What Jesus Taught

by Osborne J. P. Widtsoe

In the pre-existent state, of which we learned in the preceding lesson, all the spirits of men lived together in a world of spirits. It was there that they first heard of the plan of salvation—the Gospel. The plan was explained at a great meeting, or council, of the spirits. God Himself presented the plan to them, and showed them how, in order to carry out the plan, there would be needed a Savior—someone to perform the very mission that Jesus has actually performed for us. Then, when he had fully presented the Gospel plan, God asked, "Whom shall I send?"

Jesus Volunteers.

There was present at the council a spirit of supreme intelligence and humility. He was Immanuel, the Son of God. This spirit stepped forward and volunteered unselfishly, "Father, here am I, send me. Thy will be done, and the glory be Thine forever."

Lucifer volunteers.

But there was present at the assembly a proud and haughty spirit named Lucifer, the Light-bringer, a Son of the Morning. Lucifer also volunteered, saying, "Behold—here am I, send me, I will be Thy son and I will redeem all mankind, that one soul shall not be lost, and surely I will do it; wherefore give me Thine honor."

One can easily imagine that not only God, but the whole multitude of spirits also, must have been astounded at the selfishness and the arrogance of Lucifer. He was willing to try to save mankind—to force their salvation, in fact—but as reward he would thrust God from His throne, and claim for himself the honor and glory of God. It was as if he had said in his heart, "I will ascend into heaven, I will exalt my throne above the stars of God."

Lucifer rebels.

It is no wonder, then, that God said simply, "I will send the first." Naturally, Lucifer became angry, and rebelled against God, carrying with him one-third of the spirits of heaven. But in the war which followed, Lucifer and his host were defeated, and were cast out of heaven. "And he became Satan, yea, even the devil, the father of lies, to deceive and to blind men, and to lead them captive at his will, even as many as would not hearken unto (God's) voice."

The declaration of Jesus.

That is how evil came into the world; and that is why Jesus said once to the Jews who rejected Him, "If God were your Father, ye would love me: for I proceeded forth and am come from God: neither came I of myself, but He sent me. Why do ye not understand my speech? even because ye cannot hear my word. Ye are of your father the devil, and the lusts of your father ye will do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and abode not in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaketh a lie, he speaketh of his own: for he is a liar, and the father of it."