First Presidency Easter Message

Published: March 23, 2008
Every thoughtful person has asked himself that question best asked by Job of old: "If a man die, shall he live again?" (Job 14:14). Try as we may to put the question out of our thoughts, it always returns. Death comes to all mankind. It comes to the aged as they walk on faltering feet. Its call is heard by those who have scarcely reached midway in life's journey, and often it hushes the laughter of little children.

Job's question was answered on that first Easter, when, very early in the morning, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary came unto the sepulcher. To their astonishment, the body of their Lord was gone. Luke records that two men in shining garments stood by them and said: "Why seek ye the living among the dead? He is not here, but is risen . . . " (Luke 24:1, 5—6).

We solemnly testify that God lives. Jesus is His Son, the Only Begotten of the Father in the flesh. He is our Redeemer; He is our mediator with the Father. He it was who died on the cross to atone for our sins. He became the firstfruits of the resurrection. Because of His glorious resurrection all mankind will live again. "Oh, sweet the joy this sentence gives, I know that my Redeemer lives!" (Hymns, no. 136).

The First Presidency