A Certainty that Rises Above Uncertainty – Sunday, April 05, 1942
The coming of another Easter stirs our thoughts anew to the issues of life, and death, and immortality. We think much at this season of those whom we cherish who have already departed from us—where are they, and when shall we again behold them? For answer there are many who cry out from the depths of their hearts.
There are some who feel they have the answer. Others steadfastly deny all possibility of immortality, and there are still others who accept it with many qualifications. Those who profess the greatest doubts are often most inclined to talking about the subject. Those who have a quiet assurance of their own personal continuance seem little disposed to raise the issue. Thoughtful men are not given to much talk about things they know so well.
We don’t quibble as to whether or not spring will come again, and yet that we shall come forth from death to life is more certain than spring’s return. “If it were not so, I would have told you.” Is the assurance that came from the Savior of the world, and for Him, and for His followers—and for all men—the question was settled there. “If it were not so, I would have told you.” The fact that we may not understand the process by which all this will be brought about, does not cast doubt upon its reality. Truth, fortunately, is not limited by the present understanding of men. In the years that brought his more mature convictions, Ralph Waldo Emerson said simply: “All I have seen teaches me to trust the Creator for all I have not seen.” That so many other great minds have spoken in this same vein is comforting and reassuring, but no matter who chooses to believe or disbelieve it, the facts remain, as the Lord, Himself, has spoken directly and through His servants, the prophets, one of whom said: “Behold, there is a time appointed that all shall come forth from the dead. Now, when this time cometh, no man knoweth—but God knoweth * * * that all shall rise from the dead.” (Book of Mormon, Alma 4:4,5).
This glorious certainty rises above all the uncertainties of our troubled generation. And so, while those who disbelieve still quibble, those who believe find abiding peace in the assurance that we and all those we love and all men of all time shall continue beyond the present, beyond death, unto life everlasting. Of such is the message of Easter, if there be those who doubt it, let them doubt no more. If there be those who mourn, let them take comfort. If there be those who love life, let them prepare to live it, forever.
By Richard L. Evans, spoken from the Tabernacle, Temple Square, Salt Lake City, April 5, 1942, over Radio Station KSL and the Nationwide Columbia Broadcasting System. Copyright – 194.2
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April 05, 1942
Broadcast Number 0,659