Our potential, of course, comes from God. Before the foundation of
the world, God was ramping up the generators and charging our
batteries. In a CES fireside that Elder Nelson gave in 2003 he said
that before the foundation of the world:
- Joseph Smith was foreordained to be the Prophet of the
Restoration (see D&C 127:2) to usher in this last dispensation
(see D&C 27:13; 124:41; 128:18; 138:47-48).
- Choice men were foreordained to bear the priesthood of God (see
Alma 13:3; D&C 132:28; Abraham 3:22-23).
- The divine role of women was defined--that they might bear
children and thus "fulfill the promise" given by Heavenly Father
"for their exaltation in the eternal worlds" and to glorify God
(D&C 132:63).
- You and other elect spirit children were chosen to establish and
direct His work among people upon the earth (see Jeremiah 1:5;
Ephesians 1:4; D&C 138:53; Abraham 3:23).
- And before the foundation of the world, provision was made for
the redemption of those who should die without a knowledge of
the gospel (see D&C 124:33, 41; 128:5). This work was to be done
in temples of the Lord during this dispensation of the fullness
of times (see D&C 124:41).[3]
Bryan Murdock
2006-05-07