In the April 1971 General Conference for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, Elder Ezra Taft Benson gave a talk entitled, “Life Is Eternal.”1 Here are some comments and notes on that talk.
Life Is Eternal
Elder Ezra Taft Benson’s address emphasizes that hope stems from the understanding that life is eternal. He emphasizes this point by repeatedly stating that “life is eternal.” This truth, supported by scripture, offers solace and perspective amidst the “topsy-turvy, sinful world” filled with trials. The knowledge that our existence extends beyond mortality diminishes the fear of death and allows us to focus on eternal progression.
Benson underscores that death is not an end but a transition. He uses the analogy of a child being carried to their bed by their father to illustrate the peaceful nature of passing from this life to the next.
What is death like? Here is a simple incident as told by Dr. Peter Marshall, chaplain of the United States Senate:
In a certain home, a little boy, the only son, was ill with an incurable disease. Month after month the mother had tenderly nursed him, but as the weeks went by and he grew no better, the little fellow gradually began to understand the meaning of death and he, too, realized that soon he was to die. One day his mother had been reading the story of King Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table, and as she closed the book the boy lay silent for a moment, then asked the question that had been laying on his heart. “Mother, what is it like to die? Mother, does it hurt?” Quick tears filled her eyes. She sprang to her feet and fled to the kitchen, supposedly to go get something. She prayed on the way a silent prayer that the Lord would tell her what to say, and the Lord did tell her. Immediately she knew how to explain it to him. She said as she returned from the kitchen, “Kenneth, you will remember when you were a little boy, you would play so hard you were too tired to undress and you tumbled into your mother’s bed and fell asleep. In the morning you would wake up and much to your surprise, you would find yourself in your own bed. In the night your father would pick you up in his big strong arms and carry you to your own bedroom. Kenneth, death is like that; we just wake up one morning to find ourselves in the room where we belong because the Lord Jesus loves us.” The lad’s shining face looked up and told her there would be no more fear, only love and trust in his heart as he went to meet the Father in heaven. He never questioned again and several weeks later he fell asleep, just as she said. That is what death is like.2
The resurrection of Jesus Christ is presented as the ultimate testament to this eternal continuity. His victory over death provides assurance that we, too, will be resurrected.
This understanding of eternal life shapes our perspective on earthly matters. Material possessions become less significant when viewed through the lens of eternity. Instead, our focus shifts to spiritual growth and obedience to God’s plan, leading to exaltation. The April 1971 General Conference talks reinforce this idea by emphasizing that hope for happiness and peace is rooted in the gospel of Jesus Christ.
Furthermore, Benson highlights the closeness of the spirit world, suggesting that the veil separating the living and the departed is thin. This proximity reinforces the interconnectedness of our existence and strengthens the hope of reuniting with loved ones who have passed on.
Ultimately, the talk emphasizes that hope is intricately linked to faith in Jesus Christ. His teachings, life, death, and resurrection provide the foundation for our understanding of eternal life. Accepting his gospel and striving to live according to his will bring “sweet joys of the spirit now and eternally.” This hope extends to the Second Coming of Christ and the eventual triumph of righteousness.
