The Spirit commended to me the beginnings of this blog and the reasons therefore, and it now invites me to end.
We should each be trying to learn how to accomplish what the Lord requires of us. I intend to teach the gospel of Christ to those who seek it. I intend to teach the gospel to others in an effort to fulfil church obligations and callings. I am willing to share my testimony with any man and all men, and intend to. I intend to teach my family and to seek revelations for our guidance.
Remember what Joseph Smith taught:
“The things of God are of deep import, and time, and
experience, and careful and ponderous and solemn thoughts can only find them
out. Thy mind, O man! if thou wilt lead a soul unto salvation, must stretch as
high as the utmost heavens, and search into and contemplate the darkest abyss,
and the broad expanse of eternity—thou must commune with God."
Last, I want to say this. To be an apostle in the truest sense of the word, is to be sent forth by Christ to teach others. There are those who have been sent by the Master who you do not sustain in your conferences and meetings. They possess the words of Eternal life because they know Christ and have received his word. They are possessors of Eternal life, though they dwell on earth as mortals. We should pay attention to what these have to say.
This is why the scriptures are so valuable to us. They contain the words of Eternal life spoken by those who possess it. Seek these. All else is as chaff. We don't have time to not be digging into the scriptures. Our effort in seeking Christ must become paramount in our lives.
My foremost duty now is to seek this Jesus, of whom the prophets have and do testify. He is gathering his people.
Wednesday, March 6, 2013
Saturday, March 2, 2013
New Digital-Edition Of The Scriptures
The Church has just announced a new 2013 digital-edition of the scriptures. Eight years of work have gone into the project. I was eager to see just what had been done. A side by side comparison of the 1981 and 2013 versions, demonstrating each change in the Doctrine and Covenants, and Official Declarations 1 and 2, is available here. A summary of changes to the standard works can be found here.
I read these documents last night and was happy to see some of the additions and deletions. The majority of the changes to the D&C were to the section headings. Where dates were incorrect, they were adjusted in the new addition. Where further information has been made available through research done with the Joseph Smith Papers Project, additional context has been added for clarity.
Though most of the changes are minor, some are helpful in understanding the text of the revelation that follows. Reading both section headings for D&C 57 side by side made me laugh. The additions to the D&C 85 section heading were insightful. The deletion of the last sentence of the D&C 89 section heading was curious to me.
Contextual introductions were provided for each of the Official Declarations. A lot could be said about each of them. The introduction of OD-2 was of interest to me. The Church has included the fact that multiple black men were ordained to the priesthood during the life of the Prophet Joseph Smith. Additionally, one blatantly false statement was removed from the end of OD-1.
The internet is a blessing to us when it is used to these ends. The Church has gone to great lengths to present the changes in a clear manner. I wonder how many members of the Church will become aware of what changes were made, and how many would be interested.
Why Things Change
I just read a Dialogue article written in 1981 by Thomas Alexander about the development of the Word of Wisdom from being a "principle with promise" to a commandment. Though not comprehensive it's a worthwhile read. It's not lengthy and provides context for some of the decisions regarding Church policy that were being made at the time.
Diaries, journals, minutes of meetings, and contemporary news articles are great ways to trace the development of individual and group sentiment about matters pertaining to doctrine and policy in our history. Much of the best information can be found in these sources, and yet it is unfortunately these sources that are underutilized in publications that most members of the Church would be familiar with. Publications that have done a good job exhausting these resources are viewed by some as antagonistic to the Church. These same publications, however, are usually the most accurate and thorough.
Early leaders of the Church held varied personal opinions about the application of the Word of Wisdom. It's fun to learn about them.
Lorenzo Snow, for example, believed and taught that members of the Church ought to avoid eating meat, and that this prohibition was a more serious matter than other requirements of the Word of Wisdom.
George Albert Smith took brandy for medicinal purposes later in his life, while years earlier he advised Stake Presidencies and Bishoprics to no "longer tolerate men in presiding positions who would not keep the Word of Wisdom."
Wilford Woodruff and George Teasdale believed and taught that eating pork was a more serious offense than drinking coffee or tea. Brigham Young often taught the same thing.
Other prominent Latter-day Saints held other views and opinions about this revelation. Some members even paid their tithing in homemade wine into the latter part of the 19th century, and these tithes were accepted and stored by the Church.
Growing support of the prohibition of alcohol among Evangelicals and certain political groups influenced the feelings of LDS Church leaders after the turn of the century. During this time of growing interest in the Prophet's revelation, leaders of the Church began to prevent members from being ordained to the priesthood, from serving in callings, and attending the temple based upon breaches of conduct pertaining to the Word of Wisdom in an effort to encourage compliance.
Changes in the Church's policies were influenced by what was going on in the political and social world around them. This was not the first time in our history that changes in policy were implemented because of shifting social opinions. The Church's consideration of public opinion has only grown since that time.
This is not to say that many of the decisions on policy aren't made with good intentions and by good men. It is only to say that many decisions are made without regard for or reference to revelation.
One thing in particular that caught my attention in his article was the following:
"Late in the 1920s Church leaders urged alternative anti-tobacco legislation, and in 1927, Elders Richard R. Lyman and Melvin J. Ballard asked church attorney Franklin S. Richards for information on the possibility of legislation preventing the advertising of cigarettes on billboards. Even though Richards believed that the Supreme Court would declare such a law unconstitutional, the 1929 legislature passed one anyway. The Relief Society Magazine in May, 1929, said it hoped that the courts would uphold the law and regretted that the Idaho legislature had not passed a similar law. In November, 1929, however, Judge David W. Moffatt of Utah's Third District Court ruled the
billboard law unconstitutional."
I don't live in Utah, but have seen pictures spread around online of the many billboards advertising City Creek Center. Some of those billboards portray the consumption of alcohol. It's ironic to me that in 21st century Mormonism, at a time when the Word of Wisdom has evolved to be among the most defining practices and attributes of Latter-day Saints, we see billboards with alcohol advertising a mall to attract business - for the sake of popularity and gain. Yet, a hundred years ago when Word of Wisdom adherence was barely in the stages of becoming a requirement to enter the temple under Heber J. Grant's presidency, there were laws being passed attacking the advertisement of the principles the Church claimed it was striving to uphold.
Money is a powerful taskmaster.
Political and Social influence have always been an enticement to men. They influence more of our decisions than they should (1 Ne. 22:23).
Diaries, journals, minutes of meetings, and contemporary news articles are great ways to trace the development of individual and group sentiment about matters pertaining to doctrine and policy in our history. Much of the best information can be found in these sources, and yet it is unfortunately these sources that are underutilized in publications that most members of the Church would be familiar with. Publications that have done a good job exhausting these resources are viewed by some as antagonistic to the Church. These same publications, however, are usually the most accurate and thorough.
Early leaders of the Church held varied personal opinions about the application of the Word of Wisdom. It's fun to learn about them.
Lorenzo Snow, for example, believed and taught that members of the Church ought to avoid eating meat, and that this prohibition was a more serious matter than other requirements of the Word of Wisdom.
George Albert Smith took brandy for medicinal purposes later in his life, while years earlier he advised Stake Presidencies and Bishoprics to no "longer tolerate men in presiding positions who would not keep the Word of Wisdom."
Wilford Woodruff and George Teasdale believed and taught that eating pork was a more serious offense than drinking coffee or tea. Brigham Young often taught the same thing.
Other prominent Latter-day Saints held other views and opinions about this revelation. Some members even paid their tithing in homemade wine into the latter part of the 19th century, and these tithes were accepted and stored by the Church.
Growing support of the prohibition of alcohol among Evangelicals and certain political groups influenced the feelings of LDS Church leaders after the turn of the century. During this time of growing interest in the Prophet's revelation, leaders of the Church began to prevent members from being ordained to the priesthood, from serving in callings, and attending the temple based upon breaches of conduct pertaining to the Word of Wisdom in an effort to encourage compliance.
Changes in the Church's policies were influenced by what was going on in the political and social world around them. This was not the first time in our history that changes in policy were implemented because of shifting social opinions. The Church's consideration of public opinion has only grown since that time.
This is not to say that many of the decisions on policy aren't made with good intentions and by good men. It is only to say that many decisions are made without regard for or reference to revelation.
One thing in particular that caught my attention in his article was the following:
"Late in the 1920s Church leaders urged alternative anti-tobacco legislation, and in 1927, Elders Richard R. Lyman and Melvin J. Ballard asked church attorney Franklin S. Richards for information on the possibility of legislation preventing the advertising of cigarettes on billboards. Even though Richards believed that the Supreme Court would declare such a law unconstitutional, the 1929 legislature passed one anyway. The Relief Society Magazine in May, 1929, said it hoped that the courts would uphold the law and regretted that the Idaho legislature had not passed a similar law. In November, 1929, however, Judge David W. Moffatt of Utah's Third District Court ruled the
billboard law unconstitutional."
I don't live in Utah, but have seen pictures spread around online of the many billboards advertising City Creek Center. Some of those billboards portray the consumption of alcohol. It's ironic to me that in 21st century Mormonism, at a time when the Word of Wisdom has evolved to be among the most defining practices and attributes of Latter-day Saints, we see billboards with alcohol advertising a mall to attract business - for the sake of popularity and gain. Yet, a hundred years ago when Word of Wisdom adherence was barely in the stages of becoming a requirement to enter the temple under Heber J. Grant's presidency, there were laws being passed attacking the advertisement of the principles the Church claimed it was striving to uphold.
Money is a powerful taskmaster.
Political and Social influence have always been an enticement to men. They influence more of our decisions than they should (1 Ne. 22:23).
Monday, February 18, 2013
The Sons Of God, Conclusion
The whole reason I began writing about the sons of God and the Priesthood was to get to the Book of Moses. I considered doing multiple posts on Moses 5 through 8 but have run out of steam. You can go read it if you care to. If you can understand the concept of the sons of God you will better understand the report given in Moses.
Cain was a son of God who fell. Cain was wroth, and in jealousy rebelled against God and became perdition (Moses 5:38). As a result of his rebellion, Cain was driven from the face of the Lord, and shut out from His presence (Moses 5:39, 41).
Abel, too, was a son of God. He was a keeper of sheep and was the first real type of the sacrificial Savior we see in scripture (Moses 5:17). Though he was not the first son born to Adam and Eve, yet it is clear he received the blessings of the Firstborn (Moses 5:33, 38; 6:2).
Though Adam and Eve had children before Cain and Abel, there is very little mention of them (Moses 5:2-3). It is important to consider what happened to Adam and Eve between the time they first began having children, and when Cain was born (Moses 5:3-16, 58-59). Something important happened that changed their status before the Lord God. It is somewhat buried in the text, and we tend to overlook the details. It is not until those events occur that Eve bares Cain, and then Abel.
On the other hand, when wickedness began to spread among the children of Adam and Eve, notice the appellation given them by God (Moses 5:52-56). These are they who chose not to keep the commandments of God (ibid.). God "ministered not unto them" (ibid.). This is a juxtaposition with the sons of God, unto whom God ministered.
Some time after the murder of Abel, Adam and Eve begat Seth. Seth became the Patriarchal head, after Adam. In this son, Adam rejoiced and glorified the name of God, saying, "God hath appointed me another seed, instead of Abel, whom Cain slew" (Moses 6:2). Then we read this:
"And God revealed himself unto Seth, and he rebelled not, but offered an acceptable sacrifice, like unto his brother Abel" (Moses 6:3).
Now, Adam, being moved upon by the Holy Ghost, prophesied the following:
"Now this same Priesthood, which was in the beginning, shall be in the end of the world also" (Moses 6:7).
"This same Priesthood" has reference to that which enabled Seth to receive the revelation of God; that which enabled him to become a son of God. This same Priesthood enabled a group of the generations of Adam to be chosen as High Priests to whom the Lord came prior to the death of Adam. This shall be in the end of the world also.
The genealogy that was kept and preserved in scripture was of the children of God, and not the sons of men (Moses 6:8). Notice the next man mentioned in the Patriarchal line, after Seth, was Enos (Moses 6:13). Though there were many sons and daughters born to Adam and Eve, it was Seth and then Enos that were recorded (Moses 6:11). Enos was born to a father who was a son of God. And he, Seth, had been born to Adam, who was a son of God. This is the chain.
Study Moses 5 through 8 considering the deliberate mention of both the sons of God and the sons of men. Look for differentiation between the daughters of men, and the daughters of the sons of God. It will open up the meaning for you.
Cain was a son of God who fell. Cain was wroth, and in jealousy rebelled against God and became perdition (Moses 5:38). As a result of his rebellion, Cain was driven from the face of the Lord, and shut out from His presence (Moses 5:39, 41).
Abel, too, was a son of God. He was a keeper of sheep and was the first real type of the sacrificial Savior we see in scripture (Moses 5:17). Though he was not the first son born to Adam and Eve, yet it is clear he received the blessings of the Firstborn (Moses 5:33, 38; 6:2).
Though Adam and Eve had children before Cain and Abel, there is very little mention of them (Moses 5:2-3). It is important to consider what happened to Adam and Eve between the time they first began having children, and when Cain was born (Moses 5:3-16, 58-59). Something important happened that changed their status before the Lord God. It is somewhat buried in the text, and we tend to overlook the details. It is not until those events occur that Eve bares Cain, and then Abel.
On the other hand, when wickedness began to spread among the children of Adam and Eve, notice the appellation given them by God (Moses 5:52-56). These are they who chose not to keep the commandments of God (ibid.). God "ministered not unto them" (ibid.). This is a juxtaposition with the sons of God, unto whom God ministered.
Some time after the murder of Abel, Adam and Eve begat Seth. Seth became the Patriarchal head, after Adam. In this son, Adam rejoiced and glorified the name of God, saying, "God hath appointed me another seed, instead of Abel, whom Cain slew" (Moses 6:2). Then we read this:
"And God revealed himself unto Seth, and he rebelled not, but offered an acceptable sacrifice, like unto his brother Abel" (Moses 6:3).
Now, Adam, being moved upon by the Holy Ghost, prophesied the following:
"Now this same Priesthood, which was in the beginning, shall be in the end of the world also" (Moses 6:7).
"This same Priesthood" has reference to that which enabled Seth to receive the revelation of God; that which enabled him to become a son of God. This same Priesthood enabled a group of the generations of Adam to be chosen as High Priests to whom the Lord came prior to the death of Adam. This shall be in the end of the world also.
The genealogy that was kept and preserved in scripture was of the children of God, and not the sons of men (Moses 6:8). Notice the next man mentioned in the Patriarchal line, after Seth, was Enos (Moses 6:13). Though there were many sons and daughters born to Adam and Eve, it was Seth and then Enos that were recorded (Moses 6:11). Enos was born to a father who was a son of God. And he, Seth, had been born to Adam, who was a son of God. This is the chain.
Study Moses 5 through 8 considering the deliberate mention of both the sons of God and the sons of men. Look for differentiation between the daughters of men, and the daughters of the sons of God. It will open up the meaning for you.
Monday, February 11, 2013
They Are One God
The unity of the Father and the Son cannot be overstated. The scriptures fully capture the idea, but it is an idea that men cannot understand except it be by revelation from Heaven. You can say the words and never understand what is meant by them.
On the one hand, the Christian world is confused about the Godhead in that they believe the Father and the Son are the same being. They cannot grasp the reality of the nature of the Father and the Son. On the other hand, Mormonisms teachings on the Godhead have a tendency to lead its adherents to misapprehend the greatness of the unity of the Father and the Son. They are too separate in our minds and hearts. We cannot grasp the reality of the unity of the Father and the Son.
Overall, our emphasis in teaching that Christ is our spirit brother has diminished Him. He is the Lord God Almighty (2 Ne. 9:46). He is the Mighty God, the Lord God, and the Holy One of Israel (2 Ne. 9). We do not understand Him and our hearts are far removed from Him.
The unity we experience here on this earth is not like theirs, and cannot be compared unto it. The unity of those in Heaven is not to be learned from our experience here, though once it is learned from Heaven it may be sought after in our relationships on the earth.
The Book of Mormon is the place to begin seeking for understanding. The doctrine is clearly taught there, though it seems contradictory without divine teaching. If the unity of the Gods is manifest unto you, you will use the words of scripture to describe it; indeed, they are one God, yea, the very Eternal Father of Heaven and of earth (Mosiah 15:4).
On the one hand, the Christian world is confused about the Godhead in that they believe the Father and the Son are the same being. They cannot grasp the reality of the nature of the Father and the Son. On the other hand, Mormonisms teachings on the Godhead have a tendency to lead its adherents to misapprehend the greatness of the unity of the Father and the Son. They are too separate in our minds and hearts. We cannot grasp the reality of the unity of the Father and the Son.
Overall, our emphasis in teaching that Christ is our spirit brother has diminished Him. He is the Lord God Almighty (2 Ne. 9:46). He is the Mighty God, the Lord God, and the Holy One of Israel (2 Ne. 9). We do not understand Him and our hearts are far removed from Him.
The unity we experience here on this earth is not like theirs, and cannot be compared unto it. The unity of those in Heaven is not to be learned from our experience here, though once it is learned from Heaven it may be sought after in our relationships on the earth.
The Book of Mormon is the place to begin seeking for understanding. The doctrine is clearly taught there, though it seems contradictory without divine teaching. If the unity of the Gods is manifest unto you, you will use the words of scripture to describe it; indeed, they are one God, yea, the very Eternal Father of Heaven and of earth (Mosiah 15:4).
Saturday, February 2, 2013
More On The Sons Of God
Joseph Smith related the following:
“And we saw a vision of the sufferings of those with whom [Satan] made war and overcame, for thus came the voice of the Lord unto us:
“Thus saith the Lord concerning all those who know my power, and have been made partakers thereof, and suffered themselves through the power of the devil to be overcome, and to deny the truth and defy my power –
“They are they who are the sons of perdition, of whom I say that it had been better for them never to have been born;
“For they are vessels of wrath, doomed to suffer the wrath of God, with the devil and his angels in eternity;
“Concerning whom I have said there is no forgiveness in this world nor in the world to come –
“Having denied the Holy Spirit after having received it, and having denied the Only Begotten Son of the Father, having crucified him unto themselves and put him to an open shame.
“These are they who shall go away into the lake of fire and brimstone, with the devil and his angels –
“And the only ones on whom the second death shall have any power;” (D&C 76:30-37).
The language used here was used later that year in the revelation on priesthood that became D&C 84; "no forgiveness in this world nor in the world to come." These key phrases and the patterns found in these scriptures tell you they are all talking about the same thing. Those who run the risk of losing the opportunity for salvation in this world and in the next are those who have obtained the Holy Priesthood, which is to "know [God's] power" and to be made a "partaker thereof." Those who altogether turn therefrom are the "only ones on whom the second death shall have any power."
The keys of this priesthood consist in obtaining the voice of God. He will talk with those who obtain this priesthood in a familiar and friendly manner. They will receive the keys, covenants, power, and glory which God gave to Adam in the beginning (TPJS, p. 175). They are the sons of God.
Notice, the Lord purposefully showed Joseph and Sidney the "sufferings of the ungodly" immediately preceding the vision of those "who shall come forth in the resurrection of the just" (D&C 76:50). The description given beginning in v. 51 and continuing through v. 70 is of those who become "the sons of God" (D&C 76:58). The sons of God and the sons of perdition are contrasted as opposites. The sons of perdition are "ordained unto" their condemnation, while the sons of God are ordained "kings and priests" (D&C 76:48, 56).
To behold the one, was to behold the other. To have power to obtain the one, is to have it within your capacity to succumb to the other.
Wednesday, January 23, 2013
The Sons Of God Continued
Under Adam's direction, angels were sent from heaven to give keys to the prophet Joseph Smith. Joseph was an Elias sent to "restore these very glories."
In a revelation given through the prophet in Kirtland, the Lord revealed more concerning the Holy Priesthood. The same elements that you see in JST Genesis 14 show up in this 1832 revelation. Moses, who was an High Priest after this order, an Elias in his day, sought to sanctify his people that they might behold the face of God. Their story is one that is much like our own.
“And without the ordinances [of this greater priesthood], and the authority of the priesthood, the power of godliness is not manifest unto men in the flesh;
In a revelation given through the prophet in Kirtland, the Lord revealed more concerning the Holy Priesthood. The same elements that you see in JST Genesis 14 show up in this 1832 revelation. Moses, who was an High Priest after this order, an Elias in his day, sought to sanctify his people that they might behold the face of God. Their story is one that is much like our own.
“And without the ordinances [of this greater priesthood], and the authority of the priesthood, the power of godliness is not manifest unto men in the flesh;
“For without this no man can see the face of God , even
the Father, and live.
“Now this Moses plainly taught to the children of Israel in
the wilderness, and sought diligently to sanctify his people that they
might behold the face of God;
“But they hardened their hearts and could not endure his
presence; therefore, the Lord in his wrath, for his anger was kindled against
them, swore that they should not enter into his rest while in the
wilderness, which rest is the fullness of his glory.
“Therefore, he took Moses out of their midst, and the Holy Priesthood also;” (D&C 84:19-25).
It should be apparent that the Holy Priesthood herein mentioned is the very same priesthood spoken of in the previous post. It has to do with "the power of godliness" and the "face of God" being manifest unto men "in the flesh." It has to do with "sanctification" and entering into God's "rest," which is the "fullness" of His Glory.
Your experience in the Lord's church - and it is His church - is different than the experiences Enoch and Melchizedek had with their God through the veil. It is different than the experiences Moses had, and that Joseph Smith had. Our experience has been more in the likes of the antediluvians who never entered the ark, and like the children of Israel who couldn't accept what Moses had to offer. Indeed, as has been said concerning us, though not aptly explained to us, we live far beneath our privileges (most recently).
Joseph's revelation continues:
“For whoso is faithful unto the obtaining these two
priesthoods of which I have spoken, and the magnifying their calling, are
sanctified by the Spirit unto the renewing of their bodies.
“They become the sons of Moses and of Aaron and the seed of
Abraham, and the church and kingdom, and the elect of God.
“And also all they who receive this priesthood receive
me, saith the Lord;
For he that receiveth my servants receiveth me;
“And he that receiveth me receiveth my Father;
“And he that receiveth my Father receiveth my Father’s kingdom; therefore all that my Father hath shall be given unto him.
“And this is according to the oath and covenant which
belongeth to the priesthood.
“Therefore, all those who receive the priesthood, receive
this oath and covenant of my Father, which he cannot break, neither can it
be moved.
“But whoso breaketh this covenant after he hath received it, and altogether turneth therefrom, shall not have forgiveness of sins in this world nor in the world to come.
“But whoso breaketh this covenant after he hath received it, and altogether turneth therefrom, shall not have forgiveness of sins in this world nor in the world to come.
“And wo unto all those who come not unto this priesthood
which ye have received, which I now confirm upon you who are present this
day, by mine own voice out of the heavens; and even I have given the
heavenly hosts and mine angels charge concerning you” (D&C 84:33-42).
You can become a son of God or a son of Perdition. If you have been given power to become the one, it is within your capacity to become the other. Most will not become either in this life. Most will not ever reach such a height, or fall to such a depth. Yet, receiving the knowledge of God should be the aim of every Latter-day Saint.
The Lord said that "all those who receive the priesthood" will receive an "oath and covenant of my Father." Those who "break this covenant" and "altogether turn" therefrom, will not qualify for forgiveness in this world or in the next one. This is a very serious matter. The Lord is very serious about these things. The Father doesn't hand out "this covenant" to his sons without proving them first in all things (HC 3:379-381). More on this in the next post.
Well, early in Joseph Smith's ministry, some saints made extensive efforts to connect with heaven and resultantly experienced many of the gifts of the spirit and the glories of God. In time, however, many of the saints were filled with envy, strife, contention, jealousies, folly, and abomination. They failed to comply with the Lord's instructions and hence to obtain Zion. They were "moved out of their place." Their failures brought cursings, wrath, indignations, and judgments (D&C 124:45-48).
The Lord is beginning again to put forth his hand and work among the people. We have an opportunity to repent and come unto Christ, or be destroyed. How is it that the Gentiles will choose the latter?
This is the last time that the Lord shall nourish his vineyard (Jacob 5:71). The end is nigh at hand. Those who repent and prevail upon God, in faith, to receive the blessings of the fulness of the gospel will be sealed in their foreheads (D&C 77:11).
There will again begin to be "natural fruit" in the vineyard (Jacob 5:73). The Lord will preserve the natural fruit to Himself against the season, which speedily cometh. The bad will be cast away.
You can become a son of God or a son of Perdition. If you have been given power to become the one, it is within your capacity to become the other. Most will not become either in this life. Most will not ever reach such a height, or fall to such a depth. Yet, receiving the knowledge of God should be the aim of every Latter-day Saint.
The Lord said that "all those who receive the priesthood" will receive an "oath and covenant of my Father." Those who "break this covenant" and "altogether turn" therefrom, will not qualify for forgiveness in this world or in the next one. This is a very serious matter. The Lord is very serious about these things. The Father doesn't hand out "this covenant" to his sons without proving them first in all things (HC 3:379-381). More on this in the next post.
Well, early in Joseph Smith's ministry, some saints made extensive efforts to connect with heaven and resultantly experienced many of the gifts of the spirit and the glories of God. In time, however, many of the saints were filled with envy, strife, contention, jealousies, folly, and abomination. They failed to comply with the Lord's instructions and hence to obtain Zion. They were "moved out of their place." Their failures brought cursings, wrath, indignations, and judgments (D&C 124:45-48).
The Lord is beginning again to put forth his hand and work among the people. We have an opportunity to repent and come unto Christ, or be destroyed. How is it that the Gentiles will choose the latter?
This is the last time that the Lord shall nourish his vineyard (Jacob 5:71). The end is nigh at hand. Those who repent and prevail upon God, in faith, to receive the blessings of the fulness of the gospel will be sealed in their foreheads (D&C 77:11).
There will again begin to be "natural fruit" in the vineyard (Jacob 5:73). The Lord will preserve the natural fruit to Himself against the season, which speedily cometh. The bad will be cast away.
Saturday, January 19, 2013
The Sons Of God
When Adam gathered together
his righteous posterity he blessed
them, that he might bring them into the presence of God (TPJS, p.
161).
“They looked for a city, etc., ‘whose builder and maker is God’
(Heb. 11:10). Moses sought to bring the children of Israel into the
presence of God, through the power of the Priesthood, but he could
not. In the first ages of the world they tried to establish the same
thing; and there were Eliases raised up who tried to restore these very
glories, but did not obtain them; but prophesied of a day when this glory would
be revealed” (ibid.).
Eliases have been sent from
God unto man since the beginning. They are preparers and restorers, and point men to Christ. Though they themselves are tried and tested while here and are vulnerable to failing, they were among the Noble and Great Ones, and have descended to the earth to test and prove others (Abr. 3:25).
There have been continuous attempts at
helping men obtain the presence of God. Men have almost always failed to
obtain what has been offered. Perhaps there is no greater opportunity
to obtain these glories than when these Eliases walk among men in the flesh.
After their deaths, however, men fall further and further from the truth.
They lose light through iniquity and through their unbelief; through disobedience and the traditions of their fathers (D&C 93:39). As
generations pass, blindness is no longer recognized, and sight into these
things is no longer desired. It is a pitiful state. God sends more
messengers to teach and redeem his children.
Some men and women have been successful in their efforts to obtain Zion. When Melchizedek was among
men, he and his people obtained peace. They sought for Enoch and his city. Joseph Smith's translation of Genesis 14 is fundamental in restoring an understanding of these things to those who receive his work.
“And Melchizedek lifted
up his voice and blessed Abram.
Is this
"blessing" the same kind of thing spoken of above, wherein Adam
"blessed" his righteous posterity that they might be brought into the
presence of God? Is it the same blessing Adam gives to Enoch at age 65, a blessing he received long after his "ordination," who
thereafter walked with God 365 years (D&C 107:48-49)? What blessing is this?
“Now Melchizedek was a
man of faith, who wrought righteousness; and when a child he feared God, and
stopped the mouths of lions, and quenched the violence of fire.
“And thus, having been
approved of God, he was ordained an high priest after the order of the
covenant which God made with Enoch,
“It being after the
order of the Son of God; which order came, not by man, nor the will
of man; neither by father nor mother; neither by beginning of days nor end
of years; but of God;
“And it was delivered
unto men by the calling of his own voice, according to his own
will, unto as many as believed on his name.
Melchizedek's faith and
righteousness is not common. His life is unparalleled by men and women in
our day. He was approved of God, and received covenants from God.
God had made these same covenants with Enoch. This order came not
by man, but of God. It came by the calling of God's own voice out of the
heavens. Melchizedek knows God, whom to know is Eternal life.
“For God having sworn unto
Enoch and unto his seed with an oath by himself; that every one
being ordained after this order and calling should
have power, by faith, to break mountains, to divide the seas, to dry up
waters, to turn them out of their course;
“To put at defiance the
armies of nations, to divide the earth, to break every band, to stand
in the presence of God; to do all things according to his will, according
to his command, subdue principalities and powers; and this by the will of the
Son of God which was from before the foundation of the world.
God swears with an oath to
those who receive this Priesthood. This oath does not come to recipients
through the words of a book gathering dust on millions of peoples' bookshelves,
but from His own voice. Those who are after this order obtain the power
of God. They stand in the presence of God. They do all things
according to the will of God. They are approved of him. They obtain
Heaven, and have communion with the angels of Heaven. They become the
sons of God.
“And men having this
faith, coming up unto this order of God, were translated and taken up into
heaven.
“And now, Melchizedek was
a priest of this order; therefore he obtained peace in Salem, and was called
the Prince of peace.
“And his people wrought
righteousness, and obtained heaven, and sought for the city of Enoch which God
had before taken, separating it from the earth, having reserved it unto the
latter days, or the end of the world;
“And hath said, and sworn
with an oath, that the heavens and the earth should come together; and
the sons of God should be tried so as by fire” (JST Gen. 14:25-40).
As we take a look at a
number of other passages of scripture you should look for these same elements
to appear in the text. It is startling to realize how many times these
same themes and patterns show up in scriptures that we cavalierly apply to
every male "Melchizedek Priesthood holder" in the church. We're all mixed up.
God established his Holy
Priesthood in the beginning. This order of Priesthood that has been ever
since the beginning will come again before the coming of the Son of Man
(Moses 6:7). The history of man, the Holy Priesthood, the presence upon
the earth of men and women who walk with the God of Heaven, a Holy City, etc.,
are all a divine Chiasm. That which has been shall be. That
which was in the beginning shall be in the end. The course of the Lord is
one eternal round.
Thursday, January 17, 2013
Keeping Up Appearances
Nephi's brothers and their families had a difficult time perceiving the true condition of the Jews from whom they fled. They insisted in their own hearts, even long after they had left, that the Jews were a righteous people.
"And we know that the people who were in the land of Jerusalem were a righteous people; for they kept the statutes and judgments of the Lord, and all his commandments, according to the law of Moses; wherefore, we know that they are a righteous people; and our father hath judged them, and hath led us away because we would hearken unto his words..." (1 Ne. 17:22).
What made it difficult for Laman and Lemuel to see clearly was the simple fact that the Jews were a religious people. Many of them kept the statutes and judgments of the Lord, and all his commandments, according to the law of Moses. Would not this appear to be a righteous people? Laman and Lemuel were blinded by appearances. Their erroneous perception of reality caused them to twice 'bear testimony' of something that was false - "we know" the Jews are righteous. What they "knew" blinded them, because it was false.
When Joseph Smith learned in 1820 about the prevailing religious culture of his day, the Lord explained that mens' hearts were far from Him.
"I was answered that I must join none of them, for they were all wrong; and the Personage who addressed me said that all their creeds were and abomination in his sight; that those professors were all corrupt; that: 'they draw near to me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me, they teach for doctrines the commandments of men, having a form of godliness, but they deny the power thereof'" (JSH 1:19).
Is it possible that the Jews, though keeping up outward appearances, had allowed their hearts to drift from God? Is it possible that men in Joseph Smith's day, who had a form of godliness, possessed hearts not set on finding their Lord? Is it easy for men to recognize when the commandments of men are taught as doctrine? Do men wittingly deny the power of godliness?
I continue to be astonished that latter-day Saints don't ever wonder whether we have fallen to such a condition. We are not allowed to wonder such a thing. We are full of fear, and know it not. We claim God's priesthood, but we undertake to cover our sins. We think we are chosen, but our hearts are set so much upon the things of this world. We claim revelation, but reveal nothing. The heavens have withdrawn themselves, and the Spirit of the Lord is grieved. We should be ashamed, but are proud. We should humble ourselves, but we cannot hear the voice of God because we are busy marching to the beat of Babylon. Yet there are a few who are humble, who have not gone astray (2 Ne. 28:14).
In teaching both the multitude and his disciples, Jesus said:
"The scribes and the Pharisees sit in Moses' seat:
"All therefore whatsoever they bid you observe, that observe and do; but do not ye after their works: for they say, and do not.
"For they bind heavy burdens and grievous to be borne, and lay them on men's shoulders; but they themselves will not move them with one of their fingers.
"But all their works they do for to be seen of men: they make broad their phylacteries, and enlarge the borders of their garments,
"And love the uppermost rooms at feasts, and the chief seats in the synagogues,
"And greetings in the markets, and to be called of men, Rabbi, Rabbi.
"But be not ye called Rabbi: for one is your Master, even Christ; and all ye are brethren" (Matt. 23:2-8).
The problem of which Christ spake is a condition of the heart. The scribes' and the Pharisees' works were performed so as to be seen of men. They loved the chief seats, and royal treatment. They could not help but love their greetings in the markets, and to be called Rabbi. They loved too much the glory of being the teacher, and not being taught by the Lord; of being the leader, not a follower of Righteousness. They appeared to do the works of righteousness, but their hearts were not set upon Christ. They were full of priestcraft (2 Ne. 26:29). Because they exalted themselves they shall be abased (Matt. 23:12).
Christ's words struck at the heart of the whole matter (Matt. 23:13-39). The leaders were blind guides, which strain at a gnat, and swallow a camel; who "make yourselves appear unto men that ye would not commit the least sin, and yet ye yourselves, transgress the whole law" (JST Matt. 23:21). These guides made the outside of the cup appear clean, but within were full of excess and extortion.
How is it that a man may keep up all outward appearances and yet be deemed "full of hypocrisy and iniquity" by Christ (Matt. 23:28)?
"And we know that the people who were in the land of Jerusalem were a righteous people; for they kept the statutes and judgments of the Lord, and all his commandments, according to the law of Moses; wherefore, we know that they are a righteous people; and our father hath judged them, and hath led us away because we would hearken unto his words..." (1 Ne. 17:22).
What made it difficult for Laman and Lemuel to see clearly was the simple fact that the Jews were a religious people. Many of them kept the statutes and judgments of the Lord, and all his commandments, according to the law of Moses. Would not this appear to be a righteous people? Laman and Lemuel were blinded by appearances. Their erroneous perception of reality caused them to twice 'bear testimony' of something that was false - "we know" the Jews are righteous. What they "knew" blinded them, because it was false.
When Joseph Smith learned in 1820 about the prevailing religious culture of his day, the Lord explained that mens' hearts were far from Him.
"I was answered that I must join none of them, for they were all wrong; and the Personage who addressed me said that all their creeds were and abomination in his sight; that those professors were all corrupt; that: 'they draw near to me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me, they teach for doctrines the commandments of men, having a form of godliness, but they deny the power thereof'" (JSH 1:19).
Is it possible that the Jews, though keeping up outward appearances, had allowed their hearts to drift from God? Is it possible that men in Joseph Smith's day, who had a form of godliness, possessed hearts not set on finding their Lord? Is it easy for men to recognize when the commandments of men are taught as doctrine? Do men wittingly deny the power of godliness?
I continue to be astonished that latter-day Saints don't ever wonder whether we have fallen to such a condition. We are not allowed to wonder such a thing. We are full of fear, and know it not. We claim God's priesthood, but we undertake to cover our sins. We think we are chosen, but our hearts are set so much upon the things of this world. We claim revelation, but reveal nothing. The heavens have withdrawn themselves, and the Spirit of the Lord is grieved. We should be ashamed, but are proud. We should humble ourselves, but we cannot hear the voice of God because we are busy marching to the beat of Babylon. Yet there are a few who are humble, who have not gone astray (2 Ne. 28:14).
In teaching both the multitude and his disciples, Jesus said:
"The scribes and the Pharisees sit in Moses' seat:
"All therefore whatsoever they bid you observe, that observe and do; but do not ye after their works: for they say, and do not.
"For they bind heavy burdens and grievous to be borne, and lay them on men's shoulders; but they themselves will not move them with one of their fingers.
"But all their works they do for to be seen of men: they make broad their phylacteries, and enlarge the borders of their garments,
"And love the uppermost rooms at feasts, and the chief seats in the synagogues,
"And greetings in the markets, and to be called of men, Rabbi, Rabbi.
"But be not ye called Rabbi: for one is your Master, even Christ; and all ye are brethren" (Matt. 23:2-8).
The problem of which Christ spake is a condition of the heart. The scribes' and the Pharisees' works were performed so as to be seen of men. They loved the chief seats, and royal treatment. They could not help but love their greetings in the markets, and to be called Rabbi. They loved too much the glory of being the teacher, and not being taught by the Lord; of being the leader, not a follower of Righteousness. They appeared to do the works of righteousness, but their hearts were not set upon Christ. They were full of priestcraft (2 Ne. 26:29). Because they exalted themselves they shall be abased (Matt. 23:12).
Christ's words struck at the heart of the whole matter (Matt. 23:13-39). The leaders were blind guides, which strain at a gnat, and swallow a camel; who "make yourselves appear unto men that ye would not commit the least sin, and yet ye yourselves, transgress the whole law" (JST Matt. 23:21). These guides made the outside of the cup appear clean, but within were full of excess and extortion.
How is it that a man may keep up all outward appearances and yet be deemed "full of hypocrisy and iniquity" by Christ (Matt. 23:28)?
Monday, January 14, 2013
Beholding The Heavens Open
At the baptism of Jesus the heavens were opened (Matt 3:16-17). As a part of that experience the foreordained sign of the dove was given, and the voice of the Father out of the heavens was heard bearing record of His beloved Son.
Nephi corroborates the account given in Matthew of Christ's baptism (1 Ne. 11:27). He learned these things when he himself beheld "the heavens open" (1 Ne. 11:14). In fact, the Book of Mormon begins with Lehi's experience in beholding "the heavens open," wherein he saw God sitting upon His throne surrounded by numberless concourses of angels (1 Ne. 1:8). This is a key, given in the first chapter of the book.
Each account in scripture in which we read about the heavens opening gives to us only a small part of the experience that actually unfolded. The words in scripture do not fully capture the experience. The uninitiated are invited to come and partake, without having the mysteries unfolded to them in the words of a book. We are to seek further light and knowledge.
Were the sign of the dove and the Father's voice only seen and heard by Christ? Was John also a privileged witness of these things? Did he behold the heavens open? If so, what does that mean? What does it mean to behold the heavens open?
Nephi corroborates the account given in Matthew of Christ's baptism (1 Ne. 11:27). He learned these things when he himself beheld "the heavens open" (1 Ne. 11:14). In fact, the Book of Mormon begins with Lehi's experience in beholding "the heavens open," wherein he saw God sitting upon His throne surrounded by numberless concourses of angels (1 Ne. 1:8). This is a key, given in the first chapter of the book.
Each account in scripture in which we read about the heavens opening gives to us only a small part of the experience that actually unfolded. The words in scripture do not fully capture the experience. The uninitiated are invited to come and partake, without having the mysteries unfolded to them in the words of a book. We are to seek further light and knowledge.
Were the sign of the dove and the Father's voice only seen and heard by Christ? Was John also a privileged witness of these things? Did he behold the heavens open? If so, what does that mean? What does it mean to behold the heavens open?
Wednesday, January 9, 2013
Heaven And Hell
I've recently enjoyed reading the experiences of Emanuel
Swedenborg. He claimed visions and spiritual gifts seldom enjoyed in his
day or ours. Some of his writings seem to verify his claim. His visions apparently began Easter weekend on 6 April 1744 and persisted thereafter. He was in his 50s at the time.
Since I recently mentioned the ministry of angels, I thought I'd share something I read earlier today. The following is from one of his
books, originally published in Latin in 1758 and translated to English in 1886:
"I have seen a thousand times that angels are human
forms, or men; for I have conversed with them as man with man, sometimes with
one alone, sometimes with many in company; nor did I discover in their form
anything different from the form of man; and I have repeatedly wondered that
they were such. And lest it should be said that it was a fallacy, or a visionary
fancy, I have been permitted to see them in a state of full wakefulness, when I
was in the exercise of every bodily sense, and in a state of clear perception.
I have also frequently told them that men in the Christian world are in such
blind ignorance concerning angels and spirits, as to believe them to be minds
without form, and mere thoughts, concerning which they have no other idea than
as of something ethereal, in which there is somewhat vital; and because they
thus ascribe to them nothing human except a thinking principle, they imagine
that they cannot see, because they have no eyes; nor hear because they have no
ears; nor speak, because they have neither mouth nor tongue. The angels said in
reply, that they knew such a belief exists with many in the world, and that it
is the prevailing belief among the learned, and also, to their astonishment,
among the clergy. They also assigned as a reason for this, that the learned,
who were the leaders, and who first broached such ideas concerning angels and
spirits, thought of them from the sensual conceptions of the external man; And
they who think from these, and not from interior light, and the general idea
implanted in everyone, must of necessity adopt such fictions; because the
sensuals of the external man can comprehend only what is within nature but not
what is above it, thus nothing whatever of the spiritual world. From these
leaders as guides, the false notion concerning the angels was communicated to
others, who did not think for themselves, but from them; and they who first
think from others, and make the things so thought matters of their faith, and
afterwards view them as such from their own understanding, can with difficulty
recede from them; wherefore they generally acquiesce in confirming them. They
further said that the simple in faith and heart have no such idea concerning
the angels, but think of them as heavenly men, because they have not
extinguished by erudition what was implanted in them from heaven, nor can they
conceive of anything without a form. Hence it is that angels are always
represented in temples, both in sculpture and painting, as men. Concerning what
is thus implanted from heaven, they added, that it is the Divine communicated
by influx to those who are in the good of faith and life.
"From all my experience, which is now for many years, I
can declare and affirm that the form of the Angels is in every respect human;
that they have faces, eyes, ears, breasts, arms, hands, feet; that they see,
hear, and converse with each other; in a word, that they lack nothing which
belongs to man, except the material body. I have seen them in a light, which
exceeds by many degrees the noonday light of the world; and in that light I
observed all parts of their faces more distinctly and clearly than ever I did
the face of man on earth. I have also been permitted to see an angel of the
inmost heaven. His countenance was brighter and more resplendent than the faces
of the angels of the inferior heavens. I examined him closely, and his form was
perfectly human. It is, however, to be observed, that angels cannot be seen by
man with his bodily eyes, but with the eyes of the spirit which is within him;
because the spirit is in the spiritual world, and all things of the body are in
the natural world. Like sees like, because from like. Besides, everyone knows
that the organ of bodily vision, which is the eye, is so gross that it cannot
see even the smaller things of nature except by the aid of optical glasses;
much less, then, can it discern those which are above the sphere of nature, as
are all things in the spiritual world: nevertheless, these are seen by man when
he is withdrawn from the bodily sight, and the sight of his spirit is opened.
This is effected in a moment, when it pleases the Lord that man should see
spiritual things" (Swedenborg, Heaven and Hell, pp. 49-51).
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