We Can Become

Who so loved the world that he gave his own life that a many as would believe might become the sons of God. Wherefore you are my son. Doctrine & Covenants 34:3

This verse, a restatement of John 3:16 for the benefit of Elder Orson Pratt, sets forth one of the grand purposes of the gospel of Jesus Christ. The gospel is intended to do far more than help people get along with each other, as important as that is. It is intended to do more than make bad people into good people, although that is also important. The gospel is “the power of God unto salvation” (Romans 1:16), a power that not only forgives our sins and cleanses our souls but also reinstates us in the royal family of God. Acceptance of the fulness of the gospel and faithful participation in the ordinances of exaltation empower us to become the sons and daughters of God. As such, when Jesus “shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is” (1 John 3:2). (Robert L. Millet and Lloyd D. Newell. Draw Near Unto Me: Daily Reflections on the Doctrine and Covenants. 91)