Table of Contents
1. Abstract……………………………………………………………………………………2
2. Literature Review…………………………………………………………………………3
3. Purpose and Desired Outcome………………………………….…………………...……5
4. Five Concepts About the Resurrection that Every 9th Grader Should Know……………..7
5. Witnesses to the Lord’s Resurrection…………………………...……………………….17
6. Testimony of Thomas S. Monson on the Resurrection………………………………….18
7. Summary and Conclusion………………………………………………………………..19
1
Abstract
One of the Basic Doctrines of Seminaries and Institutes is “the plan of salvation,”
including pre-mortal life, mortality, and life after death. A correct understanding and testimony
of the Plan will bless the lives of students forever. As the plan of salvation is taught at the
beginning of each trimester in seminary, the students have an opportunity to review what they
already know and gain more insights from the scriptures and their peers. Reviewing the Plan
also stirs up questions that the students have. These questions can be put in three main
categories: Where did I come from? Why am I here? What happens after I die?
One of the doctrines of the Plan that elicits numerous questions from students is the
resurrection of Jesus Christ. Students often wonder things such as what their body will be like
when they’re resurrected and when the resurrection occurs. This project provides material that
the students can study as they learn about the Plan and seek answers to their questions. The
foundation for the following pages is the words of the Lord found in the scriptures and through
Latter-day prophets. I believe that as students commit themselves to studying the scriptures and
words of the prophets, the promise the Lord gave in Doctrine and Covenants 36:2 will come true:
“… you shall receive the Holy Ghost, even the Comforter, which shall teach you the peaceable
things of the kingdom.” A correct and solid understanding of the principles of the Gospel,
specifically the plan of happiness, will provide students peace and joy as they deal with the trials
of mortality and also provide hope as they look to the future.
2
Literature Review
Instructors in Seminaries and Institutes will be familiar with the sources I used in this
portfolio. The foundation sources I used for this project include the Standard Works (including
the Bible Dictionary), the new Book of Mormon Seminary Teacher Manual, the True to the
Faith booklet, the Ensign magazine, Doctrines of Salvation, Answers to Gospel Questions,
Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith, and Preach My Gospel-A Guide to Missionary Service. I
also frequently referred to official Church website, lds.org, and the website for Seminaries and
Institutes, SI.lds.org. Generally, I tried to read the verses of scriptures and get a general idea of
what I felt the meaning was, and then look to see what the Brethren have said on the same verses
and principles.
The True to the Faith booklet was especially helpful in my study in that it provided a
basic definition of resurrection, a few paragraphs on the actual resurrection of the Savior, a brief
description of how and where the resurrection ties into the Plan of Salvation, and a summary of
how this doctrine can provide hope and perspective during the challenges of life. Along with the
scriptures, I used this book as my springboard into specific aspects of the resurrection. Preach
My Gospel functioned in the similar way. Both of these books provided numerous scriptural
references on every aspect of the resurrection.
The two books Answers to Gospel Questions and Doctrines of Salvation by Joseph
Fielding Smith were very helpful. As I looked for answers to specific questions that students
frequently asked on this topic, one of these two books had the answer almost every time. For
example, the question might be: what age will a child who dies young be at the time of the
resurrection? Joseph Fielding Smith addressed that exact question in Answers to Gospel
Questions (see “concept #1” of this project).
3
The Ensign magazine was a huge blessing while working on this project. Along
with the scriptures of ancient prophets, I wanted to consistently represent what the modern-day
prophets have said, especially recently, about this doctrine in an effort to tie the students hearts to
the prophet.
4
Purpose and Desired Outcome
At the beginning of each trimester in seminary, a lesson is taught on the Plan of
Salvation. For example, in the new Book of Mormon Seminary Teacher Manual (2013), the
“Plan of Salvation” lesson begins on page 7. Why is the plan of salvation taught before even
getting into the course for the year? In 1993 Elder Boyd K. Packer told teachers in the Church
Educational System that an overview of the plan of salvation, along with a brief overview of the
year’s subject, should be presented at the beginning of each school year. This will be a
framework for the students as they learn the principles of the gospel. He stated, “A brief
overview of the ‘plan of happiness’ . . . if given at the very beginning and revisited occasionally,
will be of immense value to your students….” 1 This will give students a solid gospel foundation
to build upon and refer back to the rest of the trimester. It will also help answer many of their
“why” questions about life.
Over the past 11 years of teaching the plan of salvation, one of the topics that seem to
elicit many questions from students is the doctrine of the resurrection. Following are examples
of typical questions that students ask concerning the resurrection:

When does the resurrection occur?

Will everyone be resurrected or just the righteous?

Will everyone be resurrected at the same time?

What about people who die in terrible ways, like car accidents?

What will my body be like when I’m resurrected (will I be taller, better-looking)?!

Can I still eat or play sports after I’m resurrected?
1
“The Great Plan of Happiness” [CES Symposium on the Doctrine and Covenants/Church History, Aug. 10, 1993], 23, si.lds.org
5
The title of this project is The “Five Concepts Every 9th Grader Should Know About the
Resurrection.” This project will provide answers to the questions stated above by presenting five
core concepts about the resurrection that, if every 9th grader understood and had a testimony of,
would answer many of their heartfelt questions. These answers will come from the standard
works and the words of latter-day apostles and prophets. One goal is to provide a reference to
help guide students to the scriptures where they can receive answers to their own questions
through the influence of the Holy Ghost. The goal is to focus students on the words of Jesus
Christ, through the scriptures and the Brethren, and what He has taught about “the most glorious
of all messages to mankind (see Bible Dictionary, “resurrection,” p. 761). The five concepts that
every 9th grader should know are:
1) Resurrection is the reuniting of the spirit with the body in a perfect, immortal state.
2) Jesus Christ was the first to be resurrected.
3) All mankind will be resurrected.
4) There are two resurrections: the resurrection of the just and the resurrection of the unjust.
5) “The resurrection of Jesus is the most glorious of all messages to mankind.” (Bible
Dictionary, “resurrection,” p. 761)
6
Concept #1: Resurrection is the reuniting of the spirit with the body in a perfect, immortal state.
What does it mean to be resurrected? And why is it that “[obtaining] a resurrection with
a celestial, exalted body is the center point of hope in the gospel of Jesus Christ?” (Bible
Dictionary, “resurrection,” p. 761; emphasis added). The standard works and teachings of
Latter-day prophets have provided the answers to these and many other questions about the
resurrection. The Lord teaches in a revelation to Joseph Smith that “the spirit and the body are
the soul of man” (Doctrine and Covenants 88:15). The resurrection consists in the uniting of a
spirit body with a body of flesh and bones, never again to be divided (Bible Dictionary, 761).
How powerful is the resurrection? The resurrection restores every limb and joint to its proper
and perfect frame (see Alma 11:43-44; 40:23; 41:2). The book of Alma teaches that resurrected
bodies will no longer be subjected to disease or death (see Alma 11:42-45). The resurrection is
so powerful that “even there shall not so much as a hair of their heads be lost” (Alma 11:44). A
resurrected being has a body of flesh and bones, without blood (see Bible Dictionary, 761).
Many students wonder what the state of their bodies will be like after the resurrection.
Some common questions are: What will I look like? How old will I be? What does perfect and
proper mean (as taught in Alma 11)? If a young child dies, how old will he be when he’s
resurrected? Joseph Fielding Smith provided great insight as to what will happen to our physical
bodies at the time of the resurrection: “There is no reason for any person to be concerned as to
the appearance of individuals in the resurrection. Death is a purifying process as far as the body
is concerned. We have reason to believe that the appearance of old age will disappear and the
body will be restored with the full vigor of manhood and womanhood. Children will arise as
children, for there is no growth in the grave. Children will continue to grow until they reach the
7
full stature of their spirits.” 2 Joseph Smith taught in detail about the condition of a resurrected
body: “As concerning the resurrection, I will merely say that all men will come from the graves
as they lie down, whether old or young; there will not be added unto their stature one cubit,
neither taken from it; all will be raised by the power of God, having spirit in their bodies, and not
blood.” 3
Many people are born into this world with challenges in one form or another. Also, many
of God’s children will deal with the challenges of advanced age. Dallin H. Oaks explained how
the words of perfect and proper can offer hope to individuals: “What a comfort to know that all
who have been disadvantaged in life from birth defects, from mortal injuries, from disease, or
from the natural deterioration of old age will be resurrected in ‘proper and perfect frame… The
assurance of resurrection gives us the strength and perspective to endure the mortal challenges
faced by each of us and by those we love, such things as the physical, mental, or emotional
deficiencies we bring with us at birth or acquire during mortal life. Because of the resurrection,
we know that these mortal deficiencies are only temporary!” 4
When an individual is resurrected, they receive an immortal body of flesh and bone. This
is their eternal reward. This is different than the false concept of reincarnation- where a person
comes back to the world in a different form. 5 Resurrected beings will also carry the intelligence
they gain in this life with them. The Lord said, “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” (Doctrine and Covenants 130:18-19). Through the
2
Answers to Gospel Questions, comp. Joseph Fielding Smith Jr., 5 vols. [1957-66], 4:185
Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith, comp. Joseph Fielding Smith (Salt Lake City: Deseret Book, 1976), 199-200
4
Ensign, May 2000, 14
5
Preach My Gospel: A Guide to Missionary Service, (2004), 53
3
8
Atonement of Jesus Christ, all mankind is guaranteed immortality and offered eternal life. In
Doctrine and Covenants 29:43, the Lord said, “And thus did I, the Lord God, appoint unto man
the days of his probation—that by his natural death he might be raised in immortality unto
eternal life, even as many as would believe.”
Concept #2: Jesus Christ was the first to be resurrected.
Jesus Christ was the first person on this earth to obtain a perfect, immortal body of flesh
and bone. Howard W. Hunter declared, “Surely the Resurrection is the center of every
Christian’s faith; it is the greatest of all the miracles performed by the Savior of the world.” 6
Paul shared his testimony in 1 Corinthians 15:20: “But now is Christ risen from the dead, and
become the firstfruits of them that slept. According to footnote 20c, in Greek firstfruits means
“firstling.” There are many witnesses in the New Testament of the resurrection of the Savior. In
Matthew 28, Mary Magdelene and the other Mary came to the sepulchre to see the body of the
Savior. The angels from heaven were sitting on the stone they had rolled back from the door of
the tomb. Verse three gives a description of these angels: “And their countenance was like
lightning, and their raiment white as snow” (JST). The angels tell the women, “Fear not ye, for
we know that ye seek Jesus, which was crucified. He is not here: for he is risen, as he said.
Come, see the place where the Lord lay” (see verses 5-6, JST).
Another powerful account of the resurrected Christ is found in Luke 24. As two disciples
were walking on the road to Emmaus, the Lord appears to them and “beginning at Moses and all
the prophets, he expounded unto them in all the scriptures the things concerning himself” (verse
27). He spends time with them into the evening and breaks bread, and when “their eyes were
opened” (verse 31), “he vanished out of their sight” (verse 32). They said to each other, “Did not
our heart burn within us, while he talked with us by the way, and while he opened to us the
6
“He Is Risen,” Ensign, May 1988, 16
9
scriptures?” (verse 32). Luke’s account also provides much detail about the body of the
resurrected Savior. Jesus invites his disciples to “behold my hands and my feet, that it is I
myself: handle me, and see; for a spirit hath not flesh and bones, as ye see me have” (verse 39).
He shows them his hands and his feet and then inquires about food. After eating a broiled fish
and honeycomb, he continues to teach them, telling them “ye are witnesses of these things”
(verse 48) after which he blessed them and was carried into heaven (see verses 40-53).
The Book of Mormon provides another example of the Savior’s resurrection. He appears
to the Nephite people and testifies of his Atonement: “Behold, I am Jesus Christ, whom the
prophets testified shall come into the world. And behold, I am the light and the life of the world”
(see 3 Nephi 11:10-11). The Savior invites them to come up one by one: “Arise and come forth
unto me, that ye may thrust your hands into my side, and also that ye may feel the prints of the
nails in my hands and in my feet, that ye may know that I am the God of Israel, and the God of
the whole earth, and have been slain for the sins of the world” (3 Nephi 11:14). The people did
come forth, about 2,500 of them (see 3 Nephi 17:25), all adding their witness to the reality of the
resurrection of the Master.
All Latter-day prophets have testified of the resurrection of Christ. In 1832, Joseph
Smith and Sidney Rigdon recorded an emphatic testimony that Christ lives today: “And now,
after the many testimonies which have been give of him, this is the testimony, last of all, which
we give of him: That he lives! For we saw him, even on the right hand of God; and we heard the
voice bearing record that he is the Only Begotten of the Father—That by him, and through him,
and of him, the worlds are and were created, and the inhabitants thereof are begotten sons and
daughters unto God” (Doctrine and Covenants 76:22-24). The prophet of the world today,
Thomas S. Monson, shares his witness, “As the least of His disciples, I declare my personal
10
witness that death has been conquered, that victory over the tomb has been won. May the words
made sacred by Him who fulfilled them become actual knowledge to all. Remember them.
Cherish them. Honor them. He is risen.”7 The greatest testimony we have of the resurrection is
from the Savior Himself: “I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he
were dead, yet shall he live: And whosever liveth and believeth in me shall never die” (John
11:24-25).
For more accounts of the Savior’s resurrection, see Mark 16:1-14; Luke 24:1-48;
John 20:1-29; 1 Corinthians 15:1-8; and 2 Peter 1:16-17.
Concept #3: All mankind will be resurrected.
Through the Atonement of Jesus Christ, every man and woman that has ever lived on this
earth will be resurrected, regardless of the choices they have made during mortality. Amulek
taught this doctrine to Zeezrom in Alma 41. After explaining that those who believe in the name
of Christ and in his Atonement will have eternal life, he said, “Therefore the wicked remain as
though there had been no redemption made, except it be the loosing of the bands of death; for
behold, the day cometh that all shall rise from the dead and stand before God, and be judged
according to their works” (verse 42; emphasis added; see also Alma 28:12; 42:23; Revelation
20:12-13).
This doctrine is also taught in other books of scripture. The Lord said in a revelation to
Joseph Smith in 1830, “But, behold, verily I say unto you, before the earth shall pass away,
Michael, mine archangel, shall sound his trump, and then shall all the dead awake, for their
graves shall be opened, and they shall come forth—yea, even all” (Doctrine and Covenants
29:26; emphasis added). Paul taught the Corinthians, “For since by man came death, by man
came also the resurrection of the dead. For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be
7
“He Is Risen,” Ensign, April 2003, 2-7
11
made alive” (1 Corinthians 15:21-22; emphasis added). The prophet Jacob taught his brethren
that the Savior would suffer the pains of every man, woman and creature, and that they might be
saved if they would hearken to his voice (see 2 Nephi 9:22). Speaking of the Savior, he said,
“And he suffereth this that the resurrection might pass upon all men, that all might stand before
him at the great and judgment day” (verse 22; emphasis added).
Concept #4: There are two resurrections: the resurrection of the just and the resurrection of the
unjust.
Although all mankind will be resurrected, all will not inherit the same glory. The
children of God will be rewarded according to their works and desires. The Lord’s whole work
and glory is to bring to pass the immortality and eternal life of man (see Moses 1:39).
Immortality—living forever—is a free gift to all because of Christ’s Atonement. Eternal life—
living forever with and like God in eternal families—is given only to those who repent and obey
the Gospel. 8 The judgment occurs after the resurrection. The scriptures teach that all mankind
will stand before God to be judged of their works during this mortal life: “…we shall be brought
before God, knowing even as we know now, and have a bright recollection of all our guilt”
(Alma 11:43). Brigham Young described the different glories men and women will receive after
being resurrected, depending on their faithfulness: “Jesus will never cease his work until all are
brought up to the enjoyment of a kingdom in the mansions of his Father, where there are many
kingdoms and many glories, to suit the works and faithfulness of all men that have lived on the
earth. Some will obey the celestial law and receive of its glory, some will abide the terrestrial
and some the telestial” 9
8
9
Preach My Gospel-A Guide to Missionary Service (2004), 53
Discourses of Brigham Young, sel. John A. Widtsoe [1954] 56
12
There is an order to the resurrection. There are two resurrections: the first resurrection
(resurrection of the just), and the second resurrection (the resurrection of the unjust). Paul taught
of these two resurrections in the book of Acts. After being accused of sedition, he continued to
teach diligently of the Risen Lord: “And have hope towards God, which they themselves also
allow, that there shall be a resurrection of the dead, both of the just and unjust” (Acts 24:15). In
John’s great revelation, he also taught of the two resurrections, saying specifically of the first,
“Blessed and holy are they who have part in the first resurrection: on such the second death hath
no power, but they shall be priests of God and of Christ, and shall reign with him a thousand
years” (Revelation 20:6; see also verses 5-13). The Lord provided more detail in Doctrine and
Covenants 88 as to when each group of people would be resurrected—celestial (verses 96-98),
terrestrial (verse 99), telestial (verse 100-101), and sons of perdition (verse 102). The celestial
and terrestrial will come forth in the first resurrection, at the beginning of the millennium. The
telestial and perdition will be resurrected at the conclusion of the 1,000 years of peace. 1
Corinthians 15:39-42 also makes it clear that all won’t be raised to the same glory.
The first resurrection commenced with the resurrection of Christ. After the Savior rose
from the tomb, “the graves were opened; and many bodies of the saints which slept (who had
died) arose, and came out of the graves after his resurrection, and went into the holy city, and
appeared unto many” (Matthew 27:52-53). The major part of the first resurrection will occur at
the Second Coming of Jesus Christ. Joseph Fielding Smith provided more detail about the
celestial beings that will come forth in the morning of the first resurrection and the privileges
they will receive when he taught, “At the time of the [second] coming of Christ, ‘They who have
slept in their graves shall come forth, for their graves shall be opened; and they also shall be
caught up to meet him in the midst of the pillar of heaven—they are Christ’s, the first fruits, they
13
who shall descend with him first, and they who are on the earth and in their graves, who are first
caught up to meet him; and all this by the voice of the sounding of the trump of the angel of
God’ [D&C 88:97-98]. These are the just, ‘whose names are written in heaven, where God and
Christ are the judge of all. These are they who are just men made perfect through Jesus the
mediator of the new covenant, who wrought out this perfect atonement through the shedding of
his own blood’ [D&C 76:68-69].” 10
Concept #5: The resurrection of Jesus is the most glorious of all messages to mankind.
Along with all the happiness and good things that come with mortality, there is also
“opposition in all things” such as trials, misery, and death (see 2 Nephi 2:11). The book True to
the Faith states, “An understanding and testimony of the resurrection can give you hope and
perspective as you experience the challenges, trials, and triumphs of life. You can find comfort
in the assurance that the Savior lives and that through His Atonement, ‘he breaketh the bands of
death, that the grave shall have no victory, and that the sting of death should be swallowed up in
the hopes of glory’ (Alma 22:14).” 11 The Lord made a promise, through Joseph Smith, that all
mankind may have eternal life, his greatest gift: “And, if you keep my commandments and
endure to the end you shall have eternal life, which gift is the greatest of all the gifts of God”
(Doctrine and Covenants 14:7). An opportunity to have a perfect body and live the kind of life
Heavenly Father and the Savior live truly is the greatest reward there is. The apostle John wrote,
“Beloved, now are we the sons (children, people) of God, and it doth not yet appear what we
shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him, for we shall see him as he
is” (1 John 3:2; emphasis added).
10
11
Doctrines of Salvation, comp. Bruce R. McConkie, 3 vols. [1954-56], 2:295-97
True to the Faith: A Gospel Reference (2004), 140
14
The universal resurrection of mankind is made possible by the Atonement of Jesus Christ.
Paul wrote to the Corinthians, “So when this corruptible shall have put on incorruption, and this
mortal shall have put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written,
Death is swallowed up in victory. O death, where is thy sting? O grave (hades, hell), where is
thy victory? The sting of death is sin; and the strength of sin is the law. But thanks be to God,
which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ” (1 Corinthians 15:54-57).
Latter-day prophets have always born powerful testimony of the reality of the
resurrection of Christ. Ezra Taft Benson commented, “The greatest events of history are those
that affect the greatest number for the longest periods. By this standard, no event could be more
important to individuals or nations than the resurrection of the Master.” 12 Howard W. Hunter
testified, “The doctrine of the Resurrection is the single most fundamental and crucial doctrine in
the Christian religion. It cannot be overemphasized, nor can it be disregarded… He was the Son
of God, the Son of our immortal Father in Heaven, and his triumph over physical and spiritual
death is the good news every Christian tongue should speak.” 13 Gordon B. Hinckley said, “No
other act in all of human history compares with it. Nothing that has ever happened can match it.
Totally unselfish and with unbounded love for all mankind, it became an unparalleled act of
mercy for the whole human race.” 14 Thomas S. Monson, the prophet of the world today,
declared, “Our Savior lived again. The most glorious, comforting, and reassuring of all events of
human history had taken place—the victory over death.” 15 “The clarion call of Christendom, is
that Jesus of Nazareth rose from the dead. The reality of the Resurrection provides to one and all
12
“The Meaning of Easter,” Ensign, April 1992, 2
Ensign, May 1986, 16
14
Ensign, Nov. 1999, 73
15
“He Is Risen,” Ensign, May 2010, 89,90
13
15
the peace that surpasses understanding” (see Philippians 4:7). 16 Even more recently he said,
“No words in Christendom mean more to me than those spoken by the angel to the weeping
Mary Magdalene and the other Mary as they approached the tomb to care for the body of their
Lord: ‘Why seek ye the living among the dead? He is not here, but is risen’ (Luke 24:5-6).” 17
These are the reasons that the Bible Dictionary states, “to obtain a resurrection
with a celestial, exalted body is the center point of hope in the gospel of Jesus Christ” (page
761). Joseph Smith re-emphasized this when he taught, “God has appointed a day in which He
will judge the world, and this he has given an assurance of in that He raised up His Son Jesus
Christ from the dead—the point on which the hope of all who believe the inspired record is
found for their future happiness and enjoyment…” 18 Because of the sacrifice of the Savior Jesus
Christ, death has no sting, the grave has no victory, and eternal life can be obtained by all who
live the Gospel and continue faithful to the end.
16
“He Is Risen,” Ensign, Apr. 2003, 7
“He is Not Here, but Is Risen,” Ensign, April 2011, 4
18
Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith, comp. Joseph Fielding Smith (Salt Lake City: Deseret Book, 1976), 62
17
16
Witnesses to the Lord’s Resurrection
Mary Magdalene
Other women
Two disciples
Simon Peter
Ten of the Twelve
Eleven of the Twelve
Seven of the Twelve
Eleven of the Twelve
More than 500 brethren
James
Eleven Apostles at the Ascension
Paul
John
The Nephites
The Nephite Twelve
The Lost Tribes of Israel
Moroni
Joseph Smith
John 20:1-18
Matthew 28:1-9
Mark 16:12-13; Luke 24:13-32
Luke 24:34; 1 Corinthians 15:5
Luke 24:36-53; John 20:19-24
John 20:26-31; Mark 16:14*
John 21:1-14
Matthew 28:16-20
1 Corinthians 15:6
1 Corinthians 15:7
Mark 16:14, 19; Luke 24:50-51; Acts 1:3-11
1 Corinthians 9:1; 15:8
Revelation 1:9-18
3 Nephi 11:1-18:39; 19:2, 15-26:15
3 Nephi 27:1-28:12
3 Nephi 16:1-4; 17:4
Ether 12:39
Joseph Smith—History 1:14-20
*See James E. Talmage, Jesus the Christ, 3rd ed. (1916), 699.
(From a chart compiled by Robert J. Matthews, in Instructor, Apr. 1967, 172-73.)
17
Testimony of the Prophet, President Thomas S. Monson, on the Resurrection

“In certain situations, as in great suffering and illness, death comes as an angel of mercy.
But for the most part, we think of it as the enemy of human happiness. The darkness of
death can ever be dispelled by the light of revealed truth. ‘I am the resurrection, and the
life,’ spoke the Master. ‘He that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live:
And whosoever liveth and believeth in me shall never die.’ This reassurance—yes, even
holy confirmation—of life beyond the grave could well provide the peace promised by
the Savior when He assured His disciples: ‘Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto
you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it
be afraid.’” (“Now Is the Time,” Liahona, Jan. 2002, 68; Ensign, Nov. 2001, 59; see also
John 11:25–26; 14:27.)

“I declare my personal witness that death has been conquered, victory over the tomb has
been won. May the words made sacred by Him who fulfilled them become actual
knowledge to all. Remember them. Cherish them. Honor them. He is risen.” (Ensign,
Apr. 2003, 7.)

“We laugh, we cry, we work, we play, we love, we live. And then we die. … And dead
we would remain but for one Man and His mission, even Jesus of Nazareth. … With all
my heart and the fervency of my soul, I lift up my voice in testimony as a special witness
and declare that God does live. Jesus is His Son, the Only Begotten of the Father in the
flesh. He is our Redeemer; He is our Mediator with the Father. He it was who died on the
cross to atone for our sins. He became the firstfruits of the Resurrection. Because He
died, all shall live again.” (“I Know That My Redeemer Lives!” Ensign, May 2007, 24,
25.)

“Our Savior lived again. The most glorious, comforting, and reassuring of all events of
human history had taken place—the victory over death. The pain and agony of
Gethsemane and Calvary had been wiped away. The salvation of mankind had been
secured. The Fall of Adam had been reclaimed. The empty tomb that first Easter
morning was the answer to Job’s question, ‘If a man die, shall he live again?’ To all
within the sound of my voice, I declare, If a man die, he shall live again. We know, for
we have the light of revealed truth. … My beloved brothers and sisters, in our hour of
deepest sorrow, we can receive profound peace from the words of the angel that first
Easter morning: ‘He is not here: for he is risen.’” (“He Is Risen,” Ensign, May 2010, 89,
90; see also Job 14:14; Matthew 28:6.)

“I believe that none of us can conceive the full import of what Christ did for us in
Gethsemane, but I am grateful every day of my life for His atoning sacrifice in our
behalf. At the last moment, He could have turned back. But He did not. He passed
beneath all things that He might save all things. In doing so, He gave us life beyond this
mortal existence. He reclaimed us from the Fall of Adam. To the depths of my very
soul, I am grateful to Him. He taught us how to live. He taught us how to die. He secured
our salvation.” (“At Parting,” Ensign, May 2011, 114.)
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Summary and Conclusion
Because of the Atonement and grace of Jesus Christ, all mankind will one day receive a
perfect and proper body of flesh and bones in the resurrection. Amulek taught, “Now, this
restoration shall come to all, both old and young, both bond and free, both male and female, both
the wicked and the righteous; and even there shall not so much as a hair of their heads be lost;
but every thing shall be restored to its perfect frame, as it is now, or in the body…” (Alma
11:44). Though everyone will receive an immortal body, not all will qualify for eternal life. The
judgment of the Lord follows the resurrection. Amulek continues, “… and shall be brought and
be arraigned before the bar of Christ the Son, and God the Father, and the Holy Spirit, which is
one Eternal God, to be judged according to their works, whether they be good or whether they be
evil” (verse 44).
The scriptures are replete with testimonies and accounts of the Lord’s resurrection. In
addition, modern prophets have consistently born witness of the resurrection since the restoration
of the Gospel. The prophet Joseph Smith testified, “…Christ himself has assuredly risen from
the dead; and if He has risen from the dead, He will by His power, bring all men to stand before
Him; for if He has risen from the dead the bands of the temporal death are broken that the grave
has no victory. If then, the grave has no victory, those who keep the sayings of jesus and obey
His teachings have not only a promise of a resurrection from the dead, butr an assurance of being
admitted into His glorious kingdom; for, He Himself says, ‘Where I am, there shall also my
servant be’” (see John 12:26). 19
19
Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith, comp. Joseph Fielding Smith (Salt Lake City: Deseret Book, 1976), 62
19