The Rising Generation

Australia

Dominican Republic

California

Texas…

Provo…

Question Some critics, and atheists, jump to the conclusion that if they don’t understand something, no one can know. (Korihor Principle). As Latter Day Saints, we’ve been spoiled to have a great deal revealed to us. And it is important that we know what we know. However, we must also clearly understand what we do not know. What are some examples of things we do not know?

Important Key Now it came to pass that there were many of the rising generation that could not understand the words of king Benjamin, … and they did not believe the tradition of their fathers. They did not believe what had been said concerning the resurrection of the dead, neither did they believe concerning the coming of Christ. And now because of their unbelief they could not understand the word of God; and their hearts were hardened. Unbelief Could not Understand Hearts were Hardened If I Could Just Understand or See Then I Would Believe!

Important Key Now it came to pass that there were many of the rising generation that could not understand the words of king Benjamin, … and they did not believe the tradition of their fathers. They did not believe what had been said concerning the resurrection of the dead, neither did they believe concerning the coming of Christ. And now because of their unbelief they could not understand the word of God; and their hearts were hardened. What, exactly, did they not believe?

D&C 3 And this testimony [of the Savior] shall come to the knowledge of the Lamanites… And for this very purpose are these plates preserved, which contain these records—that the promises of the Lord might be fulfilled, which he made to his people; And that the Lamanites might 1) come to the knowledge of their fathers, and that 2) they might know the promises of the Lord, and that 3) they may believe the gospel and rely upon the merits of Jesus Christ, and be glorified through faith in his name, and that through their repentance they might be saved. Amen.

Question: If we want our children to “believe” what is one thing, specifically, we must teach them? Answer How to Repent- and to know they’ve been forgiven…

Steps… They recognize they’ve sinned (Acts of Independence) They feel remorse They seek forgiveness from the Lord and work with Church authorities if needed They feel peace and identify where that peace came from Reminder: As parents and church leaders, we’ve always been quick to try to reduce their pain (heal their owees.) However, we limit their learning process if we try to short-circuit their natural experience

Alma And it came to pass that as I was thus racked with torment, while I was harrowed up by the memory of my many sins, behold, I remembered also to have heard my father prophesy unto the people concerning the coming of one Jesus Christ, a Son of God, to atone for the sins of the world.

Bro. Robert Millet I had been on a mission only two days when my senior companion and I began to discuss repentance and forgiveness as a part of our companion study that day. We talked about how to repent and how to know when we are forgiven. My companion—who had been in the field nine months longer than I and whose word I thus received as if it were silver and gold—said this: "Always keep this in mind, Elder Millet: If you can still remember your sins, the Lord has not forgiven you." I asked him to repeat this grand principle, which he did. "Are you sure?" I asked. "Yes," he came back, "that's what the scriptures teach." For several days I was in a deep depression. I could remember my sins with vividness, in living color. My memory was terrific. In looking back on this event, I recognize that there was really only one thing wrong with my companion's doctrine—it wasn't true! He meant well, of course, but he seemed to have missed an important distinction: the Lord indicates to us that if we truly confess and forsake our sins, he will remember them no more…