To Become Like Him

For the past few months, Nelson and I have been reading The Holy Temple by President Boyd K. Packer during our daily scripture study.  Reading this book has helped us discuss more about what we are reading.  I have learned great insights from the book and our discussions.

The other day we read about the promises of eternity.  As we keep and honor our covenants, I rejoice in the possibility of living with my sweetheart forever.  We talked about what eternity will be like, continuing to build the kingdom of God and the blessings of different kingdoms.  Nelson gave me new insight into the promises of eternity as mentioned in D&C 132:19-20. . .

 19 And again, verily I say unto you, if a man ^amarry a wife by my word, which is my law, and by the new and ^beverlasting covenant, and it is ^csealed unto them by the Holy Spirit of ^dpromise, by him who is anointed, unto whom I have appointed this power and the^ekeys of this priesthood; and it shall be said unto them—Ye shall come forth in the first resurrection; and if it be after the first resurrection, in the next resurrection; and shall inherit ^fthrones, kingdoms, principalities, and powers, dominions, all heights and depths—then shall it be written in the Lamb’s ^gBook of Life, that he shall commit no ^hmurder whereby to shed innocent ⁱblood, and if ye abide in my covenant, and commit no murder whereby to shed innocent blood, it shall be done unto them in all things whatsoever my servant hath put upon them, in time, and through all eternity; and shall be of full force when they are out of the world; and they shall pass by the angels, and the gods, which are set there, to their ^jexaltation and glory in all things, as hath been sealed upon their heads, which glory shall be a fulness and a continuation of the ^kseeds forever and ever.

 20 Then shall they be gods, because they have no end; therefore shall they be from ^aeverlasting to everlasting, because they continue; then shall they be above all, because all things are subject unto them. Then shall they be ^bgods, because they have ^callpower, and the angels are subject unto them.

I have always understood that the temple blessings bring opportunities to become like God and live with Him in the Celestial Kingdom.  As we were talking, I asked Nelson what would happen once Satan came back to the earth after 1,000 years.  He said that maybe by that time we would be creating our own worlds where the cycle would begin again.  This was incredible insight with profound potential I was not aware of.  Nelson also mentioned that this idea can be seen in the temple video and scriptures when Satan explains to the Lord what he is doing in tempting Eve.  He says, "I am just doing what has been done in other worlds before."  I am amazed at the tremendous responsibility of becoming like God, yet humbled and overjoyed by the possibility.  Each day I think about the ultimate blessing to become like God and fulfill my potential.  I am realizing the learning experiences and challenges I have here will be important to fulfilling my potential and developing the ability to succor my posterity here on earth and beyond.

Like this experience, I am grateful to continue to learn in light and truth, especially with my sweetheart.  I love his insights and the teaching moments we share.  He is my prince, my life, my friend.