Message from the First Presidency

This book is designed as a companion to your

study of the scriptures and the teachings of latterday

prophets. We encourage you to refer to it as

you study and apply gospel principles. Use it as a

resource when you prepare talks, teach classes,

and answer questions about the Church.

As you learn gospel truths, you will increase

in your understanding of Heavenly Father’s eternal

plan. With this understanding as a foundation

for your life, you will be able to make wise choices,

live in harmony with God’s will, and find joy in

living. Your testimony will grow stronger. You will

remain true to the faith.

We are especially mindful of youth, young

single adults, and new converts. We promise you

that through regular personal prayer and study of

the scriptures and the doctrines of the gospel you

will be prepared to withstand evil influences that

would deceive you and harm you.

May this book strengthen you in your efforts

to draw near to the Savior and follow His example.

The First Presidency

Aaronic Priesthood

As the Prophet Joseph Smith translated the Book of

Mormon, he found mention of baptism for the remission of

sins. On May 15, 1829, he and his scribe Oliver Cowdery went

into the woods to inquire of the Lord concerning baptism. As

they prayed, “a messenger from heaven descended in a cloud

of light.” This messenger was John the Baptist, the prophet

who had baptized Jesus Christ centuries earlier. John the

Baptist, now a resurrected being, laid his hands on Joseph

and on Oliver and conferred upon each of them the Aaronic

Priesthood, which had been taken from the earth during the

Great Apostasy. With this authority, Joseph and Oliver were

able to baptize one another. (See Joseph Smith—History

1:68–72.)

In the Church today, worthy male members may receive

the Aaronic Priesthood beginning at age 12. They receive many

opportunities to participate in sacred priesthood ordinances

and give service. As they worthily fulfill their duties, they act

in the name of the Lord to help others receive the blessings of

the gospel.

The offices of the Aaronic Priesthood are bishop, priest,

teacher, and deacon. With the authorization of the presiding

priesthood leader (usually the bishop or branch president),

deacons pass the sacrament. They help the bishop or branch

president watch over Church members by giving service and

assisting with temporal matters such as gathering fast offerings.

Teachers may perform all the duties of deacons, and

they also receive other opportunities to serve. They prepare

the sacramental bread and water and serve as home teachers.

Priests may perform all the duties of deacons and teachers.

With the authorization of the presiding priesthood leader,

they may also bless the sacrament, baptize, and ordain others

to the offices of priest, teacher, and deacon.

The Aaronic Priesthood is “an appendage to the greater,

or the Melchizedek Priesthood” (D&C 107:14). It is often

called the preparatory priesthood. As a priesthood holder

serves in the Aaronic Priesthood, he prepares to receive the

Melchizedek Priesthood, to receive the blessings of the temple,

to serve a full-time mission, to be a loving husband and

father, and to continue in lifelong service to the Lord.

See also Melchizedek Priesthood; Priesthood

Abortion

In today’s society, abortion has become a common practice,

defended by deceptive arguments. If you face questions

about this matter, you can be secure in following the revealed

will of the Lord. Latter-day prophets have denounced abortion,

referring to the Lord’s declaration, “Thou shalt not . . .

kill, nor do anything like unto it” (D&C 59:6). Their counsel

on the matter is clear: Members of The Church of Jesus Christ

of Latter-day Saints must not submit to, perform, encourage,

pay for, or arrange for an abortion. If you encourage an abortion

in any way, you may be subject to Church discipline.

Church leaders have said that some exceptional circumstances

may justify an abortion, such as when pregnancy is the

result of incest or rape, when the life or health of the mother

is judged by competent medical authority to be in serious

jeopardy, or when the fetus is known by competent medical

authority to have severe defects that will not allow the baby

to survive beyond birth. But even these circumstances do not

automatically justify an abortion. Those who face such circumstances

should consider abortion only after consulting

with their local Church leaders and receiving a confirmation

through earnest prayer.

When a child is conceived out of wedlock, the best option

is for the mother and father of the child to marry and work

toward establishing an eternal family relationship. If a successful

marriage is unlikely, they should place the child for

adoption, preferably through LDS Family Services (see

“Adoption,” pages 7– 8).

Abrahamic Covenant

Abraham received the gospel and was ordained a high

priest (see D&C 84:14; Abraham 1:2). He later entered into

celestial marriage, which is the covenant of exaltation (see

D&C 131:1–4; 132:19, 29). In connection with the covenants

he made, he received great promises from the Lord concerning

his family. Among these promises were the following:

• His posterity would be numerous (see Genesis 17:5–6; Abraham 2:9; 3:14).
• His seed, or descendants, would receive the gospel and bear the priesthood (see Abraham 2:9).
• Through the ministry of his seed, “all the families of the earth [would] be blessed, even with the blessings of the Gospel, which are the blessings of salvation, even of life eternal” (Abraham 2:11).

Together, all the covenants and promises that Abraham

received from the Lord are called the Abrahamic covenant. It

is an everlasting covenant that extends to all of Abraham’s

seed (see Genesis 17:7). To be counted as Abraham’s seed, an

individual must obey the laws and ordinances of the gospel.

Then that person can receive all the blessings of the Abrahamic

covenant, even if he or she is not a literal descendant of

Abraham (see Galatians 3:26–29; 4:1–7; D&C 84:33–40).

As a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day

Saints, you are a child of the covenant (see 3 Nephi 20:25–26).

You have received the everlasting gospel and inherited the

same promises given to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. You have

the right to the blessings of the priesthood and to eternal life,

according to your faithfulness in receiving the ordinances of

salvation and keeping the associated covenants. Nations

of the earth will be blessed by your efforts and by the labors of

your posterity.

See also Covenant; Eternal Life; Ordinances; Patriarchal Blessings;

Priesthood

Abuse

Abuse is the treatment of others or self in a way that

causes injury or offense. It harms the mind and the spirit and

often injures the body as well. It can cause confusion, doubt,

mistrust, and fear. It is a violation of the laws of society and

is in total opposition to the teachings of the Savior. The Lord

condemns abusive behavior in any form—physical, sexual,

verbal, or emotional. Abusive behavior may lead to Church

discipline.

Counsel for the Abuser

If you have been abusive in any relationship, you must

repent of your sin. Plead with the Lord to forgive you. Ask

for forgiveness from those you have harmed. Speak with

your bishop or branch president so he can help you through

the repentance process and, if necessary, help you receive

additional counseling or other assistance.

If feelings of anger have fueled your abusive behavior,

learn to master your temper. Go to the Lord in prayer and ask

Him to help you. With an eternal perspective, you will see

that your anger has almost always come in response to things

that are not very important.

If you have been guilty of sexual abuse, seek to discipline

your mind. Remember that your thoughts have a powerful

impact on your life—“as [a man] thinketh in his heart, so

is he” (Proverbs 23:7). Stay away from pornography and

anything else that could stimulate immoral sexual desire.

Pray for the ability to “let virtue garnish thy thoughts

unceasingly” (D&C 121:45).

Help for Victims of Abuse

If you are a victim of abuse, seek help immediately. Talk

with your priesthood leader, normally your bishop or branch

president but at times a member of the stake or district presidency.

He can help you know what to do.

Be assured that you are not to blame for the harmful

behavior of others. You do not need to feel guilt. If you have

been a victim of rape or other sexual abuse, whether you

have been abused by an acquaintance, a stranger, or even a

family member, you are not guilty of sexual sin. Know that

you are innocent and that your Heavenly Father loves you.

Pray for the peace that comes only through Jesus Christ

and His Atonement (see John 14:27; 16:33). The Savior has

experienced all your pains and afflictions, even those caused

by others, and He knows how to help you (see Alma 7:11–12).

Rather than seek revenge, focus on matters you can control,

such as your own outlook on life. Pray for the strength to forgive

those who have hurt you.

Continue to seek help from your priesthood leader so he

can guide you through the process of emotional healing.

Through the blessings of the gospel, you can stop the cycle of

abuse and be freed from the suffering you have experienced.

Additional references: Matthew 18:1–6; D&C 121:34–46

See also Forgiveness; Repentance

Addiction

See Gambling; Pornography; Word of Wisdom

Adoption

Children are entitled to be raised by parents who honor

marital vows and who provide love and support. Adoption

can be a great blessing for many children who are born without

this opportunity.

When a child is conceived out of wedlock, the best

option is for the mother and father of the child to marry and

work toward establishing an eternal family relationship. If a

successful marriage is unlikely, they should place the child

for adoption, preferably through LDS Family Services.

Placing the infant for adoption through LDS Family Services

helps unwed parents do what is best for the child. It ensures

that the child will be sealed to a mother and a father in the

temple, and it enhances the prospect for the blessings of the

gospel in the lives of all concerned. Adoption is an unselfish,

loving decision that blesses the birth parents, the child, and

the adoptive family.

If you are married and you and your spouse want to

adopt a child, be sure you know all legal requirements of the

countries and governmental agencies that are involved.

Counsel with your priesthood leaders and, if possible, with

staff members in LDS Family Services. If LDS Family Services

is not available in your area, work with your priesthood leaders

to locate licensed, authorized agencies that protect both

the children and the adoptive parents.

Adultery

See Chastity