Wayward Children President James E. Faust
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A
principle in this statement that is often overlooked is that they must
fully repent and "suffer for their sins" and "pay their
debt to justice." I recognize that now is the time "to prepare
to meet God." If the repentance of the wayward children does not
happen in this life, is it still possible for the cords of the sealing
to be strong enough for them yet to work out their repentance? In the
Doctrine and Covenants we are told, "The dead who repent will be
redeemed, through obedience to the ordinances of the house of God, and
after they have paid the penalty of their transgressions, and are washed
clean, shall receive a reward according to their works, for they are
heirs of salvation."We remember that the prodigal son wasted his inheritance, and when it was all gone he came back to his father's house. There he was welcomed back into the family, but his inheritance was spent. Mercy will not rob justice, and the sealing power of faithful parents will only claim wayward children upon the condition of their repentance and Christ's Atonement. Repentant wayward children will enjoy salvation and all the blessings that go with it, but exaltation is much more. It must be fully earned. The question as to who will be exalted must be left to the Lord in His mercy. (James E. Faust, CR, April 2003, p. 68) |
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John 10-12 |
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