TrendZion

Passages drawn from the sermons and published works that carry this theme forward.

1. 1972·Harold B. Lee·Apostle
   “Wherefore, men are free according to the flesh. … And they _are_ free to choose liberty and eternal life, through the great mediation of all men \[meaning the atonement of the Savior\], or to choose captivity and death, according to the captivity and power of the devil. …” ([2 Ne. 2:27](https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/1972/04/a-time-of-decision?lang=eng/study/scriptures/bofm/2-ne/2?lang=eng&id=p27#p27).)
   A Time of Decision — cojccopy citation
2. 1979·Robert D. Hales·Apostle
   Jesus Christ presented his Father’s eternal plan, that plan of which we are all part. We come to this earth to undergo testing for a probationary period and to have opposition in all things. Through the eternal principle of free agency, we are free to choose liberty and eternal life and return to God’s presence if we live righteous lives; or to choose captivity and spiritual death. (See Moses 4:1–4 .)
   “What Think Ye of Christ?” “Whom Say Ye That I Am?” — cojccopy citation
3. 1988·Ezra Taft Benson·Prophet
   The Book of Mormon explains that men “are free to choose liberty and eternal life, through the great Mediator of all men, or to choose captivity and death, according to the captivity and power of the devil” ( 2 Ne. 2:27 ).
   The Great Commandment—Love the Lord — cojccopy citation
4. 1994·Robert D. Hales·Apostle
   Jesus Christ presented his Father’s eternal plan, that plan of which we are all part. We come to this earth to undergo testing for a probationary period and to have opposition in all things. Through the eternal principle of agency, we are free to choose liberty and eternal life and return with honor to God’s presence if we live righteous lives; or to choose captivity and spiritual death (see Moses 4:1–4 ).
   The Unique Message of Jesus Christ — cojccopy citation
5. 2001·Richard G. Scott·Apostle
   “Men are free according to the flesh; and all things are given them which are expedient unto man. And they are free to choose liberty and eternal life, through the great Mediator of all men, or to choose captivity and death, … for [the devil] seeketh that all men might be miserable like unto himself” ( 2 Ne. 2:27 ).
   First Things First — cojccopy citation
6. 2005·Russell M. Nelson·Apostle
   We came to be tried, to be tested, and to choose. Our decisions determine our destiny. We are “free to choose liberty and eternal life, through the great Mediator … , or to choose captivity and death.” Those who choose the Lord’s way will likely endure persecution. But their reward is certain. Those who prove faithful “shall inherit the kingdom of God, … and their joy shall be full forever.” Sister Nelson has earned that reward. What comfort that brings to me and our family!
   Now Is the Time to Prepare — cojccopy citation