They Are Their Own Judges

David A. Bednar October 2025 Sunday Afternoon Session

Scripture citations

  1. Moroni 10:32

    View in talk

    The Book of Mormon concludes with inspiring invitations from Moroni to “come unto Christ,” “be perfected in Him,” “deny [ourselves] of all ungodliness,” and “love God with all [our] might, mind and strength.” Interestingly, the final sentence of his instruction anticipates both the Resurrection and Final Judgment.

    Reference Verified

  2. Moroni 10:34

    View in talk

    soon go to rest in the paradise of God, until my spirit and body shall again reunite, and I am brought forth triumphant through the air, to meet you before the pleasing bar of the great Jehovah, the Eternal Judge of both quick and dead.”
    Quote Verified

  3. Jacob 6:13

    View in talk

    I am intrigued by Moroni’s use of the word “pleasing” to describe the Final Judgment.

    Reference Verified

  4. 2 Nephi 9:46

    View in talk

    I am intrigued by Moroni’s use of the word “pleasing” to describe the Final Judgment.

    Reference Verified

  5. Alma 5:15

    View in talk

    I am intrigued by Moroni’s use of the word “pleasing” to describe the Final Judgment.

    Reference Verified

  6. Jacob 6:9

    View in talk

    I am intrigued by Moroni’s use of the word “pleasing” to describe the Final Judgment.

    Reference Verified

  7. Alma 41:4

    View in talk

    I am intrigued by Moroni’s use of the word “pleasing” to describe the Final Judgment.

    Reference Verified

  8. 2 Nephi 2:13

    View in talk

    I pray for the assistance of the Holy Ghost as we consider Heavenly Father’s plan of happiness and mercy, the Savior’s atoning role in the Father’s plan, and how we will “be accountable for [our] own sins in the day of judgment.”

    Reference Verified

  9. Mosiah 2:41

    View in talk

    I pray for the assistance of the Holy Ghost as we consider Heavenly Father’s plan of happiness and mercy, the Savior’s atoning role in the Father’s plan, and how we will “be accountable for [our] own sins in the day of judgment.”

    Reference Verified

  10. Mosiah 16:11

    View in talk

    I pray for the assistance of the Holy Ghost as we consider Heavenly Father’s plan of happiness and mercy, the Savior’s atoning role in the Father’s plan, and how we will “be accountable for [our] own sins in the day of judgment.”

    Reference Verified

  11. Alma 40:12

    View in talk

    I pray for the assistance of the Holy Ghost as we consider Heavenly Father’s plan of happiness and mercy, the Savior’s atoning role in the Father’s plan, and how we will “be accountable for [our] own sins in the day of judgment.”

    Reference Verified

  12. 2 Nephi 9:6

    View in talk

    I pray for the assistance of the Holy Ghost as we consider Heavenly Father’s plan of happiness and mercy, the Savior’s atoning role in the Father’s plan, and how we will “be accountable for [our] own sins in the day of judgment.”

    Reference Verified

  13. Alma 34:16

    View in talk

    I pray for the assistance of the Holy Ghost as we consider Heavenly Father’s plan of happiness and mercy, the Savior’s atoning role in the Father’s plan, and how we will “be accountable for [our] own sins in the day of judgment.”

    Reference Verified

  14. Alma 42:15

    View in talk

    I pray for the assistance of the Holy Ghost as we consider Heavenly Father’s plan of happiness and mercy, the Savior’s atoning role in the Father’s plan, and how we will “be accountable for [our] own sins in the day of judgment.”

    Reference Verified

  15. Doctrine and Covenants 101:78

    View in talk

    I pray for the assistance of the Holy Ghost as we consider Heavenly Father’s plan of happiness and mercy, the Savior’s atoning role in the Father’s plan, and how we will “be accountable for [our] own sins in the day of judgment.”

    Reference Verified

  16. 2 Nephi 2:5

    View in talk

    The overarching purposes of the Father’s plan are to provide His spirit children with opportunities to receive a physical body, learn “good from evil” through mortal experience, grow spiritually, and progress eternally.

    Reference Verified

  17. Moses 1:39

    View in talk

    What the Doctrine and Covenants refers to as “moral agency” is central in God’s plan to bring to pass the immortality and eternal life of His sons and daughters.

    Reference Verified

  18. Doctrine and Covenants 93:31

    View in talk

    What the Doctrine and Covenants refers to as “moral agency” is central in God’s plan to bring to pass the immortality and eternal life of His sons and daughters.

    Reference Verified

  19. Moses 4:3

    View in talk

    What the Doctrine and Covenants refers to as “moral agency” is central in God’s plan to bring to pass the immortality and eternal life of His sons and daughters.

    Reference Verified

  20. Moses 7:32

    View in talk

    What the Doctrine and Covenants refers to as “moral agency” is central in God’s plan to bring to pass the immortality and eternal life of His sons and daughters.

    Reference Verified

  21. 2 Nephi 2:27

    View in talk

    What the Doctrine and Covenants refers to as “moral agency” is central in God’s plan to bring to pass the immortality and eternal life of His sons and daughters.

    Reference Verified

  22. Helaman 14:30

    View in talk

    What the Doctrine and Covenants refers to as “moral agency” is central in God’s plan to bring to pass the immortality and eternal life of His sons and daughters.

    Reference Verified

  23. Doctrine and Covenants 37:4

    View in talk

    What the Doctrine and Covenants refers to as “moral agency” is central in God’s plan to bring to pass the immortality and eternal life of His sons and daughters.

    Reference Verified

  24. Articles of Faith 1:13

    View in talk

    The term “moral agency” is instructive.

    Reference Verified

  25. 2 Nephi 2:14

    View in talk

    God’s creations include both “things to act and things to be acted upon.” And moral agency is the divinely designed “power of independent action” that empowers us as God’s children to become agents to act and not simply objects to be acted upon.

    Reference Verified

  26. Abraham 3:25

    View in talk

    The earth was created as a place whereon Heavenly Father’s children could be proved to see if they would “do all things whatsoever the Lord their God shall command them.” A primary purpose of the Creation and of our mortal existence is to provide us the opportunity to act and become what the Lord invites us to become.

    Reference Verified

  27. Matthew 22:36

    View in talk

    The fundamental purposes for the exercise of agency are to love one another and to choose God.

    Reference Verified

  28. Doctrine and Covenants 58:28

    View in talk

    A familiar hymn is titled “Choose the Right” for a reason.

    Reference Verified

  29. Doctrine and Covenants 58:27

    View in talk

    A familiar hymn is titled “Choose the Right” for a reason.

    Reference Verified

  30. 2 Nephi 25:23

    View in talk

    Our works and desires alone do not and cannot save us.

    Reference Verified

  31. Jacob 4:11

    View in talk

    Our works and desires alone do not and cannot save us.

    Reference Verified

  32. Alma 34:10

    View in talk

    Our works and desires alone do not and cannot save us.

    Reference Verified

  33. Alma 34:14

    View in talk

    Our works and desires alone do not and cannot save us.

    Reference Verified

  34. Alma 33:22

    View in talk

    “Begin to believe in the Son of God, that he will come to redeem his people, and that he shall suffer and die to atone for their sins; and that he shall rise again from the dead, which shall bring to pass the resurrection, that all men shall stand before him, to be judged at the last and judgment day, according to their works.”
    Quote Verified

  35. Articles of Faith 1:3

    View in talk

    “We believe that through the Atonement of Christ, all mankind may be saved, by obedience to the laws and ordinances of the Gospel.”
    Quote Verified

  36. Mosiah 27:25

    View in talk

    “We believe that through the Atonement of Christ, all mankind may be saved, by obedience to the laws and ordinances of the Gospel.” How grateful we should be that our sins and wicked deeds will not stand as a testimony against us if we are truly “born again,” exercise faith in the Redeemer, repent with “sincerity of heart” and “real intent,” and “endure to the end.”

    Reference Verified

  37. Mosiah 4:10

    View in talk

    “We believe that through the Atonement of Christ, all mankind may be saved, by obedience to the laws and ordinances of the Gospel.” How grateful we should be that our sins and wicked deeds will not stand as a testimony against us if we are truly “born again,” exercise faith in the Redeemer, repent with “sincerity of heart” and “real intent,” and “endure to the end.”

    Reference Verified

  38. 2 Nephi 31:13

    View in talk

    “We believe that through the Atonement of Christ, all mankind may be saved, by obedience to the laws and ordinances of the Gospel.” How grateful we should be that our sins and wicked deeds will not stand as a testimony against us if we are truly “born again,” exercise faith in the Redeemer, repent with “sincerity of heart” and “real intent,” and “endure to the end.”

    Reference Verified

  39. 2 Nephi 31:15

    View in talk

    “We believe that through the Atonement of Christ, all mankind may be saved, by obedience to the laws and ordinances of the Gospel.” How grateful we should be that our sins and wicked deeds will not stand as a testimony against us if we are truly “born again,” exercise faith in the Redeemer, repent with “sincerity of heart” and “real intent,” and “endure to the end.”

    Reference Verified

  40. Hebrews 12:28

    View in talk

    Different from but related to the mortal fears we often experience is what the scriptures describe as “godly fear” or “the fear of the Lord.” Unlike worldly fear that causes alarm and anxiety, godly fear invites into our lives peace, assurance, and confidence.

    Reference Verified

  41. Job 28:28

    View in talk

    Different from but related to the mortal fears we often experience is what the scriptures describe as “godly fear” or “the fear of the Lord.” Unlike worldly fear that causes alarm and anxiety, godly fear invites into our lives peace, assurance, and confidence.

    Reference Verified

  42. Proverbs 16:6

    View in talk

    Different from but related to the mortal fears we often experience is what the scriptures describe as “godly fear” or “the fear of the Lord.” Unlike worldly fear that causes alarm and anxiety, godly fear invites into our lives peace, assurance, and confidence.

    Reference Verified

  43. Isaiah 11:2

    View in talk

    Different from but related to the mortal fears we often experience is what the scriptures describe as “godly fear” or “the fear of the Lord.” Unlike worldly fear that causes alarm and anxiety, godly fear invites into our lives peace, assurance, and confidence.

    Reference Verified

  44. Psalms 33:8

    View in talk

    Righteous fear encompasses a deep feeling of reverence and awe for the Lord Jesus Christ, obedience to His commandments, and anticipation of the Final Judgment and justice at His hand.

    Reference Verified

  45. Psalms 96:4

    View in talk

    Righteous fear encompasses a deep feeling of reverence and awe for the Lord Jesus Christ, obedience to His commandments, and anticipation of the Final Judgment and justice at His hand.

    Reference Verified

  46. Deuteronomy 5:29

    View in talk

    Righteous fear encompasses a deep feeling of reverence and awe for the Lord Jesus Christ, obedience to His commandments, and anticipation of the Final Judgment and justice at His hand.

    Reference Verified

  47. Deuteronomy 8:6

    View in talk

    Righteous fear encompasses a deep feeling of reverence and awe for the Lord Jesus Christ, obedience to His commandments, and anticipation of the Final Judgment and justice at His hand.

    Reference Verified

  48. Deuteronomy 10:12

    View in talk

    Righteous fear encompasses a deep feeling of reverence and awe for the Lord Jesus Christ, obedience to His commandments, and anticipation of the Final Judgment and justice at His hand.

    Reference Verified

  49. Deuteronomy 13:4

    View in talk

    Righteous fear encompasses a deep feeling of reverence and awe for the Lord Jesus Christ, obedience to His commandments, and anticipation of the Final Judgment and justice at His hand.

    Reference Verified

  50. Psalms 112:1

    View in talk

    Righteous fear encompasses a deep feeling of reverence and awe for the Lord Jesus Christ, obedience to His commandments, and anticipation of the Final Judgment and justice at His hand.

    Reference Verified

  51. Mosiah 4:30

    View in talk

    Righteous fear encompasses a deep feeling of reverence and awe for the Lord Jesus Christ, obedience to His commandments, and anticipation of the Final Judgment and justice at His hand.

    Reference Verified

  52. Doctrine and Covenants 137:9

    View in talk

    Righteous fear encompasses a deep feeling of reverence and awe for the Lord Jesus Christ, obedience to His commandments, and anticipation of the Final Judgment and justice at His hand.

    Reference Verified

  53. Articles of Faith 1:2

    View in talk

    Righteous fear encompasses a deep feeling of reverence and awe for the Lord Jesus Christ, obedience to His commandments, and anticipation of the Final Judgment and justice at His hand.

    Reference Verified

  54. Jacob 4:13

    View in talk

    The fear of the Lord is not a reluctant apprehension about coming into His presence to be judged.

    Reference Verified

  55. Mosiah 16:10

    View in talk

    Every person who has lived, who does now live, and who will yet live upon the earth “shall be brought to stand before the bar of God, to be judged of him according to [his or her] works whether they be good or whether they be evil.”

    Reference Verified

  56. Enos 1:27

    View in talk

    If our desires have been for righteousness and our works good—meaning we have exercised faith in Jesus Christ, made and kept covenants with God, and repented of our sins—then the judgment bar will be pleasing.

    Reference Verified

  57. Alma 41:6

    View in talk

    If our desires have been for righteousness and our works good—meaning we have exercised faith in Jesus Christ, made and kept covenants with God, and repented of our sins—then the judgment bar will be pleasing.

    Reference Verified

  58. 2 Nephi 9:14

    View in talk

    Conversely, if our desires have been for evil and our works wicked, then the judgment bar will be a cause of dread.

    Reference Verified

  59. Alma 11:43

    View in talk

    Conversely, if our desires have been for evil and our works wicked, then the judgment bar will be a cause of dread.

    Reference Verified

  60. Mosiah 2:38

    View in talk

    Conversely, if our desires have been for evil and our works wicked, then the judgment bar will be a cause of dread.

    Reference Verified

  61. Alma 12:14

    View in talk

    Conversely, if our desires have been for evil and our works wicked, then the judgment bar will be a cause of dread.

    Reference Verified

  62. Alma 41:5

    View in talk

    Conversely, if our desires have been for evil and our works wicked, then the judgment bar will be a cause of dread.

    Reference Verified

  63. Alma 41:7

    View in talk

    Ultimately, then, we are our own judges.

    Reference Verified

  64. Alma 5:21

    View in talk

    Ultimately, then, we are our own judges.

    Reference Verified

  65. Mormon 9:2

    View in talk

    Ultimately, then, we are our own judges.

    Reference Verified

  66. Alma 41:13

    View in talk

    “… Deal justly, judge righteously, and do good continually; and if ye do all these things then shall ye receive your reward; yea, ye shall have mercy restored unto you again; ye shall have justice restored unto you again; ye shall have a righteous judgment restored unto you again; and ye shall have good rewarded unto you again.”

    Reference Verified

  67. 1 Nephi 15:33

    View in talk

    “The prophet Nephi describes the Final Judgment in terms of what we have become: ‘And if their works have been filthiness they must needs be filthy; and if they be filthy it must needs be that they cannot dwell in the kingdom of God’ [1 Nephi 15:33; emphasis added].

    Alludes to High confidence

  68. Mormon 9:14

    View in talk

    “The prophet Nephi describes the Final Judgment in terms of what we have become: ‘And if their works have been filthiness they must needs be filthy; and if they be filthy it must needs be that they cannot dwell in the kingdom of God’ [1 Nephi 15:33; emphasis added].

    Alludes to High confidence

Talks cited

No talk citations recorded for this talk yet.

Shared scripture with foundational texts

These sections reference scripture this talk also references. Neither source cites the other.

  1. Jesus the Christ

    Chapter 3: The Need of a Redeemer

    4 shared verses

    • 2 Nephi 9:6

      In this talk:
      Open paragraph (2)
      In Jesus the Christ:
      Open paragraph (d)

      “For as death hath passed upon all men, to fulfil the merciful plan of the great Creator, there must needs be a power of resurrection, and the resurrection must needs come unto man by reason of the fall; and the fall came by reason of transgression; and because man became fallen, they were cut off from the presence of the Lord; wherefore it must needs be an infinite atonement; save it should be an infinite atonement, this corruption could not put on incorruption.

    • Abraham 3:25

      In this talk:
      Open paragraph (1)
      In Jesus the Christ:
      Open paragraph (a)

      We have heretofore shown that the entire human race existed as spirit-beings in the primeval world, and that for the purpose of making possible to them the experiences of mortality this earth was created.

    • Mormon 9:14

      In this talk:
      Open paragraph (Mormon 9:14)
      In Jesus the Christ:
      Open paragraph (a)

      Those who thus early came forth are spoken of as “the saints”; and other scriptures confirm the fact that only the righteous shall be brought forth in the earlier stages of the resurrection yet to be consummated; but that all the dead shall in turn resume bodies of flesh and bones is placed beyond doubt by the revealed word.

    • Moses 1:39

      In this talk:
      Open paragraph (2)
      In Jesus the Christ:
      Open paragraph (l)

      So, for the advancement of man from his present fallen and relatively degenerate state to the higher condition of spiritual life, a power above his own must cooperate.

  2. Jesus the Christ

    Chapter 36: In the Realm of Disembodied Spirits

    2 shared verses

    • Alma 40:12

      In this talk:
      Open paragraph (1)
      In Jesus the Christ:
      Open paragraph (Alma 40:12, 14)

      Paradise.—The scriptures prove that at the time of the final judgment every man will stand before the bar of God, clothed in his resurrected body, and this, irrespective of his condition of righteousness or guilt.

    • Moroni 10:34

      In this talk:
      Open paragraph (1)
      In Jesus the Christ:
      Open paragraph (Moroni 10:34)

      Paradise.—The scriptures prove that at the time of the final judgment every man will stand before the bar of God, clothed in his resurrected body, and this, irrespective of his condition of righteousness or guilt.

  3. Jesus the Christ

    Chapter 5: Earthly Advent of the Christ Predicted

    2 shared verses

    • 2 Nephi 9:6

      In this talk:
      Open paragraph (2)
      In Jesus the Christ:
      Open paragraph (l)

      At a later time Nephi writes, not as his father’s scribe, but as a prophet and revelator voicing the word of God as made known to himself.

    • Mormon 9:2

      In this talk:
      Open paragraph (2)
      In Jesus the Christ:
      Open paragraph (k)

      The paschal lamb, slain for every Israelitish household at the annually recurring feast of the Passover, was a particular type of the Lamb of God who in due time would be slain for the sins of the world.

  4. Jesus the Christ

    Chapter 17: The Sermon on the Mount

    1 shared verse

  5. Jesus the Christ

    Chapter 27: Continuation of the Perean and Judean Ministry

    1 shared verse

    • Moses 1:39

      In this talk:
      Open paragraph (2)
      In Jesus the Christ:
      Open paragraph (q)

      The three parables, which appear in the scriptural record as parts of a continuous discourse, are as one in portraying the joy that abounds in heaven over the recovery of a soul once numbered among the lost, whether that soul be best symbolized by a sheep that had wandered afar, a coin that had dropped out of sight through the custodian’s neglect, or a son who would deliberately sever himself from home and heaven.

Cited by

No talks cite this talk yet.