Not all who have seen angels are saved, or even good men (1 Ne. 3:29-31). But the scriptural pattern indicates all saved men have been ministered to by angels.
While angels declare repentance, they are not the source of one's conversion. That is the primary function of the Holy Spirit.
Showing posts with label repentance. Show all posts
Showing posts with label repentance. Show all posts
Saturday, December 22, 2012
Tuesday, November 13, 2012
Moroni Finishes His Record, Part 3
"And it came to pass that in that same year in which [Ether] was cast out from among the people there began to be a great war among the people..." (Ether 13:15).
Moroni makes note of the fact that the war began in the very year that this prophet was cast out by the people. The ensuing war never ceases until the consumption decreed makes an entire end of the Jaredites. None of the "fair sons and daughters upon the face of the whole earth" repented of their sins, but persisted in a course that was contrary to the warnings of the Lord. He had sent a prophet among them warning them. This prophet taught them of "all things, from the beginning of man" yet the people chose to pursue their present course.
The perpetual war became so "swift and speedy" that there were none left to bury the dead (Ether 14:22). They left "the bodies of both men, women, and children strewed upon the face of the land, to become a prey to the worms of the flesh" (ibid.). The people who were left were tormented by the terrible scent upon all the face of the land, both day and night (Ether 14:23). Millions were destroyed (Ether 15:2).
"And thus we see that the Lord did visit them in the fulness of his wrath, and their wickedness and abominations had prepared a way for their everlasting destruction" (Ether 14:25).
At last, when men were nigh unto death they "began to remember" the words of Ether and of all the prophets (Ether 15:1, 3). Still, few chose to repent. These were exceedingly sorrowful times (Ether 15:16-17). The people could not pull themselves away from the fighting because "the Spirit of the Lord had ceased striving with them, and Satan had full power" over their hearts (Ether 15:19).
Ether had written an extensive record. Moroni wants us to understand that he deliberately chose which items from Ether's record to include in the plates we were going to receive. He explains that he gave not even "the hundredth part" to us (Ether 15:33). It is all the more significant, therefore, that Moroni includes what he does in the record. We must pay attention to those items he chose for inclusion in the record we have inherited.
Moroni saw the terrible scene of iniquity and destruction that will be poured out upon this land in our day. It was revealed by the Lord to the prophet Joseph Smith. The consumption decreed will eventually make an end of all nations (D&C 87:6; D&C 45:30-33). All people will be at war one with another (D&C 45:33). Disease will spread (D&C 45:31; D&C 29:14-21). The only place of safety will be Zion. The only promise of protection is to be clean from the blood and sins of this generation.
What a sad state; Satan's will to rule and reign with blood and horror completely enacted upon the earth. We should learn from history. We should also learn from prophets the Lord sends declaring the message of repentance. The Lord's victory seems too small.
God's sword is bathed in heaven, and shall fall upon the inhabitants of the earth (D&C 1:13). The telestial world and its inhabitants are almost utterly wasted before and at his coming, all to begin anew. The course of the Lord is one eternal round. In great mercy, he will ever gather his children -worlds without end.
Moroni makes note of the fact that the war began in the very year that this prophet was cast out by the people. The ensuing war never ceases until the consumption decreed makes an entire end of the Jaredites. None of the "fair sons and daughters upon the face of the whole earth" repented of their sins, but persisted in a course that was contrary to the warnings of the Lord. He had sent a prophet among them warning them. This prophet taught them of "all things, from the beginning of man" yet the people chose to pursue their present course.
The perpetual war became so "swift and speedy" that there were none left to bury the dead (Ether 14:22). They left "the bodies of both men, women, and children strewed upon the face of the land, to become a prey to the worms of the flesh" (ibid.). The people who were left were tormented by the terrible scent upon all the face of the land, both day and night (Ether 14:23). Millions were destroyed (Ether 15:2).
"And thus we see that the Lord did visit them in the fulness of his wrath, and their wickedness and abominations had prepared a way for their everlasting destruction" (Ether 14:25).
At last, when men were nigh unto death they "began to remember" the words of Ether and of all the prophets (Ether 15:1, 3). Still, few chose to repent. These were exceedingly sorrowful times (Ether 15:16-17). The people could not pull themselves away from the fighting because "the Spirit of the Lord had ceased striving with them, and Satan had full power" over their hearts (Ether 15:19).
Ether had written an extensive record. Moroni wants us to understand that he deliberately chose which items from Ether's record to include in the plates we were going to receive. He explains that he gave not even "the hundredth part" to us (Ether 15:33). It is all the more significant, therefore, that Moroni includes what he does in the record. We must pay attention to those items he chose for inclusion in the record we have inherited.
Moroni saw the terrible scene of iniquity and destruction that will be poured out upon this land in our day. It was revealed by the Lord to the prophet Joseph Smith. The consumption decreed will eventually make an end of all nations (D&C 87:6; D&C 45:30-33). All people will be at war one with another (D&C 45:33). Disease will spread (D&C 45:31; D&C 29:14-21). The only place of safety will be Zion. The only promise of protection is to be clean from the blood and sins of this generation.
What a sad state; Satan's will to rule and reign with blood and horror completely enacted upon the earth. We should learn from history. We should also learn from prophets the Lord sends declaring the message of repentance. The Lord's victory seems too small.
God's sword is bathed in heaven, and shall fall upon the inhabitants of the earth (D&C 1:13). The telestial world and its inhabitants are almost utterly wasted before and at his coming, all to begin anew. The course of the Lord is one eternal round. In great mercy, he will ever gather his children -worlds without end.
Friday, October 19, 2012
He Maketh War
I once overheard someone wonder whether an encounter they'd had with a creepy individual was in fact an encounter with somebody who was possessed by a devil. If there's a question mark over your head, then the person is not possessed.
During the night of December 23-24, 2003, I was unexpectedly visited by a woman possessed with devils. This sorely unpleasant meeting lasted for around 45 minutes. I hadn't known the woman previously, nor have I seen her since. I now know her name, and that she was a member of the Church. To this day I am unaware of what or who she was involved with that precipitated Satan's seizing control of her.
It became quite apparent throughout the confrontation that this sister had at least been communicating with, and attempting to aide these spirits (whom she was able to see and I was not). They had deceived her. She was utterly overcome and displaced.
I remember keenly the emotions I felt, every individual that was there, the room we were in, the sight and sound of it all, etc. I've spent considerable time pondering over what transpired. The details of that night matter to me, but are not suited for a blog post. Really, it's not something to talk much about. Dwelling upon evil invites darkness.
Though this woman had been completely violated, her damnable experience did not damn her. When she left that night she had returned to herself, and her tormentors had departed. As I reflect upon that night, it seems she would thereafter have had every opportunity to press forward in faith and repentance, seeking Christ. Perhaps the blatant nature of her experience encouraged such a turn toward light.
Satan maketh "war with the saints of God" (D&C 76:29). The servants of Satan uphold his work (D&C 10:5). If the war he waged were as outwardly diabolical and horrifying as the encounter I had that night, not a man, woman, or child would be ignorant to the fact that there is indeed a war. They would avoid it at all costs. Yet, he is far more cunning than that.
The war Satan wages is for the souls of men. He leads souls carefully down to hell (2 Ne. 28:21). The tools he uses are pride, popularity, materialism, and the lusts of the flesh (1 Ne. 22:23; 3 Ne. 6:15). In fact, those things are not scary at all. We are encompassed about by them (D&C 76:29). They are exciting, enticing, titillating, and thrilling to the carnal man. Satan will by and by claim those who belong to his kingdom (ibid.). It is these who "need fear, and tremble, and quake," for they "must be consumed as stubble" (ibid.).
Because Satan's tactics are careful, he is able to grasp them with his awful chains and his victims know it not (2 Ne. 28:22). His victims even take delight in their position, their popularity, and their riches. From this there is no deliverance, because there is no recognition (ibid.). They are blind because they are filled with darkness (1 John 2:11). Though they claim to worship Christ, they comprehend Him not (D&C 10:58).
Because Satan seeks to rule with blood and horror on this earth, he will not cease his efforts until the wicked destroy the wicked (Psalm 34:21). Our hope lies in Christ, not in the father of lies. He would flatter you (2 Ne. 28:22). Christ desires your repentance (3 Ne. 30:2). Awake and arise to your awful situation.
During the night of December 23-24, 2003, I was unexpectedly visited by a woman possessed with devils. This sorely unpleasant meeting lasted for around 45 minutes. I hadn't known the woman previously, nor have I seen her since. I now know her name, and that she was a member of the Church. To this day I am unaware of what or who she was involved with that precipitated Satan's seizing control of her.
It became quite apparent throughout the confrontation that this sister had at least been communicating with, and attempting to aide these spirits (whom she was able to see and I was not). They had deceived her. She was utterly overcome and displaced.
I remember keenly the emotions I felt, every individual that was there, the room we were in, the sight and sound of it all, etc. I've spent considerable time pondering over what transpired. The details of that night matter to me, but are not suited for a blog post. Really, it's not something to talk much about. Dwelling upon evil invites darkness.
Though this woman had been completely violated, her damnable experience did not damn her. When she left that night she had returned to herself, and her tormentors had departed. As I reflect upon that night, it seems she would thereafter have had every opportunity to press forward in faith and repentance, seeking Christ. Perhaps the blatant nature of her experience encouraged such a turn toward light.
Satan maketh "war with the saints of God" (D&C 76:29). The servants of Satan uphold his work (D&C 10:5). If the war he waged were as outwardly diabolical and horrifying as the encounter I had that night, not a man, woman, or child would be ignorant to the fact that there is indeed a war. They would avoid it at all costs. Yet, he is far more cunning than that.
The war Satan wages is for the souls of men. He leads souls carefully down to hell (2 Ne. 28:21). The tools he uses are pride, popularity, materialism, and the lusts of the flesh (1 Ne. 22:23; 3 Ne. 6:15). In fact, those things are not scary at all. We are encompassed about by them (D&C 76:29). They are exciting, enticing, titillating, and thrilling to the carnal man. Satan will by and by claim those who belong to his kingdom (ibid.). It is these who "need fear, and tremble, and quake," for they "must be consumed as stubble" (ibid.).
Because Satan's tactics are careful, he is able to grasp them with his awful chains and his victims know it not (2 Ne. 28:22). His victims even take delight in their position, their popularity, and their riches. From this there is no deliverance, because there is no recognition (ibid.). They are blind because they are filled with darkness (1 John 2:11). Though they claim to worship Christ, they comprehend Him not (D&C 10:58).
Because Satan seeks to rule with blood and horror on this earth, he will not cease his efforts until the wicked destroy the wicked (Psalm 34:21). Our hope lies in Christ, not in the father of lies. He would flatter you (2 Ne. 28:22). Christ desires your repentance (3 Ne. 30:2). Awake and arise to your awful situation.
Thursday, October 4, 2012
The Greatest of These Is Love
Mormon described the struggle he had working with a people who had once been enlightened by the gospel but had hardened their hearts against it. Because of their accomplishments they became proud, and boasted in their own strength. They sought revenge for the evils brought upon them by their enemies. They desired blood, and went to other lands to destroy. Thus, Satan had great hold upon their hearts.
"And it came to pass that I, Mormon, did utterly refuse from this time forth to be a commander and a leader of this people, because of their wickedness and abominations.
"Behold, I had led them, notwithstanding their wickedness I had led them many times to battle, and had loved them, according to the love of God which was in me, with all my heart; and my soul had been poured out in prayer unto my God all the day long for them; nevertheless, it was without faith, because of the hardness of their hearts" (Morm. 3:11-12, emphasis mine).
The prophet Mormon admits that though he continued to pray for his people it was without faith. He understood the prophecies, and knew the final outcome. He not only knew the destiny of the wicked, but knew that his people would ultimately fail to repent and would be destroyed. He could not exercise faith in their behalf. In other words, faith failed. Love remained intact.
Mormon made a point of alerting his readers that even though his preaching would have no effect upon his people, he believed we could learn from their example. "Therefore I write unto you Gentiles, and also unto you House of Israel..." (Morm. 3:17). He reminds us that we will indeed stand before Christ to be judged (v. 20). He writes to help us "believe in the gospel of Jesus Christ" (v. 21). He desires to persuade "all ye ends of the earth to repent and prepare" for the judgment which shall come (v. 22).
After seeing that his people were on the verge of becoming extinct, Mormon goes forth to lead them once more.
"But behold, I was without hope, for I knew the judgments of the Lord which should come upon them; for they repented not of their iniquities, but did struggle for their lives without calling upon that Being who created them" (Morm. 5:2).
Their efforts were "all in vain" (v. 6). If they had repented they might have been "clasped in the arms of Jesus" (v. 11). Mormon desires to help us understand these things. In case the meaning is lost upon us he helps us with his own commentary to the Gentiles:
"And then, O ye Gentiles, how can ye stand before the power of God, except ye shall repent and turn from your evil ways?
"Know ye not that ye are in the hands of God? Know ye not that he hath all power, and at his great command the earth shall be rolled together as a scroll?
"Therefore, repent ye, and humble yourselves before him, lest he shall come out in justice against you - lest a remnant of the seed of Jacob shall go forth among you as a lion, and tear you in pieces, and there is none to deliver" (Morm. 5:22-24).
Though faith and hope failed him, love did not. Mormon prayed without faith for his people, and led them without hope. It seems, however, that he held out hope for us.
"And it came to pass that I, Mormon, did utterly refuse from this time forth to be a commander and a leader of this people, because of their wickedness and abominations.
"Behold, I had led them, notwithstanding their wickedness I had led them many times to battle, and had loved them, according to the love of God which was in me, with all my heart; and my soul had been poured out in prayer unto my God all the day long for them; nevertheless, it was without faith, because of the hardness of their hearts" (Morm. 3:11-12, emphasis mine).
The prophet Mormon admits that though he continued to pray for his people it was without faith. He understood the prophecies, and knew the final outcome. He not only knew the destiny of the wicked, but knew that his people would ultimately fail to repent and would be destroyed. He could not exercise faith in their behalf. In other words, faith failed. Love remained intact.
Mormon made a point of alerting his readers that even though his preaching would have no effect upon his people, he believed we could learn from their example. "Therefore I write unto you Gentiles, and also unto you House of Israel..." (Morm. 3:17). He reminds us that we will indeed stand before Christ to be judged (v. 20). He writes to help us "believe in the gospel of Jesus Christ" (v. 21). He desires to persuade "all ye ends of the earth to repent and prepare" for the judgment which shall come (v. 22).
After seeing that his people were on the verge of becoming extinct, Mormon goes forth to lead them once more.
"But behold, I was without hope, for I knew the judgments of the Lord which should come upon them; for they repented not of their iniquities, but did struggle for their lives without calling upon that Being who created them" (Morm. 5:2).
Their efforts were "all in vain" (v. 6). If they had repented they might have been "clasped in the arms of Jesus" (v. 11). Mormon desires to help us understand these things. In case the meaning is lost upon us he helps us with his own commentary to the Gentiles:
"And then, O ye Gentiles, how can ye stand before the power of God, except ye shall repent and turn from your evil ways?
"Know ye not that ye are in the hands of God? Know ye not that he hath all power, and at his great command the earth shall be rolled together as a scroll?
"Therefore, repent ye, and humble yourselves before him, lest he shall come out in justice against you - lest a remnant of the seed of Jacob shall go forth among you as a lion, and tear you in pieces, and there is none to deliver" (Morm. 5:22-24).
Though faith and hope failed him, love did not. Mormon prayed without faith for his people, and led them without hope. It seems, however, that he held out hope for us.
Monday, September 10, 2012
Have Been and Shall Be
"And now, behold, I say unto you, that ye ought to search these things. Yea, a commandment I give unto you that ye search these things diligently; for great are the words of Isaiah.
"For surely he spake as touching all things concerning my people which are of the house of Israel; therefore it must needs be that he must speak also to the Gentiles.
"And all things that he spake have been and shall be, even according to the words which he spake" (3 Ne. 23:1-3).
There is an interesting parallel we behold in the scriptures. The first side of it is that the Lord established his covenant anciently with a group of people who were called the house of Israel. We are fairly familiar with the covenants he gave to that people. We are familiar with their history; not that we know all the particulars of that history, but we understand and are taught about the perpetual stiffneckedness among a people that had been promised so much.
Though it is clear to us how the prophecies concerning that people played out, the situation in which they found themselves was not always apparent to those living out those prophecies . Laman and Lemuel for instance thought that the Jews were a righteous people, even on the eve of their destruction and captivity (1 Ne. 17:22). Their circumstances blinded them. Tradition, culture, and everyday concerns blinded them. Their desire to remain in babylon blinded them. The people who provided us with the record of the Book of Mormon happened to awake and discover their awful situation, and prevailed upon God for guidance.
The other side of this parallel is that the Lord established his covenant in our day with the Gentiles. This was all prophesied. Because in the meridian of time Israel was stiffnecked and rejected Christ, and the Gentiles believed, it was promised that in the last days they would be first, and Israel last (3 Ne. 16:7).
We are fairly familiar with the covenants the Lord gave to us. We are acquainted with stories from our history. We don't know all the particulars of our history, but believe that we are chosen. Our view of ourselves is different than the view we have of those Jews with whom God earlier established his covenant. We think them foolish, and dismiss the idea that we may be like them. We view them in a more true light than we view ourselves. We view ourselves through the same lens the Jews used to view themselves. We are like them in many ways.
The ancient messengers Mormon, Moroni, Nephi, Isaiah, and Christ viewed these two groups of people - the house of Israel and the Gentiles - as similar. They were to share similar fates. They are both extended the same covenants and opportunities, ultimately react to the message of the prophets in the same manner, and reap the same rewards. They share parallel histories. In other words, history repeats itself. "All things that [Isaiah] spake have been and shall be."
Isaiah's writings contain "all things" concerning the Lord's people. The first group of people, who are the Lord's covenant people and whom he here identifies as the house of Israel, rejected the gospel, cast out the prophets, and couldn't recognized their Lord. They were scattered and taken captive by their enemies. Their cities became desolate. They were considered harlots because they were not faithful to the Bridegroom, their God. Despite all this, they considered themselves righteous by keeping up outward appearances. They despised the message of repentance. The Lord forsook them, and in his wrath hid his face from them (3 Ne. 22:7-8).
Christ prophesied: "therefore it must needs be that [Isaiah] must speak also to the Gentiles. And all things that he spake have been and shall be, even according to the words which he spake." "Therefore," Christ goes on to say, write all this stuff down because "according to the time and the will of the Father they shall go forth unto the Gentiles" (3 Ne. 23:4). In mercy, the Lord has given us the Book of Mormon warning us to pay attention to these things.
Much earlier in the Book of Mormon, after Nephi finished reading the words of Isaiah to his people, and recording them for our benefit, he says this to those who heard his message:
"And now behold, my beloved brethren, I would speak unto you; for I, Nephi, would not suffer that ye should suppose that ye are more righteous than the Gentiles shall be. For behold, except ye shall keep the commandments of God ye shall all likewise perish; and because of the words which have been spoken ye need not suppose that the Gentiles are utterly destroyed" (2 Ne. 30:1).
Nephi's hearers were dismayed at the wickedness of the Gentiles. I'm sure some thought the Gentiles were foolish, and dismissed the idea that they may be like us. They were tempted to think they were better off than us. Nephi warned them against that kind of thinking. He made it clear to them that we're really all on the same awful ground unless we repent. These groups of people "shall all likewise perish" unless they repent and "keep the commandments of God."
Though Nephi consoles his contemporary listeners by saying, "don't worry, the Gentiles are not utterly destroyed," it should be no consolation to you. It's dreadful to me to read.
I would not suffer that ye should suppose that ye are more righteous than the house of Israel had been. As a people we, like ancient Israel, were promised the fulness and to be able to enter into the rest of the Lord, but would not hear (Isa. 28:12; D&C 84:24; D&C 45:28-29). Who has obtained it?
"For surely he spake as touching all things concerning my people which are of the house of Israel; therefore it must needs be that he must speak also to the Gentiles.
"And all things that he spake have been and shall be, even according to the words which he spake" (3 Ne. 23:1-3).
There is an interesting parallel we behold in the scriptures. The first side of it is that the Lord established his covenant anciently with a group of people who were called the house of Israel. We are fairly familiar with the covenants he gave to that people. We are familiar with their history; not that we know all the particulars of that history, but we understand and are taught about the perpetual stiffneckedness among a people that had been promised so much.
Though it is clear to us how the prophecies concerning that people played out, the situation in which they found themselves was not always apparent to those living out those prophecies . Laman and Lemuel for instance thought that the Jews were a righteous people, even on the eve of their destruction and captivity (1 Ne. 17:22). Their circumstances blinded them. Tradition, culture, and everyday concerns blinded them. Their desire to remain in babylon blinded them. The people who provided us with the record of the Book of Mormon happened to awake and discover their awful situation, and prevailed upon God for guidance.
The other side of this parallel is that the Lord established his covenant in our day with the Gentiles. This was all prophesied. Because in the meridian of time Israel was stiffnecked and rejected Christ, and the Gentiles believed, it was promised that in the last days they would be first, and Israel last (3 Ne. 16:7).
We are fairly familiar with the covenants the Lord gave to us. We are acquainted with stories from our history. We don't know all the particulars of our history, but believe that we are chosen. Our view of ourselves is different than the view we have of those Jews with whom God earlier established his covenant. We think them foolish, and dismiss the idea that we may be like them. We view them in a more true light than we view ourselves. We view ourselves through the same lens the Jews used to view themselves. We are like them in many ways.
The ancient messengers Mormon, Moroni, Nephi, Isaiah, and Christ viewed these two groups of people - the house of Israel and the Gentiles - as similar. They were to share similar fates. They are both extended the same covenants and opportunities, ultimately react to the message of the prophets in the same manner, and reap the same rewards. They share parallel histories. In other words, history repeats itself. "All things that [Isaiah] spake have been and shall be."
Isaiah's writings contain "all things" concerning the Lord's people. The first group of people, who are the Lord's covenant people and whom he here identifies as the house of Israel, rejected the gospel, cast out the prophets, and couldn't recognized their Lord. They were scattered and taken captive by their enemies. Their cities became desolate. They were considered harlots because they were not faithful to the Bridegroom, their God. Despite all this, they considered themselves righteous by keeping up outward appearances. They despised the message of repentance. The Lord forsook them, and in his wrath hid his face from them (3 Ne. 22:7-8).
Christ prophesied: "therefore it must needs be that [Isaiah] must speak also to the Gentiles. And all things that he spake have been and shall be, even according to the words which he spake." "Therefore," Christ goes on to say, write all this stuff down because "according to the time and the will of the Father they shall go forth unto the Gentiles" (3 Ne. 23:4). In mercy, the Lord has given us the Book of Mormon warning us to pay attention to these things.
Much earlier in the Book of Mormon, after Nephi finished reading the words of Isaiah to his people, and recording them for our benefit, he says this to those who heard his message:
"And now behold, my beloved brethren, I would speak unto you; for I, Nephi, would not suffer that ye should suppose that ye are more righteous than the Gentiles shall be. For behold, except ye shall keep the commandments of God ye shall all likewise perish; and because of the words which have been spoken ye need not suppose that the Gentiles are utterly destroyed" (2 Ne. 30:1).
Nephi's hearers were dismayed at the wickedness of the Gentiles. I'm sure some thought the Gentiles were foolish, and dismissed the idea that they may be like us. They were tempted to think they were better off than us. Nephi warned them against that kind of thinking. He made it clear to them that we're really all on the same awful ground unless we repent. These groups of people "shall all likewise perish" unless they repent and "keep the commandments of God."
Though Nephi consoles his contemporary listeners by saying, "don't worry, the Gentiles are not utterly destroyed," it should be no consolation to you. It's dreadful to me to read.
I would not suffer that ye should suppose that ye are more righteous than the house of Israel had been. As a people we, like ancient Israel, were promised the fulness and to be able to enter into the rest of the Lord, but would not hear (Isa. 28:12; D&C 84:24; D&C 45:28-29). Who has obtained it?
Monday, August 27, 2012
Prophets, Churchmen, and the Testimony of Jesus
Joseph Smith was asked if he believed himself "to be a Prophet?" His reply was:
"Yes, and every other man who has the testimony of Jesus. For the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy" (TPJS, p. 119; also Rev. 19:10).
Possessing "the testimony of Jesus" is more than we think it is. "Testimony" is so common a thing among us we think we understand the phrase "testimony of Jesus." Merely saying you know Christ lives or loves you, doesn't mean you possess the testimony of Jesus spoken of by John and Joseph. We read that even the devils possess that testimony (James 2:19; Matt. 8:29). Therefore, declaring that Jesus is Christ, even if you know such is the case, is not what is meant - though that may be where it begins.
Latter-day Saints aren't the only churchgoers who have such a testimony. There are believing Christians everywhere that believe in and serve the same Christ we proclaim we know. Yet, Jesus said:
"Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven.
"Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works?
"And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity" (Matt 7:21-23).
Those Christ spoke of, who thus testified, had not the "testimony of Jesus," and will not "enter into the kingdom of heaven." Though they believed they pleased him with their "wonderful works," they were workers of "iniquity" according to Christ. These are the churchmen, not the prophets. These are those who are religious, but who know not the mind and will of God. They are "professors," and are all corrupt (JSH 1:19). Their creeds are an abomination to God (ibid.). They are led in masses to believe they are correct, but their hearts are far from God. They have entered in at the "broad gate," and many there be that go in thereat (Matt. 7:13). They belong to the telestial kingdom (D&C 76:99-101).
We should pause to consider what the Lord is saying here. How is it that those Christ spoke of believed they did "wonderful works" but did not "the will of the Father?" How is it that they thought they "prophesied in [his] name" but weren't found pleasing to God? How is it that they "cast out devils" but were called workers of "iniquity?" What is this "testimony of Jesus," and how does it differ from testifying that you have done "wonderful works" and saying "Lord, Lord."
Prophets and prophetesses are a different type of people than the religious who only profess to know Christ. They are unlike the masses. Historically, the prophets did not please the majority. Words like "anger," and "offended" are used in scripture to denote the reaction of the people to their message (3 Ne. 6:20-21; Matt. 15:12). "Mad," and "wild" are used by the religious to describe their demeanor (Mosiah 13:1; Moses 6:38). And yet, these are they who possessed the "testimony of Jesus." How could this be?
The testimony of Jesus is more than just your testimony. It is His testimony. It is you receiving Jesus' testimony to you. What is it that Jesus would testify of were he to give you his testimony? Do we begin to learn about this at all in the temple?
What is it about what Christ makes of these men that is so offensive to those who consider themselves God's chosen people? Why is Zion so rarely established, when God has given men opportunities to establish it?
Salvation requires revelation. This is not only true for every individual that is to be saved, but also for those who preach the gospel of salvation. It is vain for a man to attempt to minister without it (TPJS, p. 160). Prophets preach Christ's gospel, and minister to others with power because of the revelations they receive (ibid.). Prophets have the testimony of Jesus, and possess the gift of the spirit of prophecy. They encourage others to receive the same.
Our revelations indicate that there are those who claim to be apostles and prophets, but whose falseness and hypocrisy shall be uncovered when Zion is established (D&C 64:38-39). What does that mean? The Prophet taught that false prophets will testify of heaven and hell, but they have seen neither (ibid.). True prophets, who receive their message from God, always point to Christ and never set themselves up for a light unto others. They teach that unless men repent and come unto Christ, they are lost (1 Ne. 10:5-6).
"Yes, and every other man who has the testimony of Jesus. For the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy" (TPJS, p. 119; also Rev. 19:10).
Possessing "the testimony of Jesus" is more than we think it is. "Testimony" is so common a thing among us we think we understand the phrase "testimony of Jesus." Merely saying you know Christ lives or loves you, doesn't mean you possess the testimony of Jesus spoken of by John and Joseph. We read that even the devils possess that testimony (James 2:19; Matt. 8:29). Therefore, declaring that Jesus is Christ, even if you know such is the case, is not what is meant - though that may be where it begins.
Latter-day Saints aren't the only churchgoers who have such a testimony. There are believing Christians everywhere that believe in and serve the same Christ we proclaim we know. Yet, Jesus said:
"Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven.
"Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works?
"And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity" (Matt 7:21-23).
Those Christ spoke of, who thus testified, had not the "testimony of Jesus," and will not "enter into the kingdom of heaven." Though they believed they pleased him with their "wonderful works," they were workers of "iniquity" according to Christ. These are the churchmen, not the prophets. These are those who are religious, but who know not the mind and will of God. They are "professors," and are all corrupt (JSH 1:19). Their creeds are an abomination to God (ibid.). They are led in masses to believe they are correct, but their hearts are far from God. They have entered in at the "broad gate," and many there be that go in thereat (Matt. 7:13). They belong to the telestial kingdom (D&C 76:99-101).
We should pause to consider what the Lord is saying here. How is it that those Christ spoke of believed they did "wonderful works" but did not "the will of the Father?" How is it that they thought they "prophesied in [his] name" but weren't found pleasing to God? How is it that they "cast out devils" but were called workers of "iniquity?" What is this "testimony of Jesus," and how does it differ from testifying that you have done "wonderful works" and saying "Lord, Lord."
Prophets and prophetesses are a different type of people than the religious who only profess to know Christ. They are unlike the masses. Historically, the prophets did not please the majority. Words like "anger," and "offended" are used in scripture to denote the reaction of the people to their message (3 Ne. 6:20-21; Matt. 15:12). "Mad," and "wild" are used by the religious to describe their demeanor (Mosiah 13:1; Moses 6:38). And yet, these are they who possessed the "testimony of Jesus." How could this be?
The testimony of Jesus is more than just your testimony. It is His testimony. It is you receiving Jesus' testimony to you. What is it that Jesus would testify of were he to give you his testimony? Do we begin to learn about this at all in the temple?
What is it about what Christ makes of these men that is so offensive to those who consider themselves God's chosen people? Why is Zion so rarely established, when God has given men opportunities to establish it?
Salvation requires revelation. This is not only true for every individual that is to be saved, but also for those who preach the gospel of salvation. It is vain for a man to attempt to minister without it (TPJS, p. 160). Prophets preach Christ's gospel, and minister to others with power because of the revelations they receive (ibid.). Prophets have the testimony of Jesus, and possess the gift of the spirit of prophecy. They encourage others to receive the same.
Our revelations indicate that there are those who claim to be apostles and prophets, but whose falseness and hypocrisy shall be uncovered when Zion is established (D&C 64:38-39). What does that mean? The Prophet taught that false prophets will testify of heaven and hell, but they have seen neither (ibid.). True prophets, who receive their message from God, always point to Christ and never set themselves up for a light unto others. They teach that unless men repent and come unto Christ, they are lost (1 Ne. 10:5-6).
Saturday, August 25, 2012
Prophets and Churchmen
“Unlike prophets, churchmen are the product of institutions. In the safety and permanence of institutions they put their trust. They resolutely oppose the prophets whom they accuse of disturbing their repose and rocking the boat” (Nibley, The World and the Prophets, p. 175).
The Book of Mormon depicts differences between religious church-goers and prophets of God. Though there are times in which a righteous people are led by a righteous prophet or King, those periods are the exception rather than the rule. They are otherwise strictly juxtaposed throughout the book, and really, throughout all scripture; the holy prophets are usually sent among the unbelieving, church-going mass with a message from God that is a call to repentance.
In each of the examples given throughout the Book of Mormon the stories are different but there are common underlying themes. One of the most striking examples is found in the story of King Noah and his Kingdom. Yet there are other examples.
These religious bodies of people experience cycles of belief and unbelief. If they prosper they typically become proud. They boast in their accomplishments, and indicate it is a sign of God's favor, but they forget God, set their hearts upon their riches, and become slothful. When they become proud they are forced to be humble by war, famine, and pestilence. It is very consistent that the Lord would warn his latter-day church of these things by providing the Book of Mormon and the Doctrine and Covenants (D&C 38:39, D&C 112:23-26, D&C 101:43-62).
The Zoramites, for example, had descended and "dissented" from a group of people that had an understanding of the gospel (Alma 31:8). Along the way they began to err in doctrine (Alma 31:9). Though they thought they were pleasing to God, these errors caused them to fail in keeping the commandments of God and the law of Moses (ibid.). They failed to pray daily, and sought not to avoid temptation (Alma 31:10). They nevertheless "built synagogues" and gathered together "one day of the week, which day they did call the day of the Lord" (Alma 31:12). That was the day of their worship and devotion. They had a pulpit that admitted one at a time. These religious parrots would take turns approaching the elevated, "holy" stand only to speak forth vain recitations, and untruths. They accepted the philosophies of men and devils, mingled with scripture (Alma 31:15-18). Though they failed to pray in private, they loved to pray to be heard of men (Alma 31:21-23). Their prayer was putrid, but not to them. They took the name of God in vain.
Though they were in error, the Zoramites were unable to perceive the gravity of their situation because of the institutional, religious culture they chose to build for themselves, and in which they allowed their hearts and minds to be enveloped. They were pleased with what they made for themselves because they spake only that which was pleasing to hear. They praised God for their own "holiness" (Alma 31:17).
Alma went among the Zoramites to preach repentance. He was astonished at their behavior (Alma 31:19). He noticed that the people were religious in public, and full of babylon in private (Alma 31:23-25). After pleading with God for the people, he then set out to preach salvation in Christ who should come (see Alma 32-34). He "clapped his hands" upon his brethren who were to go with him to preach, and they were "filled with the Holy Spirit" (Alma 31:36).
The response of the Zoramites to Alma's message of Christ is interesting. The "popular" Zoramites, those who were "their rulers and their priests and their teachers," held a council to discuss the words of this prophet and his brethren (Alma 35:3, 5). They had become "angry" at Alma's words, because his words "destroyed their craft" (ibid.). They themselves chose not to hearken to his words. But they also wanted to know what the people thought of Alma's teachings. They sent for and gathered together the people to inquire concerning their thoughts (Alma 35:5-6). The fact that they found out "privily" the minds of the people is another way of saying they conducted polls. Their inquiries were "confidential" or "secret." The "rulers and priests" didn't want the people to know their own thoughts concerning the very teachings about which they were polling the people. They wanted to get at the truth of the hearts of the people, but felt they nevertheless could not reveal the truth of their own hearts. Those who were found to believe in this prophet's words were "cast out" or cut off from among the Zoramites (Alma 35:6).
These churchmen had trouble retaining truth - it was ever departing them. They lost focus on what was really important.
“But which is the reality – the everyday business, or the eternity that waits to receive us all? Religion should teach that it is the latter, yet conventional Christian doctrine is a denial of that. It is the apotheosis of institutions and routines, of old established ways, a solid and imposing dike to keep out the sea – to shut off the sight and even the memory of the sea which the Christian soul should be exploring. …When as has happened in every century, groups and individuals within the church have sought the old literalism in normal times, they have been held to display exceedingly bad taste, and vigorously suppressed” (Nibley, p. 178, supra).
The Zoramite apostates made babylon their reality instead of seeking to obey the gospel. Whatever they thought they were preaching in public, their private lives were the real testimony. Their prayers perhaps never reached the God of heaven, but their lives were a sacrifice on the altar to the god of this world.
The Book of Mormon depicts differences between religious church-goers and prophets of God. Though there are times in which a righteous people are led by a righteous prophet or King, those periods are the exception rather than the rule. They are otherwise strictly juxtaposed throughout the book, and really, throughout all scripture; the holy prophets are usually sent among the unbelieving, church-going mass with a message from God that is a call to repentance.
In each of the examples given throughout the Book of Mormon the stories are different but there are common underlying themes. One of the most striking examples is found in the story of King Noah and his Kingdom. Yet there are other examples.
These religious bodies of people experience cycles of belief and unbelief. If they prosper they typically become proud. They boast in their accomplishments, and indicate it is a sign of God's favor, but they forget God, set their hearts upon their riches, and become slothful. When they become proud they are forced to be humble by war, famine, and pestilence. It is very consistent that the Lord would warn his latter-day church of these things by providing the Book of Mormon and the Doctrine and Covenants (D&C 38:39, D&C 112:23-26, D&C 101:43-62).
The Zoramites, for example, had descended and "dissented" from a group of people that had an understanding of the gospel (Alma 31:8). Along the way they began to err in doctrine (Alma 31:9). Though they thought they were pleasing to God, these errors caused them to fail in keeping the commandments of God and the law of Moses (ibid.). They failed to pray daily, and sought not to avoid temptation (Alma 31:10). They nevertheless "built synagogues" and gathered together "one day of the week, which day they did call the day of the Lord" (Alma 31:12). That was the day of their worship and devotion. They had a pulpit that admitted one at a time. These religious parrots would take turns approaching the elevated, "holy" stand only to speak forth vain recitations, and untruths. They accepted the philosophies of men and devils, mingled with scripture (Alma 31:15-18). Though they failed to pray in private, they loved to pray to be heard of men (Alma 31:21-23). Their prayer was putrid, but not to them. They took the name of God in vain.
Though they were in error, the Zoramites were unable to perceive the gravity of their situation because of the institutional, religious culture they chose to build for themselves, and in which they allowed their hearts and minds to be enveloped. They were pleased with what they made for themselves because they spake only that which was pleasing to hear. They praised God for their own "holiness" (Alma 31:17).
Alma went among the Zoramites to preach repentance. He was astonished at their behavior (Alma 31:19). He noticed that the people were religious in public, and full of babylon in private (Alma 31:23-25). After pleading with God for the people, he then set out to preach salvation in Christ who should come (see Alma 32-34). He "clapped his hands" upon his brethren who were to go with him to preach, and they were "filled with the Holy Spirit" (Alma 31:36).
The response of the Zoramites to Alma's message of Christ is interesting. The "popular" Zoramites, those who were "their rulers and their priests and their teachers," held a council to discuss the words of this prophet and his brethren (Alma 35:3, 5). They had become "angry" at Alma's words, because his words "destroyed their craft" (ibid.). They themselves chose not to hearken to his words. But they also wanted to know what the people thought of Alma's teachings. They sent for and gathered together the people to inquire concerning their thoughts (Alma 35:5-6). The fact that they found out "privily" the minds of the people is another way of saying they conducted polls. Their inquiries were "confidential" or "secret." The "rulers and priests" didn't want the people to know their own thoughts concerning the very teachings about which they were polling the people. They wanted to get at the truth of the hearts of the people, but felt they nevertheless could not reveal the truth of their own hearts. Those who were found to believe in this prophet's words were "cast out" or cut off from among the Zoramites (Alma 35:6).
These churchmen had trouble retaining truth - it was ever departing them. They lost focus on what was really important.
“But which is the reality – the everyday business, or the eternity that waits to receive us all? Religion should teach that it is the latter, yet conventional Christian doctrine is a denial of that. It is the apotheosis of institutions and routines, of old established ways, a solid and imposing dike to keep out the sea – to shut off the sight and even the memory of the sea which the Christian soul should be exploring. …When as has happened in every century, groups and individuals within the church have sought the old literalism in normal times, they have been held to display exceedingly bad taste, and vigorously suppressed” (Nibley, p. 178, supra).
The Zoramite apostates made babylon their reality instead of seeking to obey the gospel. Whatever they thought they were preaching in public, their private lives were the real testimony. Their prayers perhaps never reached the God of heaven, but their lives were a sacrifice on the altar to the god of this world.
Tuesday, August 7, 2012
Men Inspired From Heaven
My mind continues to recall President Benson's warning mentioned last week.
Just four years prior to the death of Christ and his subsequent visit to the people of Nephi, Satan had great power over the people (3 Ne. 6:15). He stirred them up "to do all manner of iniquity, and to the puffing them up with pride, tempting them to seek for power, and authority, and riches, and the vain things of the world."
"And there began to be men inspired from heaven and sent forth" among the people to testify of their sins and iniquities. These men declared redemption in Christ through repentance (3 Ne. 6:20-21). This was a message the people were not getting from the chief judges and high priests. Many people were "exceedingly angry" with these prophets because of their message (ibid.). However, it was those in authority over the people who were most angry, because they felt their authority challenged. Some of the prophets were slain because of their testimony (v. 23).
Nephi was one of those prophets. He was "visited by angels" and "the voice of the Lord" and was an "eye-witness" (3 Ne. 7:15). He had "power given unto him" that he might know concerning Christ's ministry. Grieved by the hardness of the people's hearts, and "the blindness of their minds," Nephi went forth preaching "repentance and remission of sins through faith on the Lord Jesus Christ" (v. 16). He, and others he ordained, did baptize many (v. 25-26). He "did minister with power and with great authority" (v. 17).
The leaders were angry with him because they saw that he had greater power than they did. They were unable to disbelieve his words because his faith was so great that angels ministered to him daily (v. 18). Nephi was an Elias to the people of the land, preparing the way of the Lord. He created quite a stir.
What would it be like to be taught by such a man today? Would the message borne by such a faithful messenger be different than Nephi's? Would it be easy to recognize that he was sent forth from God? Would we be angry at his message, or receive it with joy? Would we look inward and analyze our lives to see if there was any truth in his message of repentance, or shun him as an apostate? Would he be accepted by the leaders? Would he be one of the leaders? Should he be? What does the Book of Mormon teach us about all of this?
President Benson taught that the 3 Nephi account "reveals many parallels to our own day." He pointed out that the Nephites had been "prosperous and industrious." He said they "built temples and palaces." He pointed out that "the people rejected the Lord." He pointed out that "dishonesty and immorality were widespread." The people were "distinguished by ranks." He said these things were "even as today."
If what President Benson said was true, then we should carefully consider the parallels between those in 3 Nephi and us. Do these things exist among us today? Sometimes we need help to see.
It can be difficult understanding how or of what we are to repent. Because we compare ourselves to others we are blind, and cannot see our deficiency. The standard against which we must measure ourselves is the Lord's standard. That standard is found in the scriptures, in the mouths of prophets who speak for God, and the guidance of the Holy Spirit. A man will never be capable of full repentance if the standard against which he is comparing himself is sin-ridden Babylon. Babylon has no instruction for you that will lead you to further light and knowledge. It will only present you with deception and false security. Do not trust any image or confidence borne in Babylon. You can only trust the Lord. His invitation has always been to repent and come unto Him.
Like the Nephites who were destroyed before the Lord's coming in the meridian of time, our own "wickedness and evil come from 'lyings and deceivings.' We prefer the lie that tells us we need no repentance to the truth that we must repent or perish. We deceive ourselves into believing we are Zion. The truth is we are far from it, and getting farther away every day. Our whoredoms are twofold. We both worship a false image rather than the living God, and we are also sexually impure. Our secret abominations are the conspiracies that run among us to manipulate, get gain, use religion to promote a cause, obtain commercial advantage, and wield political influence. We idolize men, rather than Christ. We claim to hold keys that would allow men filled with sin to forgive sins on earth and in heaven, to grant eternal life, or to bar from the kingdom of God. Using that false and useless claim, we slay the souls of men, thereby committing murder. We are riddled with priestcrafts. Men seek the praise of others rather than to bring again Zion. We envy those who fill leadership positions because we want the power granted through priestly office and position. Because we lack the Spirit as a guide, and rather than learning by gaining light through obedience, we engage in strife with one another to settle points of doctrine. Any voice crying repentance is labeled a dissenter, and their words are condemned and attacked. They are thought to be 'of the devil.' By stirring up strife we succeed in making people fear truth. We close our minds, become deaf and blind. Christ's words should take precedent over the smooth things we hear from the philosophies of men, but they do not" (Snuffer).
I expect the Lord reaches out to His children in every age of the world in the same manner. I expect he has and will do so in our day as He has in times past. Given the awful situation we find ourselves in, and considering the parallels found in 3 Nephi to our own day, I expect to see an Elias who is come to prepare the way of the Lord. I expect to see "men inspired from heaven and sent forth" among the people to testify of their sins and iniquities. I expect the people will be angry with them. These things are all to be expected.
Just four years prior to the death of Christ and his subsequent visit to the people of Nephi, Satan had great power over the people (3 Ne. 6:15). He stirred them up "to do all manner of iniquity, and to the puffing them up with pride, tempting them to seek for power, and authority, and riches, and the vain things of the world."
"And there began to be men inspired from heaven and sent forth" among the people to testify of their sins and iniquities. These men declared redemption in Christ through repentance (3 Ne. 6:20-21). This was a message the people were not getting from the chief judges and high priests. Many people were "exceedingly angry" with these prophets because of their message (ibid.). However, it was those in authority over the people who were most angry, because they felt their authority challenged. Some of the prophets were slain because of their testimony (v. 23).
Nephi was one of those prophets. He was "visited by angels" and "the voice of the Lord" and was an "eye-witness" (3 Ne. 7:15). He had "power given unto him" that he might know concerning Christ's ministry. Grieved by the hardness of the people's hearts, and "the blindness of their minds," Nephi went forth preaching "repentance and remission of sins through faith on the Lord Jesus Christ" (v. 16). He, and others he ordained, did baptize many (v. 25-26). He "did minister with power and with great authority" (v. 17).
The leaders were angry with him because they saw that he had greater power than they did. They were unable to disbelieve his words because his faith was so great that angels ministered to him daily (v. 18). Nephi was an Elias to the people of the land, preparing the way of the Lord. He created quite a stir.
What would it be like to be taught by such a man today? Would the message borne by such a faithful messenger be different than Nephi's? Would it be easy to recognize that he was sent forth from God? Would we be angry at his message, or receive it with joy? Would we look inward and analyze our lives to see if there was any truth in his message of repentance, or shun him as an apostate? Would he be accepted by the leaders? Would he be one of the leaders? Should he be? What does the Book of Mormon teach us about all of this?
President Benson taught that the 3 Nephi account "reveals many parallels to our own day." He pointed out that the Nephites had been "prosperous and industrious." He said they "built temples and palaces." He pointed out that "the people rejected the Lord." He pointed out that "dishonesty and immorality were widespread." The people were "distinguished by ranks." He said these things were "even as today."
If what President Benson said was true, then we should carefully consider the parallels between those in 3 Nephi and us. Do these things exist among us today? Sometimes we need help to see.
It can be difficult understanding how or of what we are to repent. Because we compare ourselves to others we are blind, and cannot see our deficiency. The standard against which we must measure ourselves is the Lord's standard. That standard is found in the scriptures, in the mouths of prophets who speak for God, and the guidance of the Holy Spirit. A man will never be capable of full repentance if the standard against which he is comparing himself is sin-ridden Babylon. Babylon has no instruction for you that will lead you to further light and knowledge. It will only present you with deception and false security. Do not trust any image or confidence borne in Babylon. You can only trust the Lord. His invitation has always been to repent and come unto Him.
Like the Nephites who were destroyed before the Lord's coming in the meridian of time, our own "wickedness and evil come from 'lyings and deceivings.' We prefer the lie that tells us we need no repentance to the truth that we must repent or perish. We deceive ourselves into believing we are Zion. The truth is we are far from it, and getting farther away every day. Our whoredoms are twofold. We both worship a false image rather than the living God, and we are also sexually impure. Our secret abominations are the conspiracies that run among us to manipulate, get gain, use religion to promote a cause, obtain commercial advantage, and wield political influence. We idolize men, rather than Christ. We claim to hold keys that would allow men filled with sin to forgive sins on earth and in heaven, to grant eternal life, or to bar from the kingdom of God. Using that false and useless claim, we slay the souls of men, thereby committing murder. We are riddled with priestcrafts. Men seek the praise of others rather than to bring again Zion. We envy those who fill leadership positions because we want the power granted through priestly office and position. Because we lack the Spirit as a guide, and rather than learning by gaining light through obedience, we engage in strife with one another to settle points of doctrine. Any voice crying repentance is labeled a dissenter, and their words are condemned and attacked. They are thought to be 'of the devil.' By stirring up strife we succeed in making people fear truth. We close our minds, become deaf and blind. Christ's words should take precedent over the smooth things we hear from the philosophies of men, but they do not" (Snuffer).
I expect the Lord reaches out to His children in every age of the world in the same manner. I expect he has and will do so in our day as He has in times past. Given the awful situation we find ourselves in, and considering the parallels found in 3 Nephi to our own day, I expect to see an Elias who is come to prepare the way of the Lord. I expect to see "men inspired from heaven and sent forth" among the people to testify of their sins and iniquities. I expect the people will be angry with them. These things are all to be expected.
Wednesday, August 1, 2012
The True, the False, and Mere Conjecture
A good friend a mine keeps a blog that very few folks know about. He is a gifted gospel student. After years of friendship, it's clear to me there is nothing that matters more to him than pursuing further light and knowledge in his attempt to come unto Christ.
He recently posted something that was touching to me because it is the complete opposite of what we find all around us. As he points out, there are many "voices clamoring" to be heard. Many claim to speak for Christ, but do not know him. We are proud that we have the truth. We know what nobody else knows.
When you humble yourself, the Lord is able to teach you by revelation.
Some time during the beginning of this repentance process, one of the first revelations that is given you is that the philosophies of men are getting you nowhere. The traditions of your fathers are getting you nowhere. Cultural trappings are blinding you. Other men's unbelief has spread to you like a disease. It is clothed in the language of the restoration, but marvelously incapable of conferring any power or revelatory understanding that will ever save you. We must repent further, and seek Christ.
I've asked and received his permission to post what he wrote. What follows is his:
If there is anything that I have learned through an ongoing
study of the gospel, it is that I know very little, possibly nothing. I
have facts and some theories and some trivia stored away in my brain, but not
much that is abiding or saving. That kind of knowledge comes in the way
God has shown us in the temple. I have written a lot of things over the
past few years, some theories and ideas, that have come to describe my
perception of religion and of the world around me. I concede that these
may each be false, even better, may probably be proven false if held up to a
different definition of the gospel. I don't really care, because the
important thing to me is not that I am right on all counts, but that I am open
and willing to accept my own folly, the incorrectness of my traditions, and
even more difficult in some cases, the traditions of my fathers. It is
important to me not to stagnate upon one singular and narrow way of looking at
a thing, but to keep the channels of my mind open in honest evaluation, not
that I may be blown about by every wind of doctrinal uncertainty, but that I
may be willing to accept truth when it finally makes its way into my field of
view. If we develop and stagnate in false views of Christ, we will not
recognize Him when He attempts to approach us. We will think Him a fraud.
It is very easy for Satan to subsequently give us the Christ we want,
cheapened and watered down. Therefore, with little exception, my mind
remains open to change and reevaluation. I don't want to be branded a
believer of my false theories, because ten years from now I may not believe
them myself. I will consider anything the Spirit wishes, and I accept
that the evolution of my knowledge may be a process that spans years and which
may weave at times through some false ideas. This does not bother me.
I have faith that the Lord will help me to sort out this confusing mess
of voices clamoring throughout the world to be heard. I live with the
hope that the one that will prevail is that which is still and small. I
am happy to acknowledge that my ideas are nothing more than my own philosophies
mingled with scripture. I am not qualified to bring you saving news.
I only really write in order to record my stream of thought, and to
remember those things which I consider to be potentially important. If
you benefit from sideline observance of my ideas, that is wonderful. If
not, that's fine too. I don't accept you as my student because I am
unqualified to be your teacher. But I hope that through the scriptures,
through revelation, and through humble prayer, our worship may be made perfect
and we may gain that knowledge which will save us.
Tuesday, July 31, 2012
Before His Return
President Ezra Taft Benson
taught that “the record of the Nephite history just prior to the Savior’s visit
reveals many parallels to our own day as we anticipate the Savior’s second
coming” (Conference Report, April 1987, 3;
or Ensign, May 1987,4).
Though President Benson's
message was primarily centered in 3 Nephi, I considered those words as I began
reading through the Book of Helaman last week.
About three decades prior
to the coming of Christ there were wars and rumors of wars among the Nephites
and Lamanites. Because of "their wickedness and their
abomination"among those "who professed to belong to the church of
God," they experienced a "great loss" and "great
slaughter" (Hel. 4:11). The great loss they experienced was that of
"cities," "lands," and "possessions" (Hel.
4:5-10).
Like ancient Israel, they
professed to know God, and with their lips did honor him, but their hearts were
far from him. They had become rich and proud. They were absorbed in
Babylon. In all of their abundance, they regarded not the poor that were
among them. Having both the poor and the rich among them, they
"saith unto the one: Be thou clothed in robes and sit thou here; and to
the other: Be thou clothed in rags and sit thou there," and yet thought
themselves just (D&C 38:26).
They mocked that which was
sacred by professing God but denying the spirit of prophecy and revelation;
speaking in his name, but not having obtained his voice. They thereby
took the Lord's name in vain.
They murdered and
plundered. They were dishonest thieves, stealing that which belonged to
other men and women, including their spouses. They were full of great
contentions, and not unified in the faith. Since they were not one, they
could not belong to the Lord (D&C 38:27).
And after all this kind of
conduct they "boasted in their own strength." Therefore, God
left them to themselves, and their prosperity could not last. They were
"afflicted and smitten, and driven" before their enemies until they
had lost all they thought no man could take. They stored up for
themselves treasures on earth, which things must come to an end.
Moronihah, and Nephi and
Lehi, the sons of Helaman, came among the people preaching repentance (Hel.
4:14). The message that needed to be preached to this people was indeed
repentance. Would we expect something else? They were warned what
would "come unto them" if they chose not to repent of their sins
(ibid.).
"And it came to pass that they
did repent, and inasmuch as they did
repent they did begin to prosper" (Hel. 4:15).
In the year that followed,
during their time of softening and repentance, they began to awake to their
awful situation. They recognized that they were in jeopardy of being
"overpowered, and trodden down, and slain, and destroyed" by their
enemies, which were more numerous than they (Hel. 4:20).
During this time they
"began to remember the prophecies"of the holy prophets. They
knew they had been stiffnecked, and that they had "set at naught the
commandments of God" (ibid.). They then realized they had
"altered and trampled under their feet" the laws they had received,
which God had commanded a prophet to give unto them (Hel. 4:22). They
recognized the corruption that surrounded them, "and that they had become
a wicked people," so much that they were like unto those they considered
their enemies (ibid.). They saw that they had become weak like their
enemies, God having withdrawn the protection of his Spirit. They
recognized the Spirit did not dwell with them, because "the Spirit of the
Lord doth not dwell in unholy temples" (Hel. 4:24). They had
"fallen into a state of unbelief and awful wickedness," which thing
they could not before see (Hel. 4:25).
Sadly, their repentance was
not permanent, and the voices of those "who chose evil were more numerous
than they who chose good, therefore they were ripening for destruction"
(Hel. 5:1-3). Because of
"transgression" they had "fallen" (Hel. 4:26).
All these
things happened in the space of not many years" (ibid.).
In that same address President Benson
went on to say, "The Nephite civilization had reached great heights. They
were prosperous and industrious. They had built many cities with great highways
connecting them. They engaged in shipping and trade. They built temples and
palaces. ...But, as so often happens, the people rejected the Lord. Pride
became commonplace. Dishonesty and immorality were widespread" (April Conference, 1978).
I take President Benson's message as
a prophetic warning. He warned us frequently. He preached Christ
and the Book of Mormon often. He invited the Church to repent and take
the Book of Mormon more seriously, and reminded us we are still under condemnation.
How quick we are to forget. It's
too easy to ignore these things.
Sunday, July 29, 2012
The Same Yesterday, Today, and Forever
It wasn’t
generally evident the Jews were blind until they began fighting against God’s
prophets. Until then, many presumed the situation was not all that
dire. Surely, even some of the very elect almost could not perceive the
condition of darkness in which the people stirred. It took hearing the
message of repentance from true prophets to begin opening their eyes, and
unstopping their deaf ears (JST Isa. 42:19). It was that message that began to cause the anger.
Once the people fought against God’s prophets, it became clear to those who were paying attention that they had been drawing nigh unto God with their mouths, and honoring him with their lips, but their hearts were far from him (Matt. 15:8-9). They had been “teaching for doctrines the commandments of men” (ibid.).
The leaders, whom the people followed, and in whom the people had placed their faith, by and large rejected and cast out those God had sent among them with an authentic message. They led many souls to “the ditch” (Matt. 15:14). Those who presided were fearful of what was perceived as opposition to their high and honored standing. Because they weren’t teaching an authentic message, received via an authentic experience, they necessarily took offense when prophets claimed to speak with and for God (Matt. 15:12; 26:33). These leaders wondered at where these prophets had received their authority (Mark 11:27-33).
Because of honesty and open hearts, some believed the message sent by God (Acts 28:24). Because of humility, some of those chose to repent and work righteousness. Because of pride, many cursed God, and the servants God had sent, and damned themselves.
God even sent his Son among them. They despised and rejected Him (Isa. 53:3). They esteemed Him not, and hid their faces from Him, as was prophesied (Ibid.). They were offended because of Him. They were angry at His message and slew their Lord.
God’s children in all generations, and in every dispensation, have had a difficult time recognizing true prophets when they are sent. Joseph Smith taught us that:
“The world always mistook false prophets for true ones, and those that were sent of God, they considered to be false prophets, and hence they killed, stoned, punished and imprisoned the true prophets, and these had to hide themselves ‘in deserts and dens, and caves of the earth,’ and though the most honorable men of the earth, they banished them from their society as vagabonds, whilst they cherished, honored and supported knaves, vagabonds, hypocrites, impostors, and the basest of men” ( Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith, 206).
Why didn’t God make it as easy for all those previous dispensations as he has for us? Is He not the same yesterday, today, and forever (Morm. 9:9)?
Once the people fought against God’s prophets, it became clear to those who were paying attention that they had been drawing nigh unto God with their mouths, and honoring him with their lips, but their hearts were far from him (Matt. 15:8-9). They had been “teaching for doctrines the commandments of men” (ibid.).
The leaders, whom the people followed, and in whom the people had placed their faith, by and large rejected and cast out those God had sent among them with an authentic message. They led many souls to “the ditch” (Matt. 15:14). Those who presided were fearful of what was perceived as opposition to their high and honored standing. Because they weren’t teaching an authentic message, received via an authentic experience, they necessarily took offense when prophets claimed to speak with and for God (Matt. 15:12; 26:33). These leaders wondered at where these prophets had received their authority (Mark 11:27-33).
Because of honesty and open hearts, some believed the message sent by God (Acts 28:24). Because of humility, some of those chose to repent and work righteousness. Because of pride, many cursed God, and the servants God had sent, and damned themselves.
God even sent his Son among them. They despised and rejected Him (Isa. 53:3). They esteemed Him not, and hid their faces from Him, as was prophesied (Ibid.). They were offended because of Him. They were angry at His message and slew their Lord.
God’s children in all generations, and in every dispensation, have had a difficult time recognizing true prophets when they are sent. Joseph Smith taught us that:
“The world always mistook false prophets for true ones, and those that were sent of God, they considered to be false prophets, and hence they killed, stoned, punished and imprisoned the true prophets, and these had to hide themselves ‘in deserts and dens, and caves of the earth,’ and though the most honorable men of the earth, they banished them from their society as vagabonds, whilst they cherished, honored and supported knaves, vagabonds, hypocrites, impostors, and the basest of men” ( Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith, 206).
Why didn’t God make it as easy for all those previous dispensations as he has for us? Is He not the same yesterday, today, and forever (Morm. 9:9)?
Monday, July 23, 2012
The Danger of Infallibility, Part 4
“It is not the work
of God that is frustrated, but the work of men; For although a man may have
many revelations, and have power to do many mighty works, yet if he boasts in
his own strength, and sets at naught the counsels of God, and follows after the
dictates of his own will and carnal desires, he must fall and incur the
vengeance of a just God upon him…How oft you have transgressed the commandments
and the laws of God, and have gone on in the persuasions of men…Because of
transgression, if thou art not aware thou wilt fall.” – The Lord to Joseph Smith (D&C 3:3-4, 6, 9)
We will remain asleep and
unredeemed believing in that flattery. We must awake and arise to our awful situation.
Here is a revelation given to the head of this dispensation. Joseph was warned by the Lord that if he was "not aware" he would fall. The Lord taught Joseph that the "work of men" can be frustrated. In plain language the Lord offers a few reasons that would cause a man to fall:
“I recollect many times when brother Joseph, reflecting upon how many would come into the Kingdom of God and go out again, would say, ‘Brethren, I have not apostatized yet, and don't feel like doing so.’ Many of you, no doubt, can call to mind his words. Joseph had to pray all the time, exercise faith, live his religion, and magnify his calling, to obtain the manifestations of the Lord, and to keep him steadfast in the faith" (Discourse by Brigham Young, JD 2:257).
It appears times have changed since the days of the Prophet Joseph Smith. We, at least, impose an unfair standard upon those who have been called to be leaders in the Lord's Church. They don't deserve such an inappropriate imposition. We've got what we wanted, however. It's so much easier to place our trust in the arm of flesh.
- Boasting in his own strength
- Setting at naught God's counsels
- Following the dictates of his own will
- Following the dictates of his carnal desires
- Going on in the persuasions of men
- Transgression
Brigham Young described the attitude of humble diligence demonstrated by the prophet Joseph Smith:
It appears times have changed since the days of the Prophet Joseph Smith. We, at least, impose an unfair standard upon those who have been called to be leaders in the Lord's Church. They don't deserve such an inappropriate imposition. We've got what we wanted, however. It's so much easier to place our trust in the arm of flesh.
Prophets are given to the children of men to point them from the
darkened, apostate mess they find themselves in back to Christ. That is their purpose. Repentance is their message (Moro. 7:29-32). Their calling is to point us to Christ.
Nephi warned Latter-day Saints to beware of those that say, “All is well in Zion; yea, Zion prospereth, all is well" (2 Ne 28:21). This doctrine is among the greatest threats of deception we face today. This is the message that keeps us sleeping. This doctrine leadeth souls carefully down to hell (ibid.). This is a doctrine of the devil that will damn us if we teach it, and listeners if they believe it (2 Ne 28:21-24). The message that we cannot be led astray only facilitates the doctrine that all is well. We have been forewarned.
Nephi warned Latter-day Saints to beware of those that say, “All is well in Zion; yea, Zion prospereth, all is well" (2 Ne 28:21). This doctrine is among the greatest threats of deception we face today. This is the message that keeps us sleeping. This doctrine leadeth souls carefully down to hell (ibid.). This is a doctrine of the devil that will damn us if we teach it, and listeners if they believe it (2 Ne 28:21-24). The message that we cannot be led astray only facilitates the doctrine that all is well. We have been forewarned.
“Modern revelation is what Joseph Smith said, unless Spencer W.
Kimball says otherwise" (S. Dilworth Young, BYU fireside, 5 May 1974).
We love what Joseph Smith said about anything and everything under the sun, unless our current leaders change it. This pretty well typifies our attitude. We were recently taught "not to question", or even to consider “whether it makes sense" (Bennett, supra, “Follow the Prophet," see part 1).
Such obedience is worse than folly. A man of God would despise the idea (Joseph Smith, part 1).
All that matters now is that you can trust in man. Those who believe such a thing are perhaps worse off than those of other Christian sects who know nothing about the restoration of the gospel in the last days, but who strive to “follow him" (John 10:4).
We love what Joseph Smith said about anything and everything under the sun, unless our current leaders change it. This pretty well typifies our attitude. We were recently taught "not to question", or even to consider “whether it makes sense" (Bennett, supra, “Follow the Prophet," see part 1).
Such obedience is worse than folly. A man of God would despise the idea (Joseph Smith, part 1).
All that matters now is that you can trust in man. Those who believe such a thing are perhaps worse off than those of other Christian sects who know nothing about the restoration of the gospel in the last days, but who strive to “follow him" (John 10:4).
Tuesday, July 17, 2012
The Day of the Lord of Hosts Soon Cometh Upon All Nations
Many are seeking the approval of men and not of God.
Some feel righteous because of their acceptance and good standing before men. They will be brought low unless they repent.
There are yet others who feel unworthy because they are less popular and not involved in the leadership circles of the church. They feel unimportant because they feel unnoticed by men. They will be brought lower unless they repent of their pride and idolatry.
We must feel after the God of Heaven, and not men. Cease from man, whose breath is in his nostrils. Cursed is he that putteth his trust in the arm of flesh. For men trust in vanity, and speak lies - even Israel. The Lord has plainly taught us this (Isa 59:1-4; 2 Ne 12:11-22; 28:31-32).
Some feel righteous because of their acceptance and good standing before men. They will be brought low unless they repent.
There are yet others who feel unworthy because they are less popular and not involved in the leadership circles of the church. They feel unimportant because they feel unnoticed by men. They will be brought lower unless they repent of their pride and idolatry.
We must feel after the God of Heaven, and not men. Cease from man, whose breath is in his nostrils. Cursed is he that putteth his trust in the arm of flesh. For men trust in vanity, and speak lies - even Israel. The Lord has plainly taught us this (Isa 59:1-4; 2 Ne 12:11-22; 28:31-32).
Wednesday, July 11, 2012
Who Are You?
The message of repentance in the scriptures was often to a religious crowd who considered themselves the Lord's people and who thought they were righteous (Luke 18:9-14).
One of the reasons we may feel the Book of Mormon's message of repentance doesn't apply to us as "faithful" Latter-day Saints is because our lives, by and large, are in harmony with the principles taught from our pulpits and in our Sunday schools. We keep the commandments and fulfill our callings. Although we acknowledge in word that the message of repentance still applies to us as much as anyone, we are often perplexed about what it is we must repent of.
Besides serious transgressions, one of the things we must repent of are our misconceptions, and false traditions; or, what the Book of Mormon calls "unbelief."
God's prophets mourn our state of unbelief because it causes us to not "search knowledge, nor understand great knowledge, when it is given unto them in plainness, even as plain as word can be" (2 Ne. 32:7). Because of that unbelief and stiffneckedness the Spirit stops the utterance of prophets when they might otherwise desire to share more about God's plan (ibid.).
King Benjamin taught that unbelief is a result of failing to read and understand God's word (Mosiah 1:5). Because men fail to search the scriptures they "dwindle in unbelief" and fail to believe the truth when it is taught to them "because of the traditions of their fathers" (ibid.). Dwindling in unbelief disables men so that they cannot understand the word of God. This lack of understanding hardens men's hearts (Mosiah 26:3).
In order for us to repent of and conquer unbelief we must come into contact with the "light of the glory of God" (Alma 19:6). This encounter will cast away unbelief and dispel the clouds of darkness (ibid.). For the majority of Latter-day Saints this encounter will begin to occur as we search the scriptures, but particularly the scriptures of the restoration. We can choose to have this encounter with light and truth and begin to peel away the dark scales of unbelief, or we can choose not to receive the light. Those who choose not to receive the light will be deceived, for they will not have the light required to discern between true and false messengers. They will not be prepared for the "test" that Heber C. Kimball prophesied would overcome us in our day.
In order for you to begin to remove the condemnation under which you labor you must take the Book of Mormon seriously.
In order for you to begin to take the Book of Mormon seriously (or to not "treat it lightly") you must understand its message.
The truth of the matter is disconcerting for many people when presented with it, and so they choose not to search out the matter. They think that those who would voice an opinion contrary to their traditions are "mad" (Mosiah 13:4). Why is it that when a prophet declares the truth about the scriptures the religious are angry with him? Must a man be a false prophet because his message angers you? Must a prophet's message make you feel good about yourself?
A proud man will usually choose to remain blind even when presented with light and truth because it salves his conscience to retain a false identity. Doing so allows him to retain his pride, and believe in the message that "all is well" (2 Ne. 28:21). But the Lord has made it clear that we have to shed false traditions and become humble and accept truth if we will be saved (Alma 32:15-16).
The Latter-day Saints are the Gentiles of the Book of Mormon, and the Gentiles to whom it was written. It was written for those Gentiles who are its readers, not those who are not its readers. It was written in clarity that the Gentiles might understand the mission we've been called to perform. The book defines our role.
Joseph Smith knew he was the "Gentile" who was chosen to begin the latter-day work (Title Page). He referred to the rest of the Saints as "Gentiles" in the Kirtland Temple dedicatory prayer, which he received by revelation (D&C 109:60). Throughout the Book of Mormon the writers are persistent and consistent in their use of the term.
Without explaining the entire issue, it's important to be presented with the idea so that it may be searched out. Those who look into the matter will begin to see it clearly. From beginning to end, European descendants are the "Gentiles" of the Book of Mormon, nobody else. Unless you are a Latter-day Saint who also happens to be Native American, you are not the "remnant" or the "House of Israel" spoken of in the Book of Mormon.
Don't let prejudices, misunderstandings, and false traditions deter your search. Never mind what you think your Patriarchal blessing tells you about the meaning of "the House of Israel" in the Book of Mormon. Those first or last sentences about lineage in your blessing no more help you understand the Book of Mormon than does the term "High Priest," as we use it today, help us to understand Alma 13. They're almost wholly different. Those things will all become clear as you discard false traditions and put off unbelief. It doesn't matter if you descend from the House of Israel way back when, you are a "Gentile" to the Book of Mormon writers.
Once you can understand your identity, the prophecies and messages of the Book of Mormon will begin to become very real to you. The Book, as a whole, will begin to make much more sense. You will be able to see more clearly, in order that a more thorough repentance may begin to take place. It will be a precious gift, opening up to your view the fulness of the Gospel. But not until we can put off "unbelief." If we fail to understand our identity and the message of the Book of Mormon, we are dwindling in unbelief.
Many of our ideas about the scriptures are correct, but misapplied. Many of our precepts are true and scriptural, but misunderstood. It is true that the repentant Gentiles will ultimately be numbered among "the House of Israel" (2 Ne. 10:18). We've gotten too far ahead of the game, however, in assuming that we've already made it. We haven't. The House of Israel will very soon receive the Book of Mormon and the fulness of the Gospel. They haven't received it yet, but they will soon. It will be brought unto them by the kings and queens of the Gentiles, who will act as nursing fathers and mothers to them (2 Ne. 10:9).
I Show Unto You the Way to Judge
“But behold, that
which is of God inviteth and enticeth to do good continually; wherefore, every
thing which inviteth and enticeth to do good, and to love God, and to serve
him, is inspired of God.
“Wherefore, take heed
my beloved brethren, that ye do not judge that which is evil to be of God, or
that which is good and of God to be of the devil.
“For behold, my
brethren, it is given unto you to judge, that ye may know good from evil; and
the way to judge is as plain, that ye may know with a perfect knowledge, as the
daylight is from the dark night.
“For behold, the
Spirit of Christ is given to every man, that he may know good from evil;
wherefore, I show unto you the way to judge; for every things which inviteth to
do good, and to persuade to believe in Christ, is sent forth by the power and
gift of Christ; wherefore ye may know with a perfect knowledge it is of God.
“But whatsoever thing
persuadeth men to do evil, and believe not in Christ, and deny him, and serve
not God, then ye may know with a perfect knowledge it is of the devil” (Moro.
7:13-17).
More than once in the past week I’ve heard a member of the
Church voice concern about the message of repentance. The concern is expressed more or less as follows:
Unless the call to repentance
comes from a leader of the Church, we as members of the Church have no right to
share the message of repentance with one another, especially if 1) those
with whom we share that message are not members of our own family over which we
preside, or 2) are in a position of
authority or office over you in the Church.
The message of repentance is from God. It is part of “the doctrine of the
kingdom,” and we have been commanded to teach it to “one another” (D&C88:77). It “inviteth to do good,
and to persuade to believe in Christ.”
The scriptures are nothing to us if they are not an invitation to repent,
and follow the path taken by those who have pierced the veil. That’s been the message of God from the
beginning, and the message of all the prophets.
The Book of Mormon’s first story is about a man who listened
to the message of repentance when it was offered to him and he and his family
were blessed for it (1 Ne. 1). He
was also persecuted for teaching that message. He ended up receiving covenants from God to the blessing of
his posterity in the future.
What is it about a man or a woman that is offended at this
message? What influence has crept
into her heart to cause such disdain for that which is ordained of God?
In effect, what those people are arguing is that members of
the Church have only the right to focus on the kind scriptures, and not on the rest of the unkind ones telling us to repent and return to Christ (i.e. “the
doctrine of the kingdom”); unless that message is directed at others who are
less worthy, who actually need the message, who are not members. You may have heard before that “it
becometh every man who hath been [warmed] to [warm] his neighbor.” That’s nice, but it’s not what the
scripture says (D&C 88:81), and the changed version is so typical of our
attitude.
Wilford Woodruff,
while serving as a member of the Quorum of the Twelve, recorded:
“Joseph the Seer arose
in the power of God; reproved and rebuked wickedness before the people, in the
name of the Lord God. He wished to
say a few words to suit the condition of the general mass, and then said:
“’I shall speak with
authority of the Priesthood in the name of the Lord God. …Notwithstanding this
congregation profess to be Saints, yet I stand in the midst of all [kinds of] characters
and classes of men. If you wish to
go where God is, you must be like God, or possess the principles which God
possesses, for if we are not drawing towards God in principle, we are going
from Him and drawing towards the devil.
Yes, I am standing in the midst of all kinds of people.
“’Search your hearts,
and see if you are like God. I
have searched mine, and feel to repent of all my sins.
“’We have thieves
among us, adulterers, liars, hypocrites.
If God should speak from heaven, He would command you not to steal, not
to commit adultery, not to covet, nor deceive, but be faithful over a few
things. …Is not God good? Then you
be good; if He is faithful, then you be faithful. Add to your faith virtue, to virtue knowledge, and seek for
every good thing. The Church must
be cleansed, and I proclaim against all iniquity’” (Teachings of Presidents of the Church: Joseph Smith, p. 72).
Also,
“You must be innocent,
or you cannot come up before God: if we would come before God, we must keep
ourselves pure as He is pure. The
devil has great power to deceive; he will so transform things as to make one
gape at those who are doing the will of God. …Iniquity must be purged out from
the midst of the Saints; then the veil will be rent, and the blessings of heaven
will flow down – they will roll down like the Mississippi river”
(ibid.).
If a message that you read or hear inspires you to worship
God and work righteousness, it is of God.
If it persuades you otherwise, the message is not of God.
Unfortunately, because of pride, many people we read about
in the scriptures rejected the message of repentance when it was offered to
them, precisely because they refused to believe the message pertained to
them. The message angered them. As angry as they became, it may have
been easy to convince themselves the message couldn’t have been from God,
because God’s message will always make you feel good. Is that true?
I wonder how the Lord’s message to Martin Harris made him
feel when he said:
“And let him repent of
his sins, for he seeketh the praise of the world” (D&C 58:39).
Martin Harris could have chosen to be angry because of the
message, and insisted to Joseph that the message couldn’t have been from God,
because it didn’t make him feel good.
Or, he could prayerfully search inside himself and ask if the message
really came from God. Because
Martin Harris was an honest and sincere man, he probably recognized that the
truth of the message was what made him uncomfortable, not its falseness. The message invited him to repent and
alter his course. It persuaded him
“to believe in Christ.”
The humble always accept the message of repentance. Repentance is a reality to the humble,
because they are penitent. They
accept the message and preach it because they have “tasted of his love” by
their repentance and faith in Christ, and they desire all to receive it (Mosiah4:10-12; 1 Ne. 8:10-18).
If you hear a message preached that you believe in your
heart was of God, but the sister sitting next to you tells you she felt
otherwise, you should be willing to trust the Spirit that invites you to
worship God, and not the sister who would detract from that Spirit.
If a brother teaches you something that does not “persuade
to believe in Christ,” then you are under no obligation to believe his
teaching, regardless of his office.
Truth is not determined by the office of the preacher, but is verified
by the Spirit of God. The truth of
God wins out independent of office.
We should pray for those who are called to teach us (D&C 107:22).
We must judge wisely, taking the Spirit as our guide. The Lord has warned us that in the last
days there will be many who are deceived (Matt. 24:24). We have been commanded as members of
the Church to seek the best gifts that we be not deceived in these last times
(D&C 46:8).
Some topics are just taboo, it seems. Hugh Nibley would point out that money,
or riches, was one of those topics.
It is usually never a good topic to bring up, especially if you’re
quoting what the scriptures have to say about it. Some folks are too touchy about it. It tends to stir up contention in men’s
hearts. Repentance seems to be one
of those topics.
We’ve all got justification for our present path.
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