The Certainty that Rises Above Uncertainty* – Sunday, March 28, 1948
As our thoughts are turned again to the issues of Fife, and death, and immortality, we think of those whom we have cherished in life and who have already departed from us—where are they and when shall we again behold them? These, and many other questions, come to call for answer. There are some who feel they have the answer. There are others who deny all possibility of immortality, and still others who accept it with many limitations and qualifications. Those who profess the greatest doubts are often most disposed to talk 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 that discuss-ion is pointless. 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. The Savior of the world simply said: “If it were not so, I would have told you.”1 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.”1 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. “Behold, there is a time appointed that all shall come forth from the dead.”2 This glorious certainty rises above an the uncertainties of our troubled generation.
And so, we can say with Emerson: “All I have seen teaches me to trust the Creator for all I have not seen.” Both in reason and revelation we find settled assurance of the certainty that we and all those we love, and all men of all time shall continue beyond the present, beyond death, unto life everlasting. “If it were not so, I would have told you.”2 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—always.
*Revised.
1John 1,14:2
2Book of Mormon, Alma 40:4
“The Spoken Word,” heard over Radio Station K S L and the nationwide Columbia Broadcasting System, from the Tabernacle, Temple Square, Salt Lake City, Sunday, March 28, 1948, 11:30 a.m. to 12:00 noon, EST. Copyright 1948.
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March 28, 1948
Broadcast Number 0,971