“Chapter 6: Death and Resurrection,” Teachings of Presidents of the Church: Thomas S. Monson (2020)

“Chapter 6,” Teachings: Thomas S. Monson

Chapter 6

Death and Resurrection: From Hopeless Dawn to Joyful Morning

“Through the heartache and loneliness of losing loved ones, there is assurance that life is everlasting. Our Lord and Savior is the living witness that such is so.”

From the Life of Thomas S. Monson

A visitor once asked President Thomas S. Monson, “What is there to see while I am in Salt Lake City?” He gave several suggestions and then considered inviting the visitor to spend an hour or two at one of the city’s cemeteries. Wherever President Monson traveled, he tried to visit a cemetery in the town or city. He described such visits as “a time of contemplation, of reflection on the meaning of life and the inevitability of death.”¹

President Monson was especially attentive to those who were dying, often visiting in their final days to give blessings and bring a measure of peace and comfort. From the time he was called to the Quorum of the Twelve, he spoke at more than 800 funerals. Each time he testified that because of the Savior’s Resurrection, life continues after death.

In the October 2013 general conference, President Monson testified of eternal life in a most personal way as he spoke about his wife, Frances:

“Brothers and sisters, six months ago as we met together in our general conference, my sweet wife, Frances, lay in the hospital, having suffered a devastating fall just a few days earlier. In May, after weeks of valiantly struggling to overcome her injuries, she slipped into eternity. Her loss has been profound. She and I were married in the Salt Lake Temple on October 7, 1948. Tomorrow would have been our 65th wedding anniversary. She was the love of my life, my trusted confidant, and my closest friend. To say that I miss her does not begin to convey the depth of my feelings.

“This conference marks 50 years since I was called to the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles by President David O. McKay. Through all these years I have felt nothing but the full and complete support of my sweet companion. Countless are the sacrifices she made so that I could fulfill my calling. Never did I hear a word of complaint from her as I was often required to spend days and sometimes weeks away from her and from our children. She was an angel, indeed. …

“Of utmost comfort to me during this tender time of parting have been my testimony of the gospel of Jesus Christ and the knowledge I have that my dear Frances lives still. I know that our separation is temporary. We were sealed in the house of God by one having authority to bind on earth and in heaven. I know that we will be reunited one day and will never again be separated. This is the knowledge that sustains me.”²

President Monson and Frances — After the death of his wife, Frances, President Monson said: “I know that we will be reunited one day and will never again be separated. This is the knowledge that sustains me.”

Teachings of Thomas S. Monson

To understand the meaning of death, we must appreciate the purpose of life.

All of us commenced a wonderful and essential journey when we left the spirit world and entered this often-challenging stage called mortality. The primary purposes of our existence upon the earth are to obtain a body of flesh and bones, to gain experience that could come only through separation from our heavenly parents, and to see if we would keep the commandments. In the book of Abraham chapter 3 we read: “And we will prove them herewith, to see if they will do all things whatsoever the Lord their God shall command them” [Abraham 3:25].³

The plan of life and an explanation of its eternal course come to us from the Master of heaven and earth, even Jesus Christ the Lord. To understand the meaning of death, we must appreciate the purpose of life.

… In this dispensation, the Lord declared: “And now, verily I say unto you, I was in the beginning with the Father, and am the Firstborn” [Doctrine and Covenants 93:21]. “Man was also in the beginning with God” [Doctrine and Covenants 93:29].

Jeremiah the prophet recorded: “The word of the Lord came unto me, saying, Before I formed thee … I knew thee; and before thou camest forth … I sanctified thee, and I ordained thee a prophet unto the nations” [Jeremiah 1:4–5].

From that majestic world of spirits we enter the grand stage of life to prove ourselves obedient to all things commanded of God. During mortality we grow from helpless infancy to inquiring childhood and then to reflective maturity. We experience joy and sorrow, fulfillment and disappointment, success and failure. We taste the sweet, yet sample the bitter. This is mortality.⁴

Death is an essential part of our mortal experience, but life is everlasting.

Among all the facts of mortality, none is so certain as its end. Death comes to all. … It inevitably represents a painful loss of association and, particularly in the young, a crushing blow to dreams unrealized, ambitions unfulfilled, and hopes vanquished.

What mortal being, faced with the loss of a loved one or, indeed, standing himself or herself on the threshold of infinity, has not pondered what lies beyond the veil which separates the seen from the unseen?

Centuries ago the man Job—so long blessed with every material gift, only to find himself sorely afflicted by all that can befall a human being—sat with his companions and uttered the timeless, ageless question, “If a man die, shall he live again?” [Job 14:14]. Job spoke what every other living man or woman has pondered.⁵

Though difficult and painful, death is an essential part of our mortal experience. We began our sojourn here by leaving our premortal existence and coming to this earth. …

Life moves on. Youth follows childhood, and maturity comes ever so imperceptibly. As we search and ponder the purpose and the problems of life, all of us sooner or later face the question of the length of life and of a personal, everlasting life. These questions most insistently assert themselves when loved ones leave us or when we face leaving those we love. …

My brothers and sisters, we laugh, we cry, we work, we play, we love, we live. And then we die. Death is our universal heritage. All must pass its portals. Death claims the aged, the weary and worn. It visits the youth in the bloom of hope and the glory of expectation. Nor are little children kept beyond its grasp. In the words of the Apostle Paul, “It is appointed unto men once to die” [Hebrews 9:27].

And dead we would remain but for one Man and His mission, even Jesus of Nazareth. …

To all who have lost loved ones, we would turn Job’s question to an answer: If a man die, he shall live again. We know, for we have the light of revealed truth. …

Through tears and trials, through fears and sorrows, through the heartache and loneliness of losing loved ones, there is assurance that life is everlasting. Our Lord and Savior is the living witness that such is so.⁶

When the righteous die, their spirits go to paradise.

Many years ago I stood by the bedside of a young man, the father of two children, as he hovered between life and the great beyond. He took my hand in his, looked into my eyes, and pleadingly asked, “Bishop, I know I am about to die. Tell me what happens to my spirit when I die.”

I prayed for heavenly guidance before attempting to respond. My attention was directed to the Book of Mormon, which rested on the table beside his bed. I held the book in my hand, and it providentially opened to the 40th chapter of Alma. I began to read aloud:

“Now my son, here is somewhat more I would say unto thee; for I perceive that thy mind is worried concerning the resurrection of the dead. …

“Now, concerning the state of the soul between death and the resurrection—Behold, it has been made known unto me by an angel, that the spirits of all men, as soon as they are departed from this mortal body, … are taken home to that God who gave them life.

“And then shall it come to pass, that the spirits of those who are righteous are received into a state of happiness, which is called paradise, a state of rest, a state of peace, where they shall rest from all their troubles and from all care, and sorrow” [Alma 40:1, 11–12].

My young friend closed his eyes, expressed a sincere thank-you, and silently slipped away to that paradise about which we had spoken.⁷

Through the Resurrection, the Savior conquered death for all.

[After our time in the spirit world] comes that glorious day of resurrection, when spirit and body will be reunited, never again to be separated. “I am the resurrection, and the life,” said the Christ to the grieving Martha. “He that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live: and whosoever liveth and believeth in me shall never die” [John 11:25–26]. …

This transcendent promise became a reality when Mary and the other Mary approached the garden tomb—that cemetery which had but one occupant. Let Luke, the physician, describe their experience:

“Now upon the first day of the week, very early in the morning, they came unto the sepulchre. … And they found the stone rolled away. … They entered in, and found not the body of the Lord Jesus. … As they were much perplexed thereabout, behold, two men stood by them in shining garments: and … said unto them, Why seek ye the living among the dead?” [Luke 24:1–5].

“He is not here: for he is risen” [Matthew 28:6].

resurrected Christ greeting Mary — “I declare my personal witness that death has been conquered, victory over the tomb has been won. … *He is risen.*”

This is the clarion call of Christendom. The reality of the Resurrection provides to one and all the peace that surpasses understanding [see Philippians 4:7]. … It is a universal truth.

… I declare my personal witness that death has been conquered, victory over the tomb has been won. May the words made sacred by Him who fulfilled them become actual knowledge to all. Remember them. Cherish them. Honor them. He is risen.⁸

The assurance of the Resurrection makes of every hopeless dawn a joyful morning.

Frequently death comes as an intruder. It is an enemy that suddenly appears in the midst of life’s feast, putting out its lights and gaiety. Death lays its heavy hand upon those dear to us and at times leaves us baffled and wondering. In certain situations, as in great suffering and illness, death comes as an angel of mercy. But for the most part, we think of it as the enemy of human happiness.

The darkness of death can ever be dispelled by the light of revealed truth. “I am the resurrection, and the life,” spoke the Master. “He that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live: and whosoever liveth and believeth in me shall never die” [John 11:25–26].

This reassurance—yes, even holy confirmation—of life beyond the grave could well provide the peace promised by the Savior when He assured His disciples: “Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid” [John 14:27].⁹

The reality of the resurrection was voiced by the martyr Stephen as he looked upward and cried, “I see the heavens opened, and the Son of man standing on the right hand of God.” (Acts 7:56.)

Saul, on the road to Damascus, had a vision of the risen, exalted Christ. Later, as Paul, defender of truth and fearless missionary in the service of the Master, he bore witness of the risen Lord as he declared to the saints at Corinth:

“Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; … he was buried, and … he rose again the third day according to the scriptures: … he was seen of Cephas, then of the twelve: after that, he was seen of above five hundred brethren at once; … he was seen of James; then of all the apostles. And last of all he was seen of me.” (1 Cor. 15:3–8.)

In our dispensation, this same testimony was spoken boldly by the Prophet Joseph Smith, as he and Sidney Rigdon testified:

“And now, after the many testimonies which have been given of him, this is the testimony, last of all, which we give of him: That he lives!

“For we saw him, even on the right hand of God; and we heard the voice bearing record that he is the Only Begotten of the Father—

“That by him, and through him, and of him, the worlds are and were created, and the inhabitants thereof are begotten sons and daughters unto God.” (D&C 76:22–24.)

This is the knowledge that sustains. This is the truth that comforts. This is the assurance that guides those bowed down with grief out of the shadows and into the light.

Such help is not restricted to the elderly, the well-educated, or a select few. It is available to all.

Several years ago, the Salt Lake City newspapers published an obituary notice of a close friend—a mother and wife taken by death in the prime of her life. I visited the mortuary and joined a host of persons gathered to express condolence to the distraught husband and motherless children. Suddenly the smallest child, Kelly, recognized me and took my hand in hers. “Come with me,” she said, and she led me to the casket in which rested the body of her beloved mother. … “Many times my mommy told me about death and life with Heavenly Father. I belong to my mommy and my daddy. We’ll all be together again.” To my mind came the words of the Psalmist: “Out of the mouth of babes … hast thou ordained strength.” (Ps. 8:2.)

Through tear-moistened eyes, I saw my young friend’s beautiful and faith-filled smile. For her, whose tiny hand yet clasped mine, there would never be a hopeless dawn. Sustained by her unfailing testimony, knowing that life continues beyond the grave, she, her father, her brothers, her sisters, and indeed all who share this knowledge of divine truth can declare to the world: “Weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning.” (Ps. 30:5.)

sunrise over hills — “The gospel of Jesus Christ is that penetrating light that makes of every hopeless dawn a joyful morning.”

With all the strength of my soul, I testify that God lives, that his Beloved Son is the firstfruits of the resurrection, that the gospel of Jesus Christ is that penetrating light that makes of every hopeless dawn a joyful morning.¹⁰

Suggestions for Study and Teaching

Questions

President Monson taught that “to understand the meaning of death, we must appreciate the purpose of life” (section 1). How does understanding the purpose of life help you understand the meaning of death? How does knowing about your premortal existence with God help you understand your mortal life?
Review President Monson’s teachings about death being a necessary part of our mortal experience (see section 2). Why is it helpful to know that mortal death is part of Heavenly Father’s plan for our eternal progress?
What happens to the spirits of the righteous between the time of death and resurrection? (See section 3.)
What does it mean to be resurrected? (See section 4.) How can we apply President Monson’s counsel to cherish and honor the words He is risen?
President Monson testified that the Resurrection “makes of every hopeless dawn a joyful morning” (section 5). How can we gain or strengthen a testimony of the Resurrection? How can a testimony of the Resurrection bring us peace and comfort?

Related Scriptures

Isaiah 25:8; 1 Corinthians 15:51–58; 2 Nephi 9:6–15; Mosiah 16:6–8; Alma 11:42–45; Doctrine and Covenants 42:45–47

Study Help

Consider reading a chapter or passage more than once so you can understand it more deeply. As you do so, you may discover profound insights.