While teaching Gospel Doctrine on Sunday I had an ah-ha moment about the nature of God the Father and his son, Jesus Christ. When the Father and the son appear together, the Father speaks first introducing His Son - witnessing of Christ's divine nature and then commands that we listen to the words of our Savior - the teacher.
When Christ is baptized the Father speaks - witnessing of His Son's divinity:
"And lo a voice from heaven, saying, This is my beloved Son in whom I am well pleased." - Matthew 3:17
After the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ he appears to the inhabitants of Bountiful after they hear the voice of God:
"Behold my Beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased, in whom I have glorified my name - hear ye him." - 3 Nephi 11:7
When Joseph Smith, knelt to pray at the age of 14 seeking guidance regarding which church to join he received a divine answer after God the Father & his son, Jesus Christ appears unto him in the Sacred Grove.
Once again Heavenly Father speaks:
"When the light rested upon me I saw two personages, whose brightness and glory defy all description, standing above me in the air. One of them spoke unto me, calling me by name and said, pointing to the other - This is my Beloved Son, Hear Him!" - Joseph Smith History 1:17
Another important relationship to recognize is ours with the Father and his son. As the Father directs us to listen to the Son - He instructions his son to teach, we have an obligation to listen to the Son recognizing that it is through Him that we can return to our Heavenly Father's presence. It is like a link between us and the Father. Jesus Christ is the mediator between us and the Father.
Lastly, the Holy Ghost, the third member of the Godhead, plays significant roles when God the Father & Jesus Christ are present.
The Holy Ghost bares witness to each of us truth. He was present at Christ's baptism in the form of a dove. He is ever present when we seek the guidance and direction of our Father. He is there when we need peace and comfort.
Jesus Christ often reminds us of the nature and purpose of the Holy Ghost. He also testifies that the Holy Ghost is an individual personage.
"We believe in God the Eternal Father and in His Son Jesus Christ and in the Holy Ghost."
It is also important to know that we can have one-on-one experiences with our Heavenly Father and with his son, Jesus Christ. We can know them intimately and be taught at their feet. These opportunities come through constant prayer and scripture study. The Lord is merciful and will hear and answer sincere desires.
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