“In the First Place They Were on the Same Standing with Their Brethren”

George Reynolds, Janne M. Sjodahl

In the beginning all spirits were created equal. There were none more privileged than were others. All were nurtured at the side of our Heavenly Father. All were blessed with the capability of learning. Heaven gave them love, and they, themselves, developed understanding. Wisdom came with understanding, while knowledge preceded them both. Knowledge, quickly followed by understanding, and then by wisdom, made strong the just and true. To the just and true, strength was added upon strength, justice upon justice, faith upon faith. The strong became stronger. As the strong became stronger, the Light of Christ illumined their way and in it they saw the reality of His Atonement. We are here reminded of certain words of Isaiah: "O House of Jacob, come ye and let us walk in the Light of the Lord." (Psalm 36:9). We cannot refrain from quoting the Sweet Singer of Israel as he continued his song of praise to God because what he expressed therein is just what the Holy Father did with His faithful children both here and before they came here: "O continue Thy loving kindness unto them that know Thee; and Thy righteousness to the upright in heart."

As we have noted a type of righteousness and integrity to its principles was established in the world from which man came; that same type conditions us here. As the spirits grew in the knowledge of that which is just and true, they also grew in the knowledge of the glory of Him that created them. In that knowledge, which is the Light of Christ, many, in all ages of the world, have been sent to declare to their fellow men here on Earth the Redemption brought about by the Holy One of Israel.

Commentary on the Book of Mormon, Vol. 3

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