Elder Gary J. Coleman
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"Because our Heavenly Father loves us, he has prepared a plan for us as we live here in mortality."
People are accountable for their sins, and all must experience death. That is why God provided a Savior so all men may overcome both.
"We thank God for revealing his plan and the mission of Jesus through his chosen witnesses, the prophets and apostles. God gives these witnesses authority to act for him. Their testimonies of the truths of the gospel are written in sacred books called scriptures. When people hear and read these teachings of the prophets, they can know they are true by the power of the Holy Ghost."
God continually reveals truth to his people. Joseph Smith was led by scripture to ask God which church in his community was true. Later, as a prophet, he received the authority to teach the gospel and bring forth additional scripture.
"God has promised that the Holy Ghost will testify to each of us that sacred truths have been restored and that Joseph Smith was called by God to be a special witness of Christ and his gospel."
It is the power of the spirit that convinces people who are investigating the church to pray about its message. Promptings of the Holy Ghost also help guide members to those who seek the truth.
"Before I was a member of this church, I asked God, the Eternal Father, in fervent prayer about the truths of the Restoration. I know today, even as I knew that day, that hour, that moment 37 years ago by the power of the Holy Ghost, that the principles and doctrines of the Restoration of the gospel are true."
