Chapter 3: God, the Eternal Father, C: God is Perfect in His Person, Character, and Attributes

Joseph Smith stated that before we could have faith in God we must understand who and what God is. If we do not understand that God has all attributes that make him God, then why should we have faith in him?

I think often when we talk about the existence of God we forget to talk about what that existence is. If one person is talking about a God who is vengeful, capricious, prone to anger, selfish, and so on, and another person is talking about a God who is loving, unchanging, knowledgeable, just, giving, and so on, then those two people will never agree or understand each other.

The following scriptures all contain witness of the varying attributes of God. In fact, this is one of the chief purposes of scripture - to define what God is - and so you can find scriptures like this all throughout the scriptures.

The attributes these scriptures show are that God has a (perfect) body, God is perfect, omnipotent, omniscient, eternal, infinite, unchangeable, just, true, righteous, merciful, loving, and the source of all light and truth.

The Father has a body of flesh and bones as tangible as man's; the Son also; but the Holy Ghost has not a body of flesh and bones, but is a personage of Spirit. Were it not so, the Holy Ghost could not dwell in us.
D&C 130:22

Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in Heaven is perfect.
Matt 5:48

Believe in God; believe that he is, and that he created all things, both in heaven and in earth; believe that he has all wisdom, and all power, both in heaven and in earth; believe that man doth no comprehend all the things which the Lord can comprehend.
Mosiah 4:9

By these things we know that there is a God in heaven, who is infinite and eternal, from everlasting to everlasting the same unchangeable God, the framer of heaven and earth, and all things which are in them.
D&C 20:17

Justice and judgment are the habitation of thy throne: mercy and truth shall go before thy face.
Psalms 89:14

The Lord is merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and plenteous in mercy.
Psalm 103:8

And the Lord passed by before him, and proclaimed, The Lord, The Lord God, merciful and gracious, longsuffering, and abundant in goodness and truth.
Exodus 34:6

Which light proceedeth forth from the presence of God to fill the immensity of space--The light which is in all things, which giveth life to all things, which i the law by which all thins are governed, even the power of God who sitteth upon his throne, who is in the bosom of eternity, who is in the midst of all things.
D&C 88:12-13

Chapter 3: God the Eternal Father, B: God is the Father of All Mankind

We are the literal offspring of God. The Latter Day Saints are possibly the only church that believes this doctrine, yet it is plainly taught in the scriptures. Over and over again God calls us his children and invites to become like him, with the help of the Savior.

Forasmuch as we are the offspring of God, we ought not to think that the Godhead is like unto gold, or silver, or stone, graven by art andman's device.
Acts 17:29

We are the children of God. That doctrine is not hidden away in an obscure verse. It is taught over and over again in scripture. These clear examples from teh Bible: "All of you are children of the most High" Psalm 82:6. "And we are the offspring of God" Acts 17:29. Doctrinal truths are interrelaed. There is an old saying that if you pick up one end of a stick, you pick up the other end as well. If you concede that we are His children, you must allow that GOd is our Father.
Boyd K. Packer, in Conference Report, Oct. 1984, 82

God himself was once as we are now, and is an exalted man. . . If the veil were rent today, . . . if you were to see him like a man in form--like yourselves in all the person, and very form as mam. . . It is the first principle of the GOspel to know for a certainty the Character of God, and to know that we may converse with him as one man converses with another, and that he was once a man like us; yea, that God himself, the Father of us all, dwelt on an earth, the same as Jesus Christ himself did; and I will show it from the Bible.
Joseph Smith, Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith, 345-46

Further evidence that we are the literal children of God comes in the repeated statements that we were created in the image of God. Our bodies are not exalted like God's, but they are bodies, just like God has.

And God said, Let us make mand in our image, after our likeness: and let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over the cattle and over all the earth, and over every creepint thing that creepth upon the earth. So God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them.
Genesis 1:26-27

Seest thou that ye are created after mine own image? Yea, even all men were created in teh beginning after mine own image.
Ether 3:15

God made man in his own image and certainly he made woman in the image of his wife-partner.
Spencer W. Kimball, The Teachings of Spencer W. Kimball, 25

The mere fact that God is our progenitor is important, but not as important as the knowledge that God loves us and guides us like a father. Many "fathers" fail in their responsibilities to their children and do not really deserve to be called "fathers." God the Father is the perfect father in every sense of the word.

Beloved, let us love on another: for love is of God; and every one that loveth is born of God, and knoweth God. He that loveth not knoweth not God; for God is love. In this was manifested the love of God toward us, because that God sent his only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through him. Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us, and sent his Son to be the propititation for our sins.
1 John 4:7-10

Anre not two sparrows sold for a farthing? and one of them shall not fall on the ground without your Father. But the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear ye not therefore, ye are of more value than many sparrows.
Matthew 11:29-31

I want to tell you, each and every one of you, that you are well acquainted with God our Heavenly Father, or the great Elohm. You are all well acquainted with him, for there is not a soul of you but what has lived in his house and dwelt with him year after year; and yet you are seeking to become acquainted with him, when the fact is, you have merely forgotten what you did know. There is not a person here to-day but what is a son or a daughter of that Being. In the Spirit world their spirits were first begotten and brough forth, and they lived there with their parents for ages before they came here.
Brigham Young, Discourses of Brigham Young, 50

Chapter 3: God the Eternal Father, A: The Existence of God is a Reality

The order and beauty of creation, the earth and the planets in space, denote there is a God. The fact that there are laws which govern the natural world, such as the laws of physics, denotes that there is something or someone in control. God, and our spirits, as eternal beings have always existed and thus existed long before the earth was created and will exist long after.

One of the most basic principles of biology is that life creates more of its own type of life. Thus, every living thing on the planet bears testimony that we are the children of our Father in Heaven and that the family procession of Gods extends forever in either direction in time as we can conceive it.

Another basic law of biology states that life can only come from life. This most fundamental law of biology shows that only another living being could have created the life on the Earth.

I love to look at the mountains and walk through a forest or observe wildlife. Whenever I do this I feel testimony once again that all these things were created by God and are a testimony to his power and glory.

But Alma said unto him: Thou hast had signs enough; will ye tempt your God? Will ye say, Show unto me a sign, when ye have the testmony of all these thy brethren, and also all the holy prophets? THe scriptures are laid before thee, yea, and all things denote there is a God; yea, even the earth, and all things that are upon the face of it, yea, and its motion, yea, and also all the planets which move in their regular form do witness that there is a Supremem Creator.
Alma 30:44

And behold, all things have their likeness, and all things are created and made to bear record of me, both things which are temporal, and things which are spritual; things which are in the heavens above, and things which are on the earth, and things which are in the earth, and things which are under the earth, both above and beneath: al things bear record of me.
Moses 6:64

The heavens declare the glory of a God, and the firmament showeth His handiwork; and a moment's reflection is sufficient to teach every man of common intelligence, that all these are not the mere productions of chance, nor could they be supported by any power less than an almighty hand.
Joseph Smith, Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith, 56

Every process of nature is orderly. Chance, disorder, chaos are ruled out of the physcial universe. If every condition involved in a system is precisely the same, the result, anywhere, everywhere, today, or at another time, will be the same. The sun does not rise in the easty today and in the west tomorrow. That means that the phenomena of nature are products of law. . . The universe, itself, declares that ther is intelligent purpose in nature, and that there must be, therefore, a supreme intelligence directing the universe. This is God.
John A Widstoe, Evidences and Reconciliations, 19-21

God has spoken to the Earth to testify of his Son, showing his own separate existence and the authority and position of the Savior. God often shows himself to prophets, who can then share their knowledge of God and the Father being separate physical beings with the rest of humanity. This allows even those who will probably never be worthy in this lifetime to be in the presence of God to still learn of his nature.

And lo, a voice from heaven, saying, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.
Matt 3:17

And thus it came to pass that while they were thus conversing one with another, they heard a voice as if it came out of heaven; and they cast their eyes round about, for they understood not the voice which they heard; and it was not a harsh voice, neither was it a loud voice; nevertheless, and notwithstanding it being a small voice it did pierce them that did hear to the center, insomuch that there was no part of their frame that it did not cause to quake; yea, it did pierce them to the very soul, and did cause their hearts to burn. And it came to passs that again they heard the voice, and they understood it not. And again the third time they did hear the voice, and did open their ears to hear it; and their eyes were towards the sound thereof; and they did look steadfastly towards heaven, from whence the sound came. And behold, the third time they did understand the voice which they heard; and it said unto them: Bheold my Bleoved Son, in whom I am well pleased, in whom I have glorified my name--hear ye him.
3 Nephi 11:3-7

It no sooner appeared than I found myself delivered from the enmy which held me bound. When the light rested upon me I saw two Personages, whose brightness and glory defy all description, standing above me in the air. One of them spake uno me, calling me by name and said, pointing to the other--This is My Belvoed Son. Hear Him!
JS-H 1:17

As a supplementary evidence is the further historical fact that a number of men have declared that they have seen God, and even spoken with Him, or that they have received messages from Him for themselves and others. The historicity of their claims is in most cases well establsihed. That which was done, for example, by Paul the Apostle, and Joseph Smith the Prophet after their heavenly experiences helps confirm the truth of their claims.
John A Widstoe, Evidences and Reconciliations, 19-21

Chapter 2: Revelation: Avenue to Truth, C: We Must Be Worthy in Order to Receive Revelation

In order for us to receive truth from God, he must be our first priority. When we put other things as more important we will miss out on learning opportunities. God asks us to put him first.

Seek not for riches but for wisdom; and behold, the mysteries of God shall be unfolded unto you, and then shall you be made rich. Behold, he that hath eternal life is rich.
D&C 11:7

Cursed is he that putteth his trust in man, or maketh flesh his arm, or shall hearken unto the precepts of men, save their precepts shall be given by the power of the Holy Ghost.
2 Nephi 28:31

If we want to learn we need to constantly be seeking God's truth. We can do this by praying, fasting, and reading the scriptures and revelations from our current leaders. When we are constantly learning, God will reveal things to us.

For behold, thus sait the Lord God: I will give unto the children of men line upon line, precept upon precept, here a little and there a little; and blessed are those who hearken unto my precepts, and lend an ear unto my counsel, for they shall learn wisdom; for unto him that receiveth I will give more; and from them that shall say, We have enough, from them shall be taken away even that which they have.
2 Nephi 28:30

If thou shalt ask, thou shall receive revelation upon revelation, knowledge upon knowledge, that thou mayest know the mysteries and peaceable things-- that which bringeth joy, that which bringeth life eternal.
D&C 42:61

But this is not all; they had given themselves to much prayer, and fasting; therefore they had the spirit of prophecy, and the spirit of revelation, and when they taught, they taught with power and authority of God.
Alma 17:3

Search the scriptures--search the revelation which we publish, and ask your Heavenly Father, in the name of His Son Jesus Christ, to manifest the truth unto you, and if you do it with an eye single to His glory nothing doubting, He will answer you by the power of His Holy Spirit.
Joseph Smith, Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith, 11

A prerequisite to us learning divine truth from God is that we are worthy to receive that truth. We must be faithful in the things that we learn before we are worthy to receive new knowledge.

He that keepeth his commandments receiveth truth and light, until he is glorified in truth and knoweth all things.
D&C 93:26

Let thy bowels also be full of charity towards all men, adn to the household of faith, and let virute garnish thy thoughts unceasingly; the shall they confience wax strong in the presence of God; and the doctrine of the priesthood shall distil upon they soul as the dews from heaven.
D&C 121:45

Revelation is promised unto us through our faithfulness... The Lord withholds much that he would otherwise reveal if the members of the Church were prepared to receive it . . . We have little occasion to clamor for more revelation when we refuse to heed what the Lord has revealed for our salvation.
Joseph Smith, Doctrines of Salvation, 1:283

Chapter 2: Revelation: Avenue to Truth, B. God Reveals Truth in a Variety of Ways

The main way the Lord reveals truth to us, as individuals, is through the Spirit. Sometimes the Spirit will speak to our hearts through a feeling. Sometimes the Spirit will speak to us through our minds, bringing thoughts or revealing how a certain thing just makes sense.

For behold, I will tell you in your mind and in your heart, by the Holy Ghost, which shall come upon you and which shall dwell in your heart. Now, behold, this is the spirit of revelation; behold, this is the spirit by which Moses brought the children of Israel through the Red Sea on dry ground.
D&C 8:2-3

And after the earthquake a fire; but the Lord was not in the fire: and after the fire a still small voice.
1 Kings 19:12

Inspiration is a form and degree of revelation. It is revelation that comes from the still small voice, from the whisperings of the Spirit, from the promptings of the Holy Ghost. All inspiration is revelation.
Bruce R. McConkie, Mormon Doctrine, 383

In addition to the Spirit, the Lord speaks to us through a variety of other means. These are more rare and are not necessary except when God sees fit. These methods include: dreams, the urim and thummim, a voice from heaven, a quiet but audible voice, angels, and visions.

But while he thought on these tings, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared unto him in a dream, saying, Joseph, thou son of David, fear not to take unto thee Mary thy wife: for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Ghost.
Matthew 1:20

And, I, Abraham, had the Urim and Thummim, which the Lord my God had given unto me, in Ur of the Chaldees.
Abraham 3:1

And this voice which came from heaven we heard, when we were with him in the holy mount.
2 Peter 1:18

And it came to pass when they had heard this voice, and beheld that it was not a voice of thunder, neither was it a voice of a great tumultuous noise, but behold, it was a still voice of perfect mildness, as if it had been a whisper, and it did pierce even to the very soul.
Helaman 5:30

While I was thus in the act of calling upon God, I discovered a light appearing in my room, which continue to increase until the room was lighter than at noonday, when immediately a personage appeare at my bedside, standing in the air, for his feet did not touch the floor.
JS-H 1:30

But by the power of the Spirit our eyes were opened and our understandings were enlightened, so as to see and understand the thing of God.
D&C 76:12

Study Plan, Update 1

This last post took me forever to do. I think I really got into it, but it took way too long. So, from now on rather than trying to just outline everything I feel I learned, I will instead only pick 3 major themes and use maybe 2 or 3 scriptures/quotes each.

Chapter 2: Revelation: Avenue to Truth, A: God Gives Truth to His Children Through Revelation

God communicates with his children through revelation. God never communicates directly to us, but communicates through Jesus Christ to us.

And thus the Gospel began to be preached from the beginning, being declared by holy angels sent forth from the presence of God, and by his own voice, and by the gift of the Holy Ghost.
Moses 5:58

All revelation since the fall has come through Jesus Christ, who is the Jehovah of the Old Testament. In all of the scripture, where God is mentioned and where he has appeared, it was Jehovah who talked with Abraham, with Noah, Enoch, Moses and all the prophets. He is the God of Israel, the Holy One of Israel; the one who gave and fulfilled the law of Moses. The Father has never dealt with man directly and personally since the fall, and he has never appeared except to introduce and bear record of the Son.
Joseph Fielding Smith, Doctrines of Salvation, 1:27

In giving revelations our Savior speaks at times for himself; at other times for the Father, and in the Father's name, as though he were the Father, and yet it is Jesus Christ, our Redeemer who gives the message.
Smith, Doctrines of Salvation, 1:27

God has always used revelation to communicate with his children. God uses revelation now and will always use revelation to speak to us. God wants to talk to us, and it is only through our own lack of listening and worthiness that God would stop talking to us.

For he that diligently seeketh shal find; and the mysteries of God shall be unfolded unto them, by the power of the Holy Ghost, as well in these times as in times of old, and as well in titmes of old a in times to come; wherefore the course of the Lord is one eternal round.
1 Nephi 10:19

We believe all that God has revealed, all that He does now reveal, and we believe that He will yet reveal many great and important things pertaining to the Kingdom of God.
Articles of Fath 1:9

If there is anything we know, it is through revelation. God posesses all truth and the mere discovery does not allow us to lay claim to it.

Fo what man knoweth the things of a man, save the spirit of man which is in him? even so the things of God knoweth no man, but the Spirit of God.
1 Cor 2:11

Behold, great and marvelous are the works of the Lord. How unserachable are the depths of the mysteries of him; and it is impossible that man should find out all his ways. And no man knoweth of his ways save it be revealed unto him; wherefore, brethren, despise not the revelations of God.
Jacob 4:8

One great reason why men have stumbled so frequently in many of their researches afer philosophical truth is that they have sought them with their own wisdom, and glories in their own intelligence, and have not sought unto God for that wisdom that fills and governs the universe and regulates all things. That is one great difficulty with the philosophers of the world, and it no exists, that man claims to himself to be the inventor of everything he discovers. Any new law and principle which he happens to discover he claims to himself instead of giving glory to God.
John Taylor, The Gospel Kingdom, 47

God guides his people as a whole through revelations to his prophets. The prophet is the one who speaks for all to God, and no one else can claim to receive revelation for the church as a whole. This is how God keeps order in his kingdom.

And thou shalt speak unto him, and put words in is mouth; and I will be with thy mouth, and with his mouth, and will teach you what ye shall do. And he shall be, even he shall be to thee instead of a mouth, and thou shalt be to him instead of God.
Exodus 4:15-16

And he said, Hear now my words: If there be a prophet amoung you, I the Lord will make myself known unto him in a vision, and will speak unto him in a dream.
Numbers 12:6

Surely the Lord God will do nothing, [until] he reveal his secret unto his servants the prophets.
Amos 3:7, Brackets from Joseph Smith Translation

And I, Nephi, said unto them: Behold they were manifest unto the prophet by the voice of the Spirit; for by the Spirit are all things made known unto the prophets, which shall come up on the children of men according to the flesh.
1 Ne 22:2

But behold, verily, verily, I says unto three, no one shall be appointed to receive commandments and revelations in this church excepting my servant Joseph Smith, Jun. for he reciveth them even as Moses... And thou shalt not command him who is at thy head, and at the head of the church; For I have given him the keys of the mysteries, and the revelations which are sealed, until I shall appoint unto them another in his stead.
D&C 28:2, 6-7

It is also the privilege of any officer in this Church to obtain revelations, so far as relates to his particular calling and duty in the Church.
Joseph Smith, Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith, 111

It is contrary to the economy of God for any member of the Church or any one, to receive instruction for those in authority, higher than themselves; therefore you will see the impropriety of giving heed to them.
Smith, Teaching of the Prophet Joseph Smith, 21

The scriptures contain revelation that have been received throughout the history of Earth. We have them now so that we can benefit from them now. We are greatly blessed to have so much revelation in this day and age.

All scripture is gien by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect throughly furnished unto all good works.
2 Timothy 3:17

Search these commandments, for they are true and faithful, and the prophecies and promises which are in them shall all be fulfilled. What I the Lord have spoken, I have spoken, and I excuse not myself; and though the heavens and the earth pass away my word shall not pass away, but shall all be fulfilled, whether by mine own voice, or by the voice of my servants, it is the same.
D&C 1:37-39

Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation. For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost.
2 Peter 1:20-21

We can receive personal revelation for ourselves. This revelation comes when we ask for it, when we are worthy for it, and when we are ready to receive it.

If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given. But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering.
James 1:5-6

And whatsoever ye shall ask the Father in my name, which is right, believing that ye shall receive, behold it shall be given unto you.
3 Nephi 18:20

Yea, behold, I will tell you in your mind and in your heart, by the Holy Ghost, which shall come upon you and which shall dwell in your heart.
D&C 8:2

For thus saith the Lord--I, the Lord am merciful and gracious unto those who fear me, and delight to honor those who serve me in righteousness an din truth unto the end... And to them I will reveal all mysteries of my kingdom from days of old, and for ages to come, will I make known unto them the good pleasure of my will concerning all things pretaining to my kingdom. Yea, even the wonders of eternity shall they know, and tings to come will I show them, even the things of many generations. And their wisdom shall be great and their understanding reach to heave; and before them the widom of the wise shall perish, and the understanding of the prudent shall come to naught. For by my spirit will enlighted them, and by my power will I make known unto them the secrets of my will--yea even thos e things which eyes has not seen or ear heard, nor yet entered into the heart of man.
D&C 76:5,7-10

God hath not revealed anything to Joseph, but that He will make known unto the Twelve, and even the least Saint may know all things as fast as he is able to bear them, for the day must come when no man need say to his neighbor, Know ye the Lord; for all shall know Him (who remain) from the least to the greatest.
Joseph Smith, Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith, 149

Chapter 1: Divine Truth, C: Adherence to revealed truth brings great blessings and, ultimately, salvation.

God reveals truth to use plainly so that we can learn it and be saved. God wants us to learn his truth so that we can reap blessings and be saved.

Wherefore, these things are manifested unto us plainly, for the salvation of our souls.
Jacob 3:14

For, behold, it is as easy to give heed to the word of Christ, which will point to you a straight course to eternal bliss, as it was for our fathers to give heed to this compass, which point unto them a straight course to the promised land.
Alma 37:44

It is necessary for us to learn in order to be saved. We must know the principles of the gospel before we can act on them so that Christ can save us. Our life is a lot about learning things.

There is a law, irrevocably decreed in heaven before the foundation of this world, upon which all blessings are predicated--And when we obtain any blessing from God, it is by obedience to that law upon which it is predicated.
D&C 130:20-21

It is impossible for a man to be saved in ignorance.
D&C 131:6

Much of really living consists of acquiring perspective about everlasting things so that we can successfully manage the transitory factual things, for tactical choices do crowd in upon us all hour by hour.
Maxwell, Things as They Really Are, 2

If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed. And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make ye free.
John 8:31-32

And this is life eternal; that they may know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent.
John 17:3

When we learn it gives us an advantage in this life and in the next. However, we must be careful not to negate any advantage by becoming prideful and self-important about our knowledge.

Whatever principle of intelligence we attain unto in this life, it will rise with us in the resurrection. And if a person gains more knowledge and intelligence in this life through his diligence and obedience than another, he will have so much the advantage in the world to come.
D&C 130:18-19

We consider that God has created man with a mind capable of instruction, and a faculty which may be enlarged in proportion to the heed and diligence given to the light communicated from heaven to the intellect; and that the nearer man approaches perfection, the clearer are his views, and the greater his enjoyments, till he has overcome the evils of his life and lost every desire for sin; and like the ancient, arrives at that point of faith where he is wrapped in the power and glory of his Maker and is caught up to dwell with Him. But we consider that this is a station to which no man ever arrived in a moment.
Joseph Smith, Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith, 51

O that cunning plan of the evil one! O the vainness and the frailties, and follishenss of men! When they are learned they htink they are wise, and they hearken not unto the counsel of God, for they set it aside, supposing they know of themselves, wherefore, their wisdom is foolishness and it profiteth them not. And they shall perish. But to be learned is good if they hearked unto th counsels of God.
2 Nephi 9:28-29

Chapter 1: Divine Truth, B: All Divine Truth is Posessed by God and Imparted by Him to HIs Children

God is omnipotent. He knows everything there is to know, and there isn't anything he doesn't know. If he doesn't know it, it doesn't exist. This is important for us to know so that we can have faith in God's teachings and commandments.

But all things are done in the wisdom of him who knoweth all things.
2 Nephi 2:24

O how great the holiness of God! For he knoweth all things and there is not anything save he knows it.
2 Nephi 9:20

The Father, Son and Holy Ghost, as one God, are the fountain of truth.
Smith, Gospel Doctrine, 30

God is the source of all of our knowledge. Everything that anybody knows comes from God. God wants us to learn and grow and so he gives us knowledge as we can receive it.

And the light which shineth, which giveth you light, is through him who enlightenenth your eyes, which is the same light that quickeneth you understandings; Which light proceedeth forth from the presence of God to fill the immensity of space--The light which is in all things, which giveth life to all things. which is the law by which all things are goverened, even the power of God who sitteth upon his throne, who is in the bosom of eternity, who is in the midst of all things.
D&C 88:11-15

Our Father, the great God, is the author of the sciences, he is the great mechanic, he is the systematizer of all things, he plans and devises all things, and every particle of knowledge which man has in his possession is the gift of God.
Brigham Young, Discourses of Brigham Young, 2-3

God want us to gain all kinds of knowledge. This is why we are not just encouraged to learn about the scriptures, but also in all areas of education.

What is this knowledge, intelligence, and light and truth that our Heavently Father would have us receive?... Secular knowledge can be most helpful to the children of our Father in Heaven, who, having placed first things first, have found and are living those thruths which lead one to eternal life. These are they who have the balance and perpective to seek all knowledge--revealed and secular--as a tool and servant for the blessing of themselves and others.
Spencer W. Kimball, "Seek Learning, Even by Study and Also by Faith," Ensign, Sept. 1983, 3

God teaches us truth through the Holy Ghost. The Holy Ghost is God's messenger of truth.

Therefore whoso readeth it, let him understand, for the Spirit manifesteth truth; and whoso is enlightened by the Spirit shall obtain benefit therefrom.
D&C 91:4

The Spirit of truth is of God, I am the Spirit of truth, and John bore record of me, saying: He received a fulness of truth, yea, even of all truth.
D&C 93:24

Chapter 1: Divine Truth, A: Divine Truth is Absolute Reality

In this life we have relative truths and absolute truths. A lot of what we learn is relative truth - for example, how to deal with a family problem, or what we need to do personally to enhance our spirituality. Absolute truth is what we base all of our other truths on: it is the rock hard foundation of our belief.

This true way of life is not a matter of opinion. There are absolute truths and relative truths.... There are many ideas advanced to the world that have been changed to meet the needs of the truth as it has been discovered. There are relative truths, and there are also absolute turths which are the same yesterday, today, and forever - never changing.
Spencer W. Kimball "Absolute Truth" Ensign Sept 1978, 3-4

"Divine" truth is absolute. The truths upon which the gospel is founded never change. These truths include the existence of God, the existence of the Savior, the judgement, the Atonement, and so on. We can count on these truths, revealed by God, to be the same forever.

He cannot walk in crooked paths; neither doth he vary from that which he hath said; neither hath he a shadow of turning from the right to the left, or from that which is right to that which is wrong; therefore, his course is one eternal round.
Alma 7:20.

For I know that God is not a partial God, neither a changeable being, but he is unchangeable from all eternity to to all eternity.
Moroni 8:18

Scientific thought is a great way for learning certain truths, but is a flawed method for learning eternal truths because science is always changing. Religion and science do not conflict, but rather are different methods of learning truth for different uses.

These absolute truths are not altered by the opinions of men. As science has expanded our understanding of the physical world, certain accepted ideas of science have had to be abandoned in the interest of truth. Some of these seeming truths were stoutly maintained for centuries. The sincere searching of science often rests only on the threshold of truth, whereas revealed facts give us certain absolute truths as a beginning point so we may come to understand the nature of man and the purpose of his life...
Spencer W. Kimball "Absolute Truth" Ensign Sept 1978, 3-4

The way we learn about absolute thruth is through the Spirit. The Spirit is God's messenger of truth. There is no extrenal way of proving or disproving these absolute truths, we can only learn of their certainty through prayer and inspiration of the Spirit through our own minds and hearts.

For the Spirit speaketh the truth and lieth not. Wherefore, it speaketh of things as they really are, and of things as they really will be; wherefore, these things are manifested unto us plainly, for the salvation of our souls.
Jacob 4:13

Behold, that which you hear is as the voice of one crying in the wilderness--in the wilderness, because you cannto see him--my voice, because my voice is Spirit; my Spirit is truth; truth abideth and hath no end; and if it be in you it shall abound.
D&C 88:66

We must always be searching for truth. When we have knowledge of divine truth it extends into our whole lives, making it easier for us to live the Gospel because we know it is true. We search for truth through scripture study, through listening to the church leaders, through attending church, through attention to truths manifest in life experiences, and mostly through listening to the Holy Ghost as it whispers to us.

We are willing to receive all thruth, from whatever source it may come; for truth will stand, truth will endure.... Truth is at the foundation, at the bottom and top of, and it entirely permeates this great work of the Lord.
Joseph F. Smith, Gospel Doctrine, 1

And now, seeing ye know these things and cannot deny them except ye shall lie, therefore in this ye have sinned, for ye have rejected all these things, notwithstanding so many evidences which ye have recieved; yea, even ye have received all things, both things in heaven, and all things which are in the earth, as a witness that they are true.
Helaman 8:24

Study Plan

Currently, I am planning to go through the Institute Manual Doctrines of the Gospel. Recently I finished reading all four standard works, but I don't feel that I gained as much as I could have. I hope that by focusing on a theme based study for a while I will get back in the habit of looking for deeper meaning as I read.

Scripture Study Blog

I'm planning to use this blog to share thoughts on my daily scripture study and keep up on my writing skills. This is mostly for me, but if you also can gain something from it I am glad.