The Resurrection

In light of recent events in a friend's life I would like to testify to the reality of the resurrection. The Resurrection is when "... the spirit and the body is restored to itself again, and all men become incorruptible, and immortal". (2 Nephi 9:13) This is made possible by the resurrection of Jesus Christ. (See: Luke 24; Alma 7:12) Because of this we will all be resurrected. (1 Cor 15:22; 2 Nephi 9:22) When we are resurrected our bodies will be restored to their perfect condition. (Alma 40:23) Dallin H. Oaks taught concerning this, "What a comfort to know that all who have been disadvantaged in life from birth defects, from mortal injuries, from disease, or from the natural deterioration of old age will be resurrected in “proper and perfect frame.”" ("Resurrection")

Knowing that we will live again gives us hope for a better tomorrow. This knowledge serves as a comfort in times of loss of loved ones. Joseph Smith taught of the comfort the knowledge that the resurrection brings when he said,

"So plain was [my] vision [of the resurrection], that I actually saw men, before they had ascended from the tomb, as though they were getting up slowly. They took each other by the hand and said to each other, “My father, my son, my mother, my daughter, my brother, my sister.” And when the voice calls for the dead to arise, suppose I am laid by the side of my father, what would be the first joy of my heart? To meet my father, my mother, my brother, my sister; and when they are by my side, I embrace them and they me.

All your losses will be made up to you in the resurrection, provided you continue faithful. By the vision of the Almighty I have seen it...

The expectation of seeing my friends in the morning of the resurrection cheers my soul and makes me bear up against the evils of life. It is like their taking a long journey, and on their return we meet them with increased joy." (The Prophets Speaks: Joseph Smith on the Resurrection)

This doctrine has served to bless and comfort me. Around this time last year I was back home for the holidays. We had just finished celebrating Christmas and I had gone up to stay with my brother for a few days. On our way back to Utah my dad called me to tell me that my grandfather had passed away the night before. The knowledge that I would see my Grandpa again helped me to get through the days that followed. I look forward to the day when I can see him again. That when I do see him he will have a perfect body. That his body will be restored to a perfect state. I know that this loss and any other loss will be made up in the resurrection if we are faithful.