Skip to main content
Religion

Elder Paul V. Johnson: And There Shall Be No More Death

 width=

Elder Paul V. Johnson (LDS Church)

The resurrection of Jesus Christ and his Atonement are essential to the plan of salvation.

Elder Paul V. Johnson of the Seventy spoke about the important role Christ plays in the resurrection during the Sunday afternoon session of the 186th Annual General Conference.

He remembered the loss of his daughter, Alisa, who died of cancer almost one year ago. He explained that this Easter season helped him remember how important the resurrection of Jesus Christ is to all on earth.

'We experience all the joys and challenges associated with mortal life.  When a person dies, their spirit is separated from their body,' Elder Johnson said. 'Resurrection makes it possible for a person's spirit and body to be united again, only this time that body will be immortal and perfect — not subject to pain, disease or other problems.'

Elder Johnson quoted President Gordon B. Hinckley, who called the resurrection, ''the greatest of all events in the history of mankind.'' He emphasized its pivotal significance since every person on earth will be tried, challenged and tested in various ways.

'None of these problems will plague us after we are resurrected,' Elder Johnson said.

Elder Johnson's daughter, Alisa, researched the survival rates for people with the same cancer she suffered from; she found unsettling results.

'She wrote, 'But there is a cure, so I'm not scared.  Jesus has already cured my cancer, and yours... I will be better.  I'm glad I know this,' Elder Johnson shared.  'We can replace the word 'cancer' with any of the other physical, mental or emotional ailments we may face.'

There have been many witnesses to the resurrection of the Savior, as described in the New Testament and the Book of Mormon. The resurrection assures all that the other promises of the gospel are real.

'The reality of the Resurrection of the Savior overwhelms our heartbreak with hope, because with it comes the assurance that all of the other promises of the gospel are just as real — promises that are no less miraculous than resurrection,' Elder Johnson said.  'We know that He can make us whole no matter what is broken in us.'

See a summary of The Daily Universe’s coverage of the April 2016 LDS General Conference.