heave beyond their bounds, there may be great drought, disaster, and hardship, but this nation founded on principles laid down by men who God raised up, will never fail.  This is the cradle of humanity, where life on this earth began in the Garden of Eden.  This is the place of her New Jerusalem.  This is the place that the Lord said is favored above all other nations in all the world.  This is the place where the Savior will come to His temple.  This is the favored land in all the world.  Yes, I repeat, men may fail, but this nation won’t fail!  I have faith in America; you and I must have faith in America, if we understand the teachings of the gospel of Jesus Christ.  We are living in a day when we must pay heed to these challenges.  I plead with you not to preach pessimism!  Preach that this is the greatest country in all the world.  This is the favored land.  This is the land of our forefathers.  It is the nation that will stand despite whatever trials or crises it may yet have to pass through” (Ye Are the Light of the World, pp. 350).