Job posed the question, “If a man die, shall he live again?” (Job 14:14). Many may find this question contrary to reason or common sense, but some wonder what happens after their death and what purpose they serve to exist.
President Thomas S. Monson, amongst other leaders of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and other ancient prophets have responded to this question. No doubt, they shared similar questions at some point in their lifetime and desired to know the truth of these things. In his Aprl 2007 General Conference Address, President Monson (2007) reminded us of one simple truth that can awaken hope in every nation, kindred, tongue, and people (see Mosiah 15:28):
The simple pronouncement, “He is not here, but is risen,” was the first confirmation of the literal Resurrection of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. The empty tomb that first Easter morning brought comforting assurance, an affirmative answer to Job’s question, “If a man die, shall he live again?”19
To all who have lost loved ones, we would turn Job’s question to an answer: If a man die, he shall live again. We know, for we have 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” (John 11:25–26).
The apostle Paul taught, “The things of God knoweth no man, but the Spirit of God” (1 Corinthians 2:11), and James instructs how to gain wisdom from the source of all truth.
5 If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.
6 But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering. For he that wavereth is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed (James 1:5-6).
Elder Bednar offers further guidance in this sincere desire, stating, “The requirement to ask in faith [implies] the necessity to not only express but to do, the dual obligation to both plead and to perform, the requirement to communicate and to act.” (Elder David A. Bednar of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, “Ask in Faith,” Liahona, May 2008, 94). We must act if we desire to obtain truth.
Some may repudiate Job’s inquiry to the Lord, but I know that when an individual sincerely desires to know truth, whatever the subject, if he or she “stud[ies] it out in [their] mind” (D&C 9: 7-9) and faithfully and asks the Lord “nothing wavering” (James 1:6), then they will gain knowledge “line upon line [and] precept upon precept” (2 Nephi 28:30). For as a prophet from the Book of Mormon once taught, “by the power of the Holy Ghost ye may know the truth of all things” (see also Moroni 10:3–5). I know from personal experience these things are true, and I implore you to know for yourself, with certainty, whether these things are true.
DISCLAIMER: The personal thoughts and feelings expressed are those of the author. The author does not speak for or on behalf of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
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References
Monson, T.S. (2007). I know that my redeemer lives. General Conference Address, 177. Retrieved from https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2007/04/i-know-that-my-redeemer-lives?lang=eng)
Because of him. (2014). Video. https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/prophets-and-apostles/unto-all-the-world/to-sweep-the-earth-as-with-a-flood?lang=eng
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