“It Is Impossible That Man”

Joseph F. McConkie, Robert L. Millet

True it is that God is infinite and man is finite. True it is that God is immortal and man so very mortal. True it is that God is all-powerful and man is impotent in contrast with omnipotence. And true it is that God is limitless and knows all things while man is still growing, still floundering, still grappling with his own survival. And yet, it is life eternal to know God (John 17:3).

God’s work and glory is to transform a meager mortal into a glorious celestial being (see Moses 1:39; D&C 29:43; D&C 76:58; D&C 132:19-20). These truths, the truths about God and his nature, though they are mysteries to the world-mysteries in which, strangely enough, many in the Christian world choose to glory- are truths which are meant to be known and understood by those aspiring to be like God. They cannot be discovered by scientific methodology nor in the rational wanderings of the learned; God stands revealed or he remains forever unknown. “The things of God knoweth no man, but [by] the Spirit of God” (1 Corinthians 2:11). Truly, it is impossible that man- unillumined man, undirected man, unassisted man- should find out the ways and thoughts of God. These treasures are to be had only by those who have “the mind of Christ,” those who enjoy the tender tutorials of the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 2:16).

Doctrinal Commentary on the Book of Mormon, Vol. 2

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