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Faithful Study Resources for Come, Follow Me

FAIR Resources for Come, Follow Me – Restoration Scripture
Week 16: April 14 - 20: "I am He Who Liveth, I am He Who Was Slain”

EASTER

Doctrinal Focus
Historical & Contextual
Apologetic Application
Practical Applications
Ideas for Teaching
Quick Reference

Doctrinal Focus

  • Key doctrines addressed in this week’s reading

The Savior’s resurrection was not just a historical event; it means He is actively involved in our lives. He speaks through modern prophets, guides His Church, and offers personal revelation to those who seek Him (Doctrine and Covenants 110:4). We can find comfort and strength in knowing that Christ is a living, present force in our lives.

Joseph Smith and Oliver Cowdery saw the Savior in the Kirtland Temple and bore witness of His living presence (Doctrine and Covenants 110:1-10). Similarly, the Apostles have testified of Him in “The Living Christ.” These sacred experiences strengthen our faith and remind us that Jesus Christ is aware of each of us individually.

The Savior’s victory over death is central to the gospel. Because He was resurrected, all of us—regardless of righteousness—will also be raised to immortality (1 Corinthians 15:22). This doctrine gives hope and meaning to life, reassuring us that death is not the end.

Joseph Smith, who experienced the loss of many loved ones, found peace through revelation that all will be restored to perfect bodies (Doctrine and Covenants 88:14-17). This truth helps us face mortality with faith and look forward to joyful reunions in the next life.

  • Christ’s suffering in Gethsemane and on the cross was infinite in scope, allowing Him to take upon Himself our pains, sins, and weaknesses (Mosiah 3:7; Alma 7:11-13). Through His grace, we can be cleansed and strengthened as we sincerely repent.

While Christ’s Atonement is available to all, we must exercise faith, repent, and follow Him to receive its full power (Doctrine and Covenants 19:16-19). This requires humility, obedience, and trust in His ability to heal us spiritually.

Historical & Contextual Insights

  • Insights in this week’s study
  • April 3, 1836, was Easter Sunday, and the Kirtland Temple had just been dedicated. On this sacred occasion, Joseph Smith and Oliver Cowdery sought the Lord in prayer behind a veil inside the temple.
  • In response to their prayer, the resurrected Savior appeared to them, declaring, “I am he who liveth, I am he who was slain” (Doctrine and Covenants 110:4). This visitation confirmed that Christ continued to guide His restored Church and was actively involved in its work.
  • This event solidified the reality of the living Christ in the early Restoration, strengthening the faith of the Saints and confirming divine approval of the Kirtland Temple. Additionally, this revelation was followed by appearances of Moses, Elias, and Elijah, who restored priesthood keys vital for temple work and missionary efforts.
  • The appearance of the resurrected Christ in the Kirtland Temple is a testimony that He leads His Church today. It reminds us that sacred experiences often follow diligent preparation, faith, and covenant-keeping, and that His guidance continues in our personal lives and in the Church.
  • The Resurrection of Jesus Christ was not just a singular miraculous event—it established an eternal truth that He continues to live and work among His people.
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  • The phrase “I am he who liveth” (Doctrine and Covenants 110:4) signifies more than just Christ’s triumph over death; it testifies of His active role in the world today. His resurrection was not only proof of His divinity but also an assurance that He continues to minister, direct His Church, and bless individuals with revelation, healing, and grace.
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  • Many people see the Resurrection as an event confined to the past, but Christ’s role as a living Savior means He is personally involved in our lives today. He continues to guide His followers through prophets, personal revelation, and the blessings of the Atonement.
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  • The testimonies of Joseph Smith, Oliver Cowdery, and other latter-day prophets affirm that Jesus Christ did not merely ascend into heaven and remain distant—He has appeared, spoken, and revealed His will throughout history. This truth strengthens our faith in His continuing role in our lives.
  • Throughout history, Christ has appeared to chosen witnesses, affirming the reality of His resurrection and His role as Redeemer.
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  • The account in Doctrine and Covenants 110 follows a pattern found in scripture—Christ appearing to chosen witnesses after His Resurrection to testify of His living reality. Just as He appeared to Mary Magdalene, His disciples, and later to the Nephites in the Book of Mormon, He also appeared to Joseph Smith and Oliver Cowdery.
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  • These witnesses serve an essential role in establishing truth. In legal and scriptural traditions, two or more witnesses are required to verify a testimony. Joseph Smith and Oliver Cowdery, like the ancient Apostles, were called to declare that they had seen and spoken with the living Christ.
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  • Their experience sets a precedent for how we can receive a witness of Christ—by preparing spiritually, seeking Him in prayer, and striving to do His work. While not all will see Him physically, all can receive a testimony of His reality through the Holy Ghost.

If you have questions on this week’s reading, please email your questions to us here.

Apologetic Application

  • Claim: “The Resurrection of Jesus Christ is a legend that was fabricated by His followers over time.”
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  • Response:
  • Historical Evidence: The Resurrection is one of the most well-documented events in ancient history, supported by multiple independent sources, including the four Gospels, Pauline letters, and non-Christian historians like Tacitus and Josephus. The rapid growth of Christianity in the face of persecution suggests that early Christians genuinely believed in the Resurrection.
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  • Eyewitness Support: Over 500 individuals saw the resurrected Christ (1 Corinthians 15:6), and His closest followers maintained their testimony despite severe persecution. Many, including Peter and Paul, were martyred rather than deny what they had seen.
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  • Spiritual Confirmation: The living Christ continues to reveal Himself today. Joseph Smith and Oliver Cowdery’s vision of the resurrected Christ in the Kirtland Temple (Doctrine and Covenants 110) affirms that His Resurrection was not just an ancient event but an ongoing reality.
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  • Logical Analysis: Legends take generations to develop, yet the Resurrection was proclaimed immediately after Christ’s death. If it were a fabrication, critics at the time could have easily disproven it by producing Christ’s body, yet no one did.
  • Claim: “Joseph Smith and Oliver Cowdery’s vision in the Kirtland Temple was a hallucination or an invented story.”
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  • Response:
  • Historical Evidence:
  • The vision in the Kirtland Temple occurred in the presence of many witnesses who experienced divine manifestations that day. The outpouring of the Spirit and subsequent events, such as the appearance of Moses, Elias, and Elijah, give credibility to the event (Doctrine and Covenants 110).
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  • Eyewitness Support: Both Joseph Smith and Oliver Cowdery bore consistent testimony of this vision throughout their lives, even after Oliver temporarily left the Church. Their unwavering accounts strengthen the case for its authenticity.
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  • Spiritual Confirmation:  The power and influence of the priesthood keys restored that day have had lasting effects, such as the expansion of temple work, missionary efforts, and the sealing power in the Church today.
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  • Logical Analysis:  Mass hallucinations are extremely rare and typically occur under extreme duress, yet both men gave consistent accounts of the vision. Additionally, hallucinations do not produce lasting institutions, yet this vision reinforced the authority of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
  • Claim: “Resurrection contradicts the laws of biology and physics, making it impossible.”
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  • Response:
  • Historical Evidence: While science cannot replicate resurrection, historical records from both Christian and non-Christian sources attest to Christ’s resurrection. The rapid rise of Christianity, based on this claim, is an unprecedented historical phenomenon.
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  • Eyewitness Support: Multiple firsthand witnesses saw Christ after His Resurrection, including Mary Magdalene, the Apostles, and the Nephites (3 Nephi 11). Their testimonies are remarkably consistent despite cultural and geographical differences.
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  • Spiritual Confirmation: Millions today have received a personal witness of Christ’s reality through prayer and revelation. His living presence is affirmed through continued divine manifestations, priesthood authority, and personal experiences with the Holy Ghost.
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  • Logical Analysis:  The existence of miracles does not contradict science; rather, it suggests that God operates under higher laws not yet fully understood by humanity. Just as past scientific “impossibilities” (such as flight or communication over vast distances) became realities, resurrection operates within divine laws beyond human comprehension.

Practical Applications

Practical solutions for someone in faith crisis:

Action Step: Bear testimony of the living Christ in personal prayer, study, or conversation.

Expressing testimony strengthens belief. When we declare our faith—whether in prayer, journaling, or discussion—it deepens our conviction and invites the Spirit to confirm the truth to us (Doctrine and Covenants 110:4).

  1. – Study scriptures that affirm Christ’s living reality (e.g., Doctrine and Covenants 76:22-24).
  2. – Write or verbally express your testimony in a journal, in prayer, or in a church setting.
  3. – Look for Christ’s influence in your daily life and record spiritual experiences.
  4. – Share your testimony in a natural, heartfelt way when opportunities arise.

Encouraging Thought:

  • President Russell M. Nelson taught, “The more you understand about Jesus Christ, the easier it will be to trust in His mercy, His infinite love, and His strengthening, healing, and redeeming power.”

Action Step: When faced with difficulties, consciously turn to Christ through scripture study and prayer before seeking other solutions.

The scriptures affirm that Christ heals the brokenhearted and carries our burdens (Isaiah 53:3-5; Alma 7:11-13). Trusting Him first invites peace and guidance beyond what the world can offer.

  1. – Identify a challenge you are facing.
  2. – Study Christ’s words about healing and strength (e.g., Mosiah 24:13-15).
  3. – Pray specifically for help and look for promptings.
  4. – Act in faith by following impressions and recording results.

Encouraging Thought:

  • Elder Jeffrey R. Holland stated, “Because Jesus walked such a long, lonely path utterly alone, we do not have to do so.”
  • Action Step: Strengthen your understanding of temple ordinances and priesthood authority through study and attendance.

The Savior restored temple ordinances through divine messengers in the Kirtland Temple (Doctrine and Covenants 110), emphasizing their central role in God’s plan. Understanding and honoring temple covenants brings greater peace and purpose.

  1. – Study the significance of temples in scripture and modern revelation.
  2. – Attend the temple regularly or prepare to receive temple ordinances.
  3. – Set a personal goal related to temple worship (e.g., performing ordinances, studying covenants).
  4. – Reflect on how temple blessings have strengthened you or others.

Encouraging Thought:

President Gordon B. Hinckley taught, “Every temple, no matter where it is, stands as a symbol of our testimony that life beyond the grave is as real and as certain as is our life here.”

Ideas for Teaching

Objective: Help learners recognize the significance of Christ’s Resurrection and how His living presence influences their lives today.

Picture of the Resurrected Christ, copies of The Living Christ, a whiteboard or poster for key insights.

Activity Steps:

  1. Introduction (5 min): Show a picture of the Resurrected Christ and ask, “How would your life change if you saw the Savior today?” Discuss responses briefly.
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  3. Scripture Discussion (5 min): Read Doctrine and Covenants 110:4 and excerpts from The Living Christ. Highlight how modern prophets testify of Christ’s living reality.
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  5. Application (5 min): Invite learners to write down one way they know Christ is alive in their own lives (through prayer, scripture, personal experiences). Share in pairs or small groups

Follow-Up Question: How does knowing that Christ lives today impact your daily decisions and faith?

Objective: Help learners understand the significance of the priesthood keys restored in the Kirtland Temple and how they affect us today.

A set of physical keys, a printed summary of Doctrine and Covenants 110, pictures of temples.

  1. Activity Steps:
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  3. Introduction (5 min): Show a set of keys and ask, “What do keys do? Why are they important?” Discuss how keys grant access and protection.
  4. Scripture Discussion (5 min): Read Doctrine and Covenants 110:11-16, discussing how Moses, Elias, and Elijah restored keys for missionary work, temple ordinances, and sealing power.
  5. Application (5 min): Show pictures of temples and discuss how these keys are still in use today. Invite learners to share experiences related to missionary work, temple ordinances, or family history.

Follow-Up Question:  How can you personally honor and use the blessings that come from these priesthood keys?

Objective: Strengthen learners’ testimonies by exploring how witnesses of Christ—from ancient apostles to modern prophets—confirm His living reality.

Printouts of testimonies (1 Corinthians 15:3-8; Doctrine and Covenants 76:22-24; The Living Christ), a timeline on a board or paper.

  • Activity Steps: 
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  • Introduction (5 min): Ask, “If you had to prove Christ is real to someone, what evidence would you use?” List responses.
  1. Scripture Discussion (5 min): Assign small groups different testimonies (e.g., Paul, Joseph Smith, modern apostles). Have them summarize their testimony and place it on the timeline.
  2. Application (5 min): Invite each person to write a short statement of their own testimony of Christ and consider ways to share it.

Follow-Up Question: How can sharing our testimony of Christ strengthen both our faith and the faith of others?

QUICK REFERENCE

  • – Jesus Christ is alive today and actively leads His Church (Doctrine and Covenants 110:4).
  • – The Resurrection ensures that all will overcome death (1 Corinthians 15:22).
  • – The Kirtland Temple vision affirmed Christ’s ongoing guidance and restored priesthood keys (Doctrine and Covenants 110:11-16).
  • – Witnesses throughout history have testified of the living Christ, from ancient apostles to modern prophets.
  • – Through Christ’s Atonement, we can find healing, forgiveness, and strength (Alma 7:11-13).
  1. Why Trust Modern Prophets?
  • Historical Evidence: Since biblical times, God has spoken through prophets (Amos 3:7). Joseph Smith and his successors follow this biblical pattern.
  • Eyewitness Support: Modern prophets consistently bear testimony of Jesus Christ, aligning with ancient prophets.
  • Spiritual Confirmation: Anyone can pray and receive a personal witness that God speaks today (James 1:5).
  • Logical Analysis: If God spoke to people in the past, why would He stop guiding His children today?
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  1. Why Does God Allow Mistakes in His Church?
  • Historical Evidence: Even biblical prophets made mistakes—Moses doubted (Exodus 4:10-14), Peter denied Christ (Luke 22:61-62).
  • Eyewitness Support: Joseph Smith acknowledged his imperfections, yet his divine calling was reaffirmed through revelations.
  • Spiritual Confirmation: God works through imperfect people to accomplish His perfect plan (Ether 12:27).
  • Logical Analysis: Expecting perfection in Church leaders ignores the purpose of continual revelation and personal spiritual responsibility.
  • The Living Christ: The Testimony of the Apostles
  • Teachings of the Presidents of the Church: Joseph Smith