With such large consequences, we need to know what our test entails. Some may consider it a test of religion. In fact many in the world believe that is what The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints teaches. It isn’t. We believe the fullness of the gospel of Jesus Christ is contained in our church and no other. Additionally we believe all will ultimately need to partake of the saving ordinances we have in our church in order to obtain celestial glory and dwell with God, and be like Him. And we believe it is ultimately best if these ordinances are partaken of here in this life. This is because getting these ordinances and then living according to the covenants we make along with them increases our ability to receive guidance from our Heavenly Father. This guidance helps us choose the life we need to live for success.
But we believe there are many good and righteous people in the world who are not members of our religion. These people will have the opportunity to partake of these saving ordinances even if they don’t receive them in the mortal life. At the same time we recognize that being a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints doesn’t necessarily mean you follow the teachings of the Savior. Nor does it guarantee that you will choose righteousness. Many members of our faith will find they did not pass the second test and earn the right to be like God even though they received the saving ordinances we talked about above.
So the second test isn’t about what religion you choose to live. It is true that your choice will have an impact. Choosing a good religion that teaches you wholesome values greatly increases your ability to live the life that will lead to your success, as long as you actually live the religion you choose.
But the test is ultimately designed to determine our inclination for good or evil over time. Good is that which obeys the eternal laws of nature by which the universe operates. Evil is defiance of these laws. So the test involves opportunities to choose between violating these laws or living according to them.
But where do we get these opportunities? The answer lies with Lucifer and those that followed him. When those who failed the first test rejected the plan of Heavenly Father, they decided to defy Him and were cast out of His presence. They were sent to earth so they could tempt those who would come as mortal beings in the second test. These temptations were the opportunities to choose good or evil.
But these temptations had to actually be enticing to work. If the opportunities we were given didn’t appear worth it, none would truly be tempted, so they wouldn’t be truly tested. So Lucifer and his host were given the ability to make that which is evil actually look pleasing or good. At the same time a veil was placed over the mortal life so our knowledge of the outcome of life wouldn’t prevent a true test.
The last part to a true test is knowledge of the laws we need to live by in order to succeed. So we are given revelations to present us with this knowledge. In addition, God sent Jesus Christ to earth in part to teach us what we are supposed to choose and to show us how to do it. He did this throughout His mortal ministry, which is contained in the Gospels of Luke, Mark, Matthew, and John. These books are contained in the New Testament.
So we have knowledge of what we are supposed to do, and why, through the example and life of Jesus Christ and through revelation. Yet we have opportunities and enticements to do evil presented through Lucifer and his followers. These make up the test designed to determine our inclination for good or evil.
So why is the test so long? As we choose one or the other, our inclination for that side grows while the other diminishes. So we are given many tests, with most of them repeating. This allows us the opportunity to correct past mistakes and grow to be choosers of good in spite of past bad decisions. This makes it so the test doesn’t hinge on one event, but on what we actually choose to make of ourselves through time.
In other words, if you have been following the wrong path, it isn’t too late. Correct your course and follow the path laid out by the Savior Jesus Christ and by revelation given in the scriptures. It will be hard. But it can be done.
The answer to success in choosing to live a good life, no matter which course you are on currently, lies with faith in the Savior Jesus Christ. Exercise faith in Him throughout your life and you will live the life you need to in order to pass the second test. You will earn the right to be like God.
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