Elder Dallin H. Oaks
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The Resurrection is a central subject of scripture. "The Resurrection is a pillar of our faith. It adds meaning to our doctrine, motivation to our behavior and hope for our future," said Elder Oaks.
The universal resurrection became a reality with the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Despite biblical witnesses, many who call themselves Christians reject or confess serious doubts about the reality of the Resurrection. The Book of Mormon also "records the experience of hundreds who saw the risen Lord in person and touched him. feeling the prints of the nails in his hands and feet and thrusting their hands into his side."
"Because we believe the Bible and Book of Mormon descriptions of the literal resurrection of Jesus Christ, we also readily accept the numerous scriptural teachings that a similar resurrection will come to all mortals who have ever lived upon this Earth."
"Many living witnesses . . . including some in my own extended family, have seen a departed loved one in vision or personal appearance," he said. "Whether these were manifestations of persons already resurrected or of righteous spirits awaiting an assured resurrection, the reality and nature of the resurrection of mortals is evident."
The significance of the resurrection is that it is a "mighty milepost that signifies the end of mortality and the beginning of immortality." The hope of the resurrection changes one's views of mortality, with the "conviction that death is not the conclusion of our identity but merely a necessary step in the destined transition from mortality to immortality."
