Pre-Existence, Part 1

Shawn McCraney explores the different interpretations of Psalm 10:4, emphasizing that the wicked, through prideful attitudes, fail to seek God, resulting in a lack of divine presence in their thoughts. He highlights the variation in translations, some suggesting that the wicked assume God’s inaction, while others underline the absence of God in their cognition, leaving the question of true understanding open to interpretation.

The teaching emphasizes the importance of individual discernment of biblical scripture through the Spirit, highlighting that the interpretation can greatly vary based on the translation and personal understanding. This concept is tied to unique LDS beliefs, particularly the doctrine of the "pre-mortal existence," which asserts that humans existed as spirits with heavenly parentage before inhabiting physical bodies on Earth.

The teaching discusses the LDS belief in a pre-mortal existence where individuals developed talents and abilities, with the righteous being more blessed in the mortal life due to their pre-mortal actions, and emphasizes a plan of salvation proposed by God, which involved Jesus Christ's role as Savior, in contrast to Satan’s rejected plan. Unique LDS notions include the idea of pre-mortal family connections and promises, as well as differing mortal conditions reflecting pre-mortal valiance, leading to discussions on inequality and divine justice in mortal life.

LDS theology suggests that humans begin as pre-mortal spirits and their life circumstances on Earth are influenced by their pre-mortal choices, leading to a natural "sifting" where more valiant spirits are given advantages. In contrast to traditional Judeo-Christian views, LDS beliefs emphasize unique pre-mortal identities, whereas ancient biblical perspectives did not separate body and soul, describing humans as animated by God's breath.

The teaching explains that in the Old Testament, the concept of the spirit and soul is intertwined with life itself, given to humans by God breathing His spirit into them, making the soul synonymous with one's life. When God retrieves this spirit, life ceases, demonstrating that the soul was not seen as a distinct entity but rather as a manifestation of God's life-giving breath.