The Sons Of God, Conclusion

The whole reason I began writing about the sons of God and the Priesthood was to get to the Book of Moses.  I considered doing multiple posts on Moses 5 through 8 but have run out of steam.  You can go read it if you care to.  If you can understand the concept of the sons of God you will better understand the report given in Moses.  

Cain was a son of God who fell.  Cain was wroth, and in jealousy rebelled against God and became perdition (Moses 5:38).  As a result of his rebellion, Cain was driven from the face of the Lord, and shut out from His presence (Moses 5:39, 41).   

Abel, too, was a son of God.  He was a keeper of sheep and was the first real type of the sacrificial Savior we see in scripture (Moses 5:17).  Though he was not the first son born to Adam and Eve, yet it is clear he received the blessings of the Firstborn (Moses 5:33, 38; 6:2).

Though Adam and Eve had children before Cain and Abel, there is very little mention of them (Moses 5:2-3).  It is important to consider what happened to Adam and Eve between the time they first began having children, and when Cain was born (Moses 5:3-16, 58-59).  Something important happened that changed their status before the Lord God.  It is somewhat buried in the text, and we tend to overlook the details.  It is not until those events occur that Eve bares Cain, and then Abel.  

On the other hand, when wickedness began to spread among the children of Adam and Eve, notice the appellation given them by God (Moses 5:52-56).  These are they who chose not to keep the commandments of God (ibid.).  God "ministered not unto them" (ibid.).   This is a juxtaposition with the sons of God, unto whom God ministered.      

Some time after the murder of Abel, Adam and Eve begat Seth.  Seth became the Patriarchal head, after Adam.  In this son, Adam rejoiced and glorified the name of God, saying, "God hath appointed me another seed, instead of Abel, whom Cain slew" (Moses 6:2).  Then we read this:

"And God revealed himself unto Seth, and he rebelled not, but offered an acceptable sacrifice, like unto his brother Abel" (Moses 6:3). 

Now, Adam, being moved upon by the Holy Ghost, prophesied the following:

"Now this same Priesthood, which was in the beginning, shall be in the end of the world also" (Moses 6:7).  

"This same Priesthood" has reference to that which enabled Seth to receive the revelation of God; that which enabled him to become a son of God.  This same Priesthood enabled a group of the generations of Adam to be chosen as High Priests to whom the Lord came prior to the death of Adam.  This shall be in the end of the world also. 

The genealogy that was kept and preserved in scripture was of the children of God, and not the sons of men (Moses 6:8).  Notice the next man mentioned in the Patriarchal line, after Seth, was Enos (Moses 6:13).  Though there were many sons and daughters born to Adam and Eve, it was Seth and then Enos that were recorded (Moses 6:11).  Enos was born to a father who was a son of God.  And he, Seth, had been born to Adam, who was a son of God.  This is the chain.

Study Moses 5 through 8 considering the deliberate mention of both the sons of God and the sons of men.  Look for differentiation between the daughters of men, and the daughters of the sons of God.  It will open up the meaning for you.

More On The Sons Of God

Joseph Smith related the following:

“And we saw a vision of the sufferings of those with whom [Satan] made war and overcame, for thus came the voice of the Lord unto us:

“Thus saith the Lord concerning all those who know my power, and have been made partakers thereof, and suffered themselves through the power of the devil to be overcome, and to deny the truth and defy my power –

“They are they who are the sons of perdition, of whom I say that it had been better for them never to have been born;

“For they are vessels of wrath, doomed to suffer the wrath of God, with the devil and his angels in eternity;

“Concerning whom I have said there is no forgiveness in this world nor in the world to come –

“Having denied the Holy Spirit after having received it, and having denied the Only Begotten Son of the Father, having crucified him unto themselves and put him to an open shame.

“These are they who shall go away into the lake of fire and brimstone, with the devil and his angels –

“And the only ones on whom the second death shall have any power;” (D&C 76:30-37).

The language used here was used later that year in the revelation on priesthood that became D&C 84; "no forgiveness in this world nor in the world to come."  These key phrases and the patterns found in these scriptures tell you they are all talking about the same thing.  Those who run the risk of losing the opportunity for salvation in this world and in the next are those who have obtained the Holy Priesthood, which is to "know [God's] power" and to be made a "partaker thereof."  Those who altogether turn therefrom are the "only ones on whom the second death shall have any power."  

The keys of this priesthood consist in obtaining the voice of God.  He will talk with those who obtain this priesthood in a familiar and friendly manner.  They will receive the keys, covenants, power, and glory which God gave to Adam in the beginning (TPJS, p. 175).  They are the sons of God. 

Notice, the Lord purposefully showed Joseph and Sidney the "sufferings of the ungodly" immediately preceding the vision of those "who shall come forth in the resurrection of the just" (D&C 76:50).  The description given beginning in v. 51 and continuing through v. 70 is of those who become "the sons of God" (D&C 76:58).  The sons of God and the sons of perdition are contrasted as opposites.  The sons of perdition are "ordained unto" their condemnation, while the sons of God are ordained "kings and priests" (D&C 76:48, 56).  

To behold the one, was to behold the other.  To have power to obtain the one, is to have it within your capacity to succumb to the other.

The Sons Of God Continued

Under Adam's direction, angels were sent from heaven to give keys to the prophet Joseph Smith.  Joseph was an Elias sent to "restore these very glories."

In a revelation given through the prophet in Kirtland, the Lord revealed more concerning the Holy Priesthood.  The same elements that you see in JST Genesis 14 show up in this 1832 revelation.  Moses, who was an High Priest after this order, an Elias in his day, sought to sanctify his people that they might behold the face of God.  Their story is one that is much like our own.    

“And without the ordinances [of this greater priesthood], and the authority of the priesthood, the power of godliness is not manifest unto men in the flesh;

“For without this no man can see the face of God , even the Father, and live.

“Now this Moses plainly taught to the children of Israel in the wilderness, and sought diligently to sanctify his people that they might behold the face of God;

“But they hardened their hearts and could not endure his presence; therefore, the Lord in his wrath, for his anger was kindled against them, swore that they should not enter into his rest while in the wilderness, which rest is the fullness of his glory.

“Therefore, he took Moses out of their midst, and the Holy Priesthood also;” (D&C 84:19-25).

It should be apparent that the Holy Priesthood herein mentioned is the very same priesthood spoken of in the previous post.  It has to do with "the power of godliness" and the "face of God" being manifest unto men "in the flesh."  It has to do with "sanctification" and entering into God's "rest," which is the "fullness" of His Glory.

Your experience in the Lord's church - and it is His church - is different than the experiences Enoch and Melchizedek had with their God through the veil.  It is different than the experiences Moses had, and that Joseph Smith had.  Our experience has been more in the likes of the antediluvians who never entered the ark, and like the children of Israel who couldn't accept what Moses had to offer.  Indeed, as has been said concerning us, though not aptly explained to us, we live far beneath our privileges (most recently).

Joseph's revelation continues:

“For whoso is faithful unto the obtaining these two priesthoods of which I have spoken, and the magnifying their calling, are sanctified by the Spirit unto the renewing of their bodies.

“They become the sons of Moses and of Aaron and the seed of Abraham, and the church and kingdom, and the elect of God.

“And also all they who receive this priesthood receive me, saith the Lord;

For he that receiveth my servants receiveth me;

“And he that receiveth me receiveth my Father;

“And he that receiveth my Father receiveth my Father’s kingdom; therefore all that my Father hath shall be given unto him.

“And this is according to the oath and covenant which belongeth to the priesthood.

“Therefore, all those who receive the priesthood, receive this oath and covenant of my Father, which he cannot break, neither can it be moved.

“But whoso breaketh this covenant after he hath received it, and altogether turneth therefrom, shall not have forgiveness of sins in this world nor in the world to come.

“And wo unto all those who come not unto this priesthood which ye have received, which I now confirm upon you who are present this day, by mine own voice out of the heavens; and even I have given the heavenly hosts and mine angels charge concerning you” (D&C 84:33-42).

You can become a son of God or a son of Perdition.  If you have been given power to become the one, it is within your capacity to become the other.  Most will not become either in this life.  Most will not ever reach such a height, or fall to such a depth.  Yet, receiving the knowledge of God should be the aim of every Latter-day Saint.

The Lord said that "all those who receive the priesthood" will receive an "oath and covenant of my Father."  Those who "break this covenant" and "altogether turn" therefrom, will not qualify for forgiveness in this world or in the next one.  This is a very serious matter.  The Lord is very serious about these things.  The Father doesn't hand out "this covenant" to his sons without proving them first in all things (HC 3:379-381).  More on this in the next post.  

Well, early in Joseph Smith's ministry, some saints made extensive efforts to connect with heaven and resultantly experienced many of the gifts of the spirit and the glories of God.  In time, however, many of the saints were filled with envy, strife, contention, jealousies, folly, and abomination.  They failed to comply with the Lord's instructions and hence to obtain Zion.  They were "moved out of their place."  Their failures brought cursings, wrath, indignations, and judgments (D&C 124:45-48).

The Lord is beginning again to put forth his hand and work among the people.  We have an opportunity to repent and come unto Christ, or be destroyed.  How is it that the Gentiles will choose the latter?

This is the last time that the Lord shall nourish his vineyard (Jacob 5:71).  The end is nigh at hand.  Those who repent and prevail upon God, in faith, to receive the blessings of the fulness of the gospel will be sealed in their foreheads (D&C 77:11).  

There will again begin to be "natural fruit" in the vineyard (Jacob 5:73).  The Lord will preserve the natural fruit to Himself against the season, which speedily cometh.  The bad will be cast away.

  

The Sons Of God

When Adam gathered together his righteous posterity he blessed them, that he might bring them into the presence of God (TPJS, p. 161).  

“They looked for a city, etc., ‘whose builder and maker is God’ (Heb. 11:10).  Moses sought to bring the children of Israel into the presence of God, through the power of the Priesthood, but he could not.  In the first ages of the world they tried to establish the same thing; and there were Eliases raised up who tried to restore these very glories, but did not obtain them; but prophesied of a day when this glory would be revealed” (ibid.).

Eliases have been sent from God unto man since the beginning.  They are preparers and restorers, and point men to Christ.  Though they themselves are tried and tested while here and are vulnerable to failing, they were among the Noble and Great Ones, and have descended to the earth to test and prove others (Abr. 3:25).  

There have been continuous attempts at helping men obtain the presence of God.  Men have almost always failed to obtain what has been offered.  Perhaps there is no greater opportunity to obtain these glories than when these Eliases walk among men in the flesh.  After their deaths, however, men fall further and further from the truth.  They lose light through iniquity and through their unbelief; through disobedience and the traditions of their fathers (D&C 93:39).  As generations pass, blindness is no longer recognized, and sight into these things is no longer desired.  It is a pitiful state.  God sends more messengers to teach and redeem his children.

Some men and women have been successful in their efforts to obtain Zion.  When Melchizedek was among men, he and his people obtained peace.  They sought for Enoch and his city.  Joseph Smith's translation of Genesis 14 is fundamental in restoring an understanding of these things to those who receive his work.

“And Melchizedek lifted up his voice and blessed Abram.

Is this "blessing" the same kind of thing spoken of above, wherein Adam "blessed" his righteous posterity that they might be brought into the presence of God?  Is it the same blessing Adam gives to Enoch at age 65, a blessing he received long after his "ordination," who thereafter walked with God 365 years (D&C 107:48-49)?  What blessing is this?

“Now Melchizedek was a man of faith, who wrought righteousness; and when a child he feared God, and stopped the mouths of lions, and quenched the violence of fire.

“And thus, having been approved of God, he was ordained an high priest after the order of the covenant which God made with Enoch,

“It being after the order of the Son of God; which order came, not by man, nor the will of man; neither by father nor mother; neither by beginning of days nor end of years; but of God;

“And it was delivered unto men by the calling of his own voice, according to his own will, unto as many as believed on his name.

Melchizedek's faith and righteousness is not common.  His life is unparalleled by men and women in our day.  He was approved of God, and received covenants from God.  God had made these same covenants with Enoch.  This order came not by man, but of God.  It came by the calling of God's own voice out of the heavens.  Melchizedek knows God, whom to know is Eternal life.    

“For God having sworn unto Enoch and unto his seed with an oath by himself; that every one being ordained after this order and calling should have power, by faith, to break mountains, to divide the seas, to dry up waters, to turn them out of their course;

“To put at defiance the armies of nations, to divide the earth, to break every band, to stand in the presence of God; to do all things according to his will, according to his command, subdue principalities and powers; and this by the will of the Son of God which was from before the foundation of the world.

God swears with an oath to those who receive this Priesthood.  This oath does not come to recipients through the words of a book gathering dust on millions of peoples' bookshelves, but from His own voice.  Those who are after this order obtain the power of God.  They stand in the presence of God.  They do all things according to the will of God.  They are approved of him.  They obtain Heaven, and have communion with the angels of Heaven.  They become the sons of God.  

“And men having this faith, coming up unto this order of God, were translated and taken up into heaven.

“And now, Melchizedek was a priest of this order; therefore he obtained peace in Salem, and was called the Prince of peace.

“And his people wrought righteousness, and obtained heaven, and sought for the city of Enoch which God had before taken, separating it from the earth, having reserved it unto the latter days, or the end of the world;

“And hath said, and sworn with an oath, that the heavens and the earth should come together; and the sons of God should be tried so as by fire” (JST Gen. 14:25-40).

As we take a look at a number of other passages of scripture you should look for these same elements to appear in the text.  It is startling to realize how many times these same themes and patterns show up in scriptures that we cavalierly apply to every male "Melchizedek Priesthood holder" in the church.  We're all mixed up.

God established his Holy Priesthood in the beginning.  This order of Priesthood that has been ever since the beginning will come again before the coming of the Son of Man (Moses 6:7).  The history of man, the Holy Priesthood, the presence upon the earth of men and women who walk with the God of Heaven, a Holy City, etc., are all a divine Chiasm.  That which has been shall be.  That which was in the beginning shall be in the end.  The course of the Lord is one eternal round.  

Moroni Finishes His Record, Part 7

Mormon's sermon on faith, included in Moroni 7, enters the topic of the ministry of angels (Moro. 7:22).  Angels were sent to minister "unto the children of men" to teach them about Christ.  This statement about angels ministering unto men is general, not limited to a small group of leaders.  All men and women may and should receive angels, or true messengers.  These messengers are sent from the presence of God to teach them how to "begin" to exercise faith in Christ (Moro. 7:25).  This is the beginning of revealed religion.

It is by this faith that men are saved, and "become the sons of God" (Moro 7:26).  Mormon tries to convince his audience that miracles haven't ceased because Christ left and ascended into heaven.  Miracles haven't ceased, and angels haven't ceased to minister unto the children of men (Moro. 7:29).  They are subject unto Christ and are sent by him unto men (Moro. 7:30).

As long as there is one man left upon the earth to be saved, so long as time shall last, angels will be sent to minister unto that man (Moro. 7:36).  Does this not imply that the ministry of angels is in some way inescapably tied to your salvation?  Can you be saved without the ministry of angels?  In other words, can you be prepared in all things, and be brought to the veil to meet your Lord without the guidance of true messengers?  What does the temple teach about this?  Do the teachings of the temple validate Mormon's testimony?

It is by faith that angels come to minister unto man (Moro. 7:37).  If angels have ceased to minister unto men, it is because of unbelief, and their religion is vain (ibid.).  "For no man can be saved, according to the words of Christ, save they shall have faith in his name (Moro. 7:38).

Both Mormon and Moroni speak unto you as if you were present (Morm. 8:35).  In order for their message to have the intended impact, you must actually believe the text is speaking to you personally.  Many in the Church insist passages like this are not meant to be taken personally.  You should read the text carefully and ask yourself if you're willing to believe that.

Remember that you cannot justify your standing before God by a reference to Joseph Smith's own experiences with angels.  Joseph Smith's personal experiences are no more a fair assessment of your own standing before God than Moses' experiences were a reflection of the righteousness of the children of Israel.  Nor are Joseph's personal experiences a good determinant of the Church's present condition.  In fact, Mormon said our churches "have become polluted" because of our pride (Morm. 8:36).  "The holy church of God" has been polluted from the inside out (Morm. 8:38).  Hugh Nibley always said it was an inside job.

The things Moroni included for us as he finished his record should be more helpful to us than we tend to allow them to be.  His words are corroborated by the testimony of the prophet Joseph Smith.  In the vision of the telestial world he saw that those who were to be heirs of salvation would be ministered to by angels (D&C 76:88).  They receive instruction from true messengers if they seek redemption from the fall.