One important way that God shows His love for us is by calling prophets, who are given the priesthood—the power and authority given to man to act in God's name for the salvation of His children. Prophets learn the gospel of Jesus Christ by revelation. They in turn teach the gospel to others and testify of Jesus Christ as the Savior and Redeemer. The teachings or prophets are found in sacred books called scriptures. Our Father's plan for us to be successful in this life and to return to live with Him is called the gospel of Jesus Christ, with Jesus' sacrifice at the center of that plan. Through the sacrifice of Jesus Christ, we can receive eternal life if we exercise faith in Jesus Christ repent, are baptized by immersion for the remission of sings, receive the gift of the Holy Ghost and endure to the end. All people have the gift of agency, which includes the freedom to accept or reject the gospel as taught by the prophets and apostles. Those who choose to obey are blessed, but those who ignore, reject, or distort the gospel do not receive God's promised blessings. God revealed the gospel of Jesus Chris to Adam and gave him priesthood authority. Adam was the first prophet on the earth. By revelation, Adam learned of mankind's proper relationship with God the Father, His Son Jesus Christ, and the Holy Ghost; of the Atonement and Resurrection of Jesus Christ; and of the first principles and ordinances of the gospel. Adam and Eve taught their children these truths and encouraged them to develop faith and to live the gospel in all aspects of their lives. Adam was followed by other prophets, but over time the posterity of Adam rejected the gospel and fell into apostasy, choosing to be unrighteous. Thus began the pattern of prophetic dispensations that makes up much of the recorded history of the Old Testament. Heavenly Father revealed His gospel through direct communication to prophets such as Noah, Abraham, and Moses. Each prophet was called by God to begin a new d...