The Grand Council: Foreordination, Agency, and the War Within

We often speak of covenants and ordinances, of priesthood authority and temple blessings, but do we truly grasp the scope of the divine drama into which we’ve entered? Brother Matthews, in his 2000 Ricks College devotional, peels back a layer of that veil, offering a glimpse into the Grand Council and its significance for Latter-day Saints today. It’s a perspective that reorients our understanding of purpose, suffering, and the very nature of the war waged within and without.

The Echoes of the Grand Council

The narrative of the Grand Council isn’t new. We find echoes of it throughout scripture – in the Book of Abraham (Abraham 3:24-25), in Isaiah’s prophecies (Isaiah 14:12-15), and in the premortal ministry of Jesus Christ (John 8:58). Yet, hearing it articulated with such clarity reminds us of the vastness of God’s plan and our individual roles within it. We, each of us, were not merely spectators in this grand assembly; we were active participants, learning, choosing, and preparing for the very experience we now inhabit.

The knowledge gleaned from that council – the understanding of mortality, the purpose of the earth, the role of the Savior – provides a framework for enduring the challenges of this life. Knowing that we willingly agreed to come, to be tested, and to ultimately become like our Heavenly Parents should temper our anxieties and steel our resolve.

Agency and the Shadow of Lucifer

Brother Matthews rightly highlights the crux of the contention within the Grand Council: agency. The very opportunity for progress requires the possibility of choice, and choice necessitates the potential for error. Lucifer’s proposal – a system of universal salvation without effort or responsibility – was a direct assault on that divine principle. It was a rejection of God’s plan, a denial of the necessity for repentance, and a testament to a profound lack of trust in the Savior.

The casting out of Lucifer and his followers wasn’t merely a celestial eviction; it was a fundamental affirmation of God’s order. And the echoes of that rebellion continue to resonate in our own time. The spirit of compromise, the allure of the “easy way,” the rejection of personal responsibility – these are the hallmarks of a philosophy that mirrors Lucifer’s original deception. D&C 29:39 reminds us: “Verily, I say unto you, all those who will not abide in my law are enemies unto me and shall be cast out.”

The Spirit World: A Continuation of the Work

The assurance that our earthly experience is merely a prelude to a continued learning and growth in the spirit world offers solace and perspective. The prospect of home teachers and visiting teachers even in the spirit world is a comforting reminder of the enduring nature of the gospel and the continued responsibility we bear, even beyond the veil. This is not a passive waiting period; it is a continuation of the work, a realm where we can further refine our spirits and prepare for the resurrection.

Consider the profound implications of knowing that you were foreordained, chosen for service, and prepared for this very moment. This isn’t a matter of pride; it is a call to humility and diligent discipleship. The knowledge of the Grand Council should inspire us to strive for excellence, to embrace responsibility, and to stand firm against the forces of darkness.

A Call to Discipleship

The invitation is not to dwell on the intricacies of the premortal life, but to apply its lessons to our mortal journey. Let us seek to understand God’s plan, to exercise our agency wisely, and to stand as unwavering witnesses of the truth, even as the war within continues to rage.