Who Gave You Permission, Anyway?
By Joseph Warren Grammer
“Verily I say,
MEN SHOULD BE ANXIOUSLY ENGAGED IN A GOOD CAUSE,
and do many things of their own free will,
and bring to pass much righteousness;”
— Doctrine and Covenants 58:27 —
MEN SHOULD BE ANXIOUSLY ENGAGED IN A GOOD CAUSE,
and do many things of their own free will,
and bring to pass much righteousness;”
— Doctrine and Covenants 58:27 —
There are some individuals who take it upon themselves to write and speak about topics they feel are vital to God’s children. Such people will always receive opposition, regardless of what the subject written or spoken of might be, especially if the subject appears to be religious or political in nature, and particularly if it involves the subject of exercising one’s agency in a free-will capacity.
There are those among the critics who appear to unwittingly present themselves as all wise and all knowing who ask, “Who gave you permission, anyway, to do thus and such?” To those critics, this study is presented. And to those critics, the bottom-line answer is, “GOD”! That is the answer; now let’s consider the evidence in support of that statement.
The Claim
First of all, the Lord has given ALL men (speaking of men and women collectively) the right to be free in their religious devotion, to “... worship how, where, or what they may.” This is true so long as it does not infringe upon the rights of other people in their individual worship. The Prophet Joseph Smith wrote: “We CLAIM the privilege of worshiping Almighty God according to the dictates of our own CONSCIENCE, and allow all men the same privilege,...” (Articles of Faith 11.)
We are told to “claim” the privilege. It does not just happen. It is something we must stand up and defend, and even fight for if necessary. It is a matter of agency. Do we want it or not? How much a person loves a thing can be determined by how much he is willing to fight for that thing. Down through history, wars have been fought over this one issue: the right to worship God as the conscience demands. We must stand up and CLAIM the right, not take it for granted.
Our Conscience
“... according to the dictates of our own CONSCIENCE...” This is the guiding force. Our conscience is pricked by the Spirit of God. It is the Spirit communicating with us through what we call the “conscience” that inspires, directs, and provides positive motivation. I say “positive” motivation because there is such a thing as negative motivation, which negativity comes from the adversary. We also need to keep in mind that, if someone is motivated in such a way that it conflicts with our personal values, ideals, or belief system, it does not necessarily mean that the person is negatively motivated. We all have different paths to travel on our way to eternal life. Even though all of us must take certain or identical steps along our given or chosen path, such as the acceptance of various ordinances, yet we all have different paths to take in our journey back to Heavenly Father. During that journey, our conscience is the guide when it is positively prompted by the Holy Spirit. Consequently, we must remain true to that conscience.
Many know that stress is the most dangerous thing to human health, accredited with heart attacks and various diseases. There are many types of external sources of stress which other people and events can cause, but the internal struggle within ourselves can be the most deadly, not only physically, but spiritually as well. When our actions are contrary to our belief systems, then we are being untrue to our conscience. This is the cause of the worse kind of stress. To Timothy, the Apostle Paul wrote, “Holding faith, and a good conscience; which some having put away concerning faith have made shipwreck.” (1 Tim. 1:19; & v. 5.) True faith in Christ encompasses having a good or pure conscience before God or man. However, many put their conscience aside to please other people; they worship the pleasure of the world instead of the good pleasure of Jesus Christ.
About Keeping Commandment
Along with the responsibility of claiming the right to exercise our agency in being true to the dictates of our conscience, there are certain commandments which God expects us to keep. Now He has given us many commandments, most of which are too numerous to mention here. But lets consider just a few to show that none of us are incumbent upon the approval of another person for our actions towards our fellow man and our God.
Before we consider any specific commandment, though, let’s touch on some important thoughts relevant to God’s commandments.
First, let’s turn to the statement make by Nephi who said, “... I will go and do the things which the Lord hath commanded, for I know that the Lord giveth no commandments unto the children of men, save he shall prepare a way for them that they may accomplish the thing which he commandeth them.” (1 Ne. 3:7.)
Here we learn that God will not ask us to do anything that is impossible. Again in First Nephi we read: “And thus we see that the commandments of God must be fulfilled. And if it so be that the children of men keep the commandments of God he doth nourish them, and strengthen them, and provide means whereby they can accomplish the thing which he has commanded them;...” (1 Ne. 17:3.)
Jesus knows our capability, and He is a reasonable God. The questions is not, CAN we keep the Lord’s commands; the question is, WILL we keep them. He said, “If ye will have faith in me ye shall have power to do whatsoever thing is expedient in me.” (Moroni 7:33.) Christ provides the way, we only need the faith and courage to act.
Another thought relevant to keeping God’s commandments is that, what He says to one, He says to all. For example, in Section 61 He declared:
36. And now, verily I say unto you, and WHAT I SAY TO ONE I SAY TO ALL, be of good cheer, little children; for I am in your midst, and I have not forsaken you;
37. And inasmuch as you have humbled yourselves before me, the blessings of the kingdom are yours. (D&C 61:36-37.)
Over and over again, the Lord made that statement: “What I say unto one I say unto all; pray always lest that wicked one have power in you, and remove you out of your place.” (D&C 93:49.) “And what I say unto one, I say unto all men; watch, therefore, for you know not at what hour your Lord doth come.” (Joseph Smith Matthew 1:46.) And in the Joseph Smith translation of the New Testament, it is simply stated: “And what I say unto one, I say unto all men.” (JST Mark 13:52.)
Having discussed our ability to keep God’s commandments, and that His commandments are for all His people, let’s consider this thought the Lord gave to us: “Wherefore, verily I say unto you that all things unto me are spiritual, and not at any time have I given unto you a law which was temporal;...” (D&C 29:34.) So, there we have it. ALL laws (commandments) are spiritual to God. Consequently, they should be considered of spiritual value to us as well.
A Few of God’s Commandments
Not only are all temporal things spiritual to the Lord, but He has told us some of the temporal things we are to study and teach to others. In D&C 88:77-81 we read:
77. And I give unto you a COMMANDMENT that you shall teach one another the doctrine of the kingdom.
78. Teach ye DILIGENTLY and my grace shall attend you, that you may be instructed more perfectly in theory, in principle, in doctrine, in the law of the gospel, in all things that pertain unto the kingdom of God, that are expedient for you to understand;
79. Of things both in heaven and in the earth, and under the earth; things which have been, things which are, things which must shortly come to pass; things which are at home, things which are abroad; the wars and the perplexities of the nations, and the judgments which are on the land; and a knowledge also of countries and of kingdoms—
80. That ye may be prepared in all things when I shall send you again to magnify the calling whereunto I have called you, and the mission with which I have commissioned you.
81. Behold, I sent you out to testify and warn the people, and it be becometh every man who hath been warned to warn his neighbor. (D&C 88:77-81.)
Some of the things the Lord COMMANDED us to study are mentioned in verse 79. They are, “Of things both in heaven and in the earth, and under the earth; things which have been, things which are, things which must shortly come to pass; things which are at home, things which are abroad; the wars and the perplexities of the nations, and the judgments which are on the land; and a knowledge also of countries and of kingdoms.
In verse 78 He also said that we are to be instructed in “theory.” Theory may not always be fact, but as Webster says, theory means “an idea or mental plan,” a “formulation of apparent relationships,” a “mere hypothesis,” and so forth. Teaching theory goes along with the Lord’s statement to Oliver Cowdery when he said, “... you must study it out in your mind; then you must ask me if it be right,...” (D&C 9:8.)
Not only has God instructed us on what to study considering each of the subjects mentioned as a “doctrine of the kingdom” (v. 77), He also commanded us to TEACH them DILIGENTLY. The Lord wants us to be informed concerning things at home and the world, while of course, not being of the world. Why are we so commanded? It is so we may be “prepared in all things” (v. 80).
Now comes another important commandment. After we are prepared in all things we are commanded to “testify and WARN the people” so they, too, might be prepared in all things. “... and it becometh EVERY MAN who hath been warned to “WARN his neighbor.” (v. 81).
The teaching we are commanded to perform is to be a warning voice, for the Lord said: “And let your preaching be the WARNING VOICE, every man to his neighbor, in mildness and in meekness. And go ye out from among the wicked. Save yourselves. Be ye clean that bear the vessels of the Lord. (D&C 38:41-42.)
This warning voice is an “imperative duty” that rests upon the disciples of Christ. From Section 123 we read:
7. It is an imperative duty that we owe to God, to angels, with whom we shall be brought to stand,...
11. And also it is an imperative duty that we owe to all the rising generation, and to all the pure in heart —
12. For there are many yet on the earth among all sects, parties, and denominations, who are blinded by the subtle craftiness of men, whereby they lie in wait to deceive, and who are only kept from the truth because they know not where to find it —
13. Therefore, that we should waste and wear out our lives in BRINGING TO LIGHT all the hidden things of darkness, wherein we know them; and they are truly manifest from heaven—
14. These should then be attended to with GREAT EARNESTNESS. (D&C 123:7, 11-14.)
Verse 13 speaks of the “hidden things of darkness.” In the footnote to that verse, placed there by the Brethren, reference is made to the fact the hidden things of darkness means “Secret Combinations.” For those who are squeamish about discussing the subject of conspiracies, here we have a commandment of the Lord to do just that. Therefore, along with other things we are commanded to warn our neighbor about, another is the Satanic evil of secret combinations. Not only are we to “bring to light” these hidden things, we are to “waste and wear out our lives” in so doing. (v. 13.)
Another of the Lord’s commandments is that of studying the Prophet Isaiah. Isaiah is the only prophet that Jesus named that we are to study. Here are His words: “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.” (3 Ne. 23:1, emphasis added.)
Not only did He command us to study Isaiah, but also all the prophets. In verse five of this same chapter He continued: “... Search the prophets, for many there be that testify of these things.” (3 Ne. 23:5.)
There is a false doctrine going around in various areas of the Church that people like to spread. The doctrine is that we should not be studying the “dead” prophets. If that was a true doctrine we would have to throw away all the standard works of the Church: both Old and New Testaments, the Book of Mormon and Doctrine and Covenants, the Pearl of Great Price, the writings of the Prophet Joseph Smith, the current Priesthood Manuals that present the teachings of “dead prophets,” and even all the teachings of Jesus Christ. How ludicrous. The first five verses of 3 Nephi 23, along with common sanity, should lay this pernicious false doctrine to rest.
And here is another commandment through another whom members of the Church has sustained as a Prophet, Seer, and Revelator, even President Ezra Taft Benson. In October conference, 1988 he emphatically stated while under the influence of the Holy Ghost:
“It is time for us, as members of the Church, to walk in ALL the ways of the Lord, to USE OUR INFLUENCE to make popular that which is sound and to make unpopular that which is unsound. We have the scriptures, the prophets, and the gift of the Holy Ghost. Now we need eyes that WILL see, ears that WILL hear, and hearts that WILL hearken to God’s direction.” (Conference Report, October 1 & 2, 1988; pp. 103-104.)
Members of the Lord’s Church have another charge, that of setting the record straight, so to speak, by using what influence they might have to encourage truth and sound principles, and discredit unsound and false doctrine.
The Lord needs us to have eyes that “will” see, ears that “will” hear, and hearts that “will” harken to God’s direction. He does not need those who “can” do these things but will not. He needs those who WILL.
Not only is it good to obey God and keep His commandments, but it is better if we can do that which ought to be done without being commanded. This is pleasing to the Lord, although it may not be pleasing to man.
26. For behold, it is not meet that I should command in all things; for he that is compelled in all things, the same is a slothful and not a wise servant; wherefore he receiveth no reward.
27. Verily I say, MEN SHOULD BE ANXIOUSLY ENGAGED IN A GOOD CAUSE, and do many things of their own free will, and bring to pass much righteousness;
28. For the power is in them, wherein they are agents unto themselves. And inasmuch as men do good they shall in nowise lose their reward. (D&C 58:26-28.)
The Seeming Conflict
How does all of this fit with the Fifth Article of Faith which reads: “We believe that a man must be called of God, by prophecy, and by the laying on of hands by those who are in authority, to preach the Gospel and administer in the ordinances thereof.” (Articles of Faith 5.)
Going back to a previous scripture touched upon, the Lord, Himself, said, “... and it becometh EVERY MAN who hath been warned to “WARN his neighbor.” (D&C 88:81.) The words, “every man,” are quite inclusive; they includes everyone. There appears to be a conflict in doctrine here, but is there?
First off, we are not necessarily speaking of every man administering “ordinances” here, but only warning our neighbor as commanded by God. It is true that the 144,000 (D&C 77) will be “called of God, by prophecy, and by the laying on of hands,” but they will be preaching the “fullness” of the gospel, something we are not doing at this time. How can the fulness of the gospel be taught when hardly anyone knows of what the fullness consists. At the present time, we are only preaching a “preparatory gospel,” preparing people to receive the fullness. (See D&C 84:23-27, and this author’s book, Even As I Am, Chapter 2, for a full treatment of this subject.)
The fullness of the gospel includes the “personal” administration of the Lord Jesus Christ, Himself. Where is that taking place today? And are members of the Church being taught how to receive that fullness? No, they are not. They are only taught the “first principles and ordinances,” not how to receive of the fulness. When some attempt to teach the subject of the fullness, they are often persecuted by Church authorities, and sometimes excommunicated.
However, that fullness will be taught and the necessary ordinances performed when the House of God is again set in order as prophesied (D&C 85:7), and by those 144,000 who will be “called of God, by prophecy, and by the laying on of hands,” who will “bring as many as will come to the church of the Firstborn.” (D&C 77:11.) And most likely, others may also be called, about that time, with a similar calling.
Closing Thoughts
Can anyone, no matter who they are, override any of God’s commandments. No, they cannot. Not even a true and living Prophet of God can do that. So why do so many members and leaders in the LDS Church try and deny others the right to be faithful to the Lord in following His will? Why do some try and control them, taking away their right to worship as their conscious demands? Is it because such commandments are contrary to their own worldly life style or belief systems? Could it be that the teachings of Prophets, such as Isaiah, are too uncomfortable to seriously consider? Lucifer is the author of control and force; God grants free will. The adversary promises safety, but also slavery; God promises truth and salvation in freedom.
Many are “anxiously engaged in a good cause” because their conscience is pricked by the Spirit of God to so be engaged. They know that what God says to one He says to all, and He will provide a way for them to accomplish the work. They are exercising their agency, or free-will, trying to study the things of God (for all things are spiritual to Him), and teach and warn their neighbor without being commanded. And in so doing, they hold to the promises received from the Lord:
60. Verily, verily, I say unto you who now hear my words, which are my voice, blessed are ye inasmuch as you receive these things;
61. For I will forgive you of your sins with this COMMANDMENT — that you REMAIN STEADFAST in your minds in solemnity and the spirit of prayer, in BEARING TESTIMONY TO ALL THE WORLD of those things which are communicated unto you. (D&C 84:60-61.)
As stated at the beginning of this study, there are some individuals, this author being among them, who take it upon themselves to write and speak about topics they feel are vital to God’s children. Such do so, NOT by the call of man, but the call of God; they do so, NOT by the will of man, but by the free exercise of conscience.
Being true to our conscience is not only being true to ourselves, it is being true to God. President Heber J. Grant once stated:
“I would sooner have the approval of my own conscience and know that I had done my duty than to have the praise of all the world and not have the approval of my own conscience. A man's own conscience, when he is living as he should live, is the finest monitor and the best judge in all the world. Men can accuse you of wrong-doing, and it has no effect at all if you know they lie and you have done that which is right.” (Gospel Standards, p.186.)
So, who gives us permission to write, publish, speak, and warn our neighbor? God, and obedience to the dictates of our conscience, that is who. The Prophet Joseph Smith taught, “It is the privilege of every Elder to speak of the thing of God.” (TPJS, p. 9.) And with these thoughts in mind, we will close with just one more word from the Lord found in Doctrine and Covenants, 124:49, on the subject:
There are those among the critics who appear to unwittingly present themselves as all wise and all knowing who ask, “Who gave you permission, anyway, to do thus and such?” To those critics, this study is presented. And to those critics, the bottom-line answer is, “GOD”! That is the answer; now let’s consider the evidence in support of that statement.
The Claim
First of all, the Lord has given ALL men (speaking of men and women collectively) the right to be free in their religious devotion, to “... worship how, where, or what they may.” This is true so long as it does not infringe upon the rights of other people in their individual worship. The Prophet Joseph Smith wrote: “We CLAIM the privilege of worshiping Almighty God according to the dictates of our own CONSCIENCE, and allow all men the same privilege,...” (Articles of Faith 11.)
We are told to “claim” the privilege. It does not just happen. It is something we must stand up and defend, and even fight for if necessary. It is a matter of agency. Do we want it or not? How much a person loves a thing can be determined by how much he is willing to fight for that thing. Down through history, wars have been fought over this one issue: the right to worship God as the conscience demands. We must stand up and CLAIM the right, not take it for granted.
Our Conscience
“... according to the dictates of our own CONSCIENCE...” This is the guiding force. Our conscience is pricked by the Spirit of God. It is the Spirit communicating with us through what we call the “conscience” that inspires, directs, and provides positive motivation. I say “positive” motivation because there is such a thing as negative motivation, which negativity comes from the adversary. We also need to keep in mind that, if someone is motivated in such a way that it conflicts with our personal values, ideals, or belief system, it does not necessarily mean that the person is negatively motivated. We all have different paths to travel on our way to eternal life. Even though all of us must take certain or identical steps along our given or chosen path, such as the acceptance of various ordinances, yet we all have different paths to take in our journey back to Heavenly Father. During that journey, our conscience is the guide when it is positively prompted by the Holy Spirit. Consequently, we must remain true to that conscience.
Many know that stress is the most dangerous thing to human health, accredited with heart attacks and various diseases. There are many types of external sources of stress which other people and events can cause, but the internal struggle within ourselves can be the most deadly, not only physically, but spiritually as well. When our actions are contrary to our belief systems, then we are being untrue to our conscience. This is the cause of the worse kind of stress. To Timothy, the Apostle Paul wrote, “Holding faith, and a good conscience; which some having put away concerning faith have made shipwreck.” (1 Tim. 1:19; & v. 5.) True faith in Christ encompasses having a good or pure conscience before God or man. However, many put their conscience aside to please other people; they worship the pleasure of the world instead of the good pleasure of Jesus Christ.
About Keeping Commandment
Along with the responsibility of claiming the right to exercise our agency in being true to the dictates of our conscience, there are certain commandments which God expects us to keep. Now He has given us many commandments, most of which are too numerous to mention here. But lets consider just a few to show that none of us are incumbent upon the approval of another person for our actions towards our fellow man and our God.
Before we consider any specific commandment, though, let’s touch on some important thoughts relevant to God’s commandments.
First, let’s turn to the statement make by Nephi who said, “... I will go and do the things which the Lord hath commanded, for I know that the Lord giveth no commandments unto the children of men, save he shall prepare a way for them that they may accomplish the thing which he commandeth them.” (1 Ne. 3:7.)
Here we learn that God will not ask us to do anything that is impossible. Again in First Nephi we read: “And thus we see that the commandments of God must be fulfilled. And if it so be that the children of men keep the commandments of God he doth nourish them, and strengthen them, and provide means whereby they can accomplish the thing which he has commanded them;...” (1 Ne. 17:3.)
Jesus knows our capability, and He is a reasonable God. The questions is not, CAN we keep the Lord’s commands; the question is, WILL we keep them. He said, “If ye will have faith in me ye shall have power to do whatsoever thing is expedient in me.” (Moroni 7:33.) Christ provides the way, we only need the faith and courage to act.
Another thought relevant to keeping God’s commandments is that, what He says to one, He says to all. For example, in Section 61 He declared:
36. And now, verily I say unto you, and WHAT I SAY TO ONE I SAY TO ALL, be of good cheer, little children; for I am in your midst, and I have not forsaken you;
37. And inasmuch as you have humbled yourselves before me, the blessings of the kingdom are yours. (D&C 61:36-37.)
Over and over again, the Lord made that statement: “What I say unto one I say unto all; pray always lest that wicked one have power in you, and remove you out of your place.” (D&C 93:49.) “And what I say unto one, I say unto all men; watch, therefore, for you know not at what hour your Lord doth come.” (Joseph Smith Matthew 1:46.) And in the Joseph Smith translation of the New Testament, it is simply stated: “And what I say unto one, I say unto all men.” (JST Mark 13:52.)
Having discussed our ability to keep God’s commandments, and that His commandments are for all His people, let’s consider this thought the Lord gave to us: “Wherefore, verily I say unto you that all things unto me are spiritual, and not at any time have I given unto you a law which was temporal;...” (D&C 29:34.) So, there we have it. ALL laws (commandments) are spiritual to God. Consequently, they should be considered of spiritual value to us as well.
A Few of God’s Commandments
Not only are all temporal things spiritual to the Lord, but He has told us some of the temporal things we are to study and teach to others. In D&C 88:77-81 we read:
77. And I give unto you a COMMANDMENT that you shall teach one another the doctrine of the kingdom.
78. Teach ye DILIGENTLY and my grace shall attend you, that you may be instructed more perfectly in theory, in principle, in doctrine, in the law of the gospel, in all things that pertain unto the kingdom of God, that are expedient for you to understand;
79. Of things both in heaven and in the earth, and under the earth; things which have been, things which are, things which must shortly come to pass; things which are at home, things which are abroad; the wars and the perplexities of the nations, and the judgments which are on the land; and a knowledge also of countries and of kingdoms—
80. That ye may be prepared in all things when I shall send you again to magnify the calling whereunto I have called you, and the mission with which I have commissioned you.
81. Behold, I sent you out to testify and warn the people, and it be becometh every man who hath been warned to warn his neighbor. (D&C 88:77-81.)
Some of the things the Lord COMMANDED us to study are mentioned in verse 79. They are, “Of things both in heaven and in the earth, and under the earth; things which have been, things which are, things which must shortly come to pass; things which are at home, things which are abroad; the wars and the perplexities of the nations, and the judgments which are on the land; and a knowledge also of countries and of kingdoms.
In verse 78 He also said that we are to be instructed in “theory.” Theory may not always be fact, but as Webster says, theory means “an idea or mental plan,” a “formulation of apparent relationships,” a “mere hypothesis,” and so forth. Teaching theory goes along with the Lord’s statement to Oliver Cowdery when he said, “... you must study it out in your mind; then you must ask me if it be right,...” (D&C 9:8.)
Not only has God instructed us on what to study considering each of the subjects mentioned as a “doctrine of the kingdom” (v. 77), He also commanded us to TEACH them DILIGENTLY. The Lord wants us to be informed concerning things at home and the world, while of course, not being of the world. Why are we so commanded? It is so we may be “prepared in all things” (v. 80).
Now comes another important commandment. After we are prepared in all things we are commanded to “testify and WARN the people” so they, too, might be prepared in all things. “... and it becometh EVERY MAN who hath been warned to “WARN his neighbor.” (v. 81).
The teaching we are commanded to perform is to be a warning voice, for the Lord said: “And let your preaching be the WARNING VOICE, every man to his neighbor, in mildness and in meekness. And go ye out from among the wicked. Save yourselves. Be ye clean that bear the vessels of the Lord. (D&C 38:41-42.)
This warning voice is an “imperative duty” that rests upon the disciples of Christ. From Section 123 we read:
7. It is an imperative duty that we owe to God, to angels, with whom we shall be brought to stand,...
11. And also it is an imperative duty that we owe to all the rising generation, and to all the pure in heart —
12. For there are many yet on the earth among all sects, parties, and denominations, who are blinded by the subtle craftiness of men, whereby they lie in wait to deceive, and who are only kept from the truth because they know not where to find it —
13. Therefore, that we should waste and wear out our lives in BRINGING TO LIGHT all the hidden things of darkness, wherein we know them; and they are truly manifest from heaven—
14. These should then be attended to with GREAT EARNESTNESS. (D&C 123:7, 11-14.)
Verse 13 speaks of the “hidden things of darkness.” In the footnote to that verse, placed there by the Brethren, reference is made to the fact the hidden things of darkness means “Secret Combinations.” For those who are squeamish about discussing the subject of conspiracies, here we have a commandment of the Lord to do just that. Therefore, along with other things we are commanded to warn our neighbor about, another is the Satanic evil of secret combinations. Not only are we to “bring to light” these hidden things, we are to “waste and wear out our lives” in so doing. (v. 13.)
Another of the Lord’s commandments is that of studying the Prophet Isaiah. Isaiah is the only prophet that Jesus named that we are to study. Here are His words: “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.” (3 Ne. 23:1, emphasis added.)
Not only did He command us to study Isaiah, but also all the prophets. In verse five of this same chapter He continued: “... Search the prophets, for many there be that testify of these things.” (3 Ne. 23:5.)
There is a false doctrine going around in various areas of the Church that people like to spread. The doctrine is that we should not be studying the “dead” prophets. If that was a true doctrine we would have to throw away all the standard works of the Church: both Old and New Testaments, the Book of Mormon and Doctrine and Covenants, the Pearl of Great Price, the writings of the Prophet Joseph Smith, the current Priesthood Manuals that present the teachings of “dead prophets,” and even all the teachings of Jesus Christ. How ludicrous. The first five verses of 3 Nephi 23, along with common sanity, should lay this pernicious false doctrine to rest.
And here is another commandment through another whom members of the Church has sustained as a Prophet, Seer, and Revelator, even President Ezra Taft Benson. In October conference, 1988 he emphatically stated while under the influence of the Holy Ghost:
“It is time for us, as members of the Church, to walk in ALL the ways of the Lord, to USE OUR INFLUENCE to make popular that which is sound and to make unpopular that which is unsound. We have the scriptures, the prophets, and the gift of the Holy Ghost. Now we need eyes that WILL see, ears that WILL hear, and hearts that WILL hearken to God’s direction.” (Conference Report, October 1 & 2, 1988; pp. 103-104.)
Members of the Lord’s Church have another charge, that of setting the record straight, so to speak, by using what influence they might have to encourage truth and sound principles, and discredit unsound and false doctrine.
The Lord needs us to have eyes that “will” see, ears that “will” hear, and hearts that “will” harken to God’s direction. He does not need those who “can” do these things but will not. He needs those who WILL.
Not only is it good to obey God and keep His commandments, but it is better if we can do that which ought to be done without being commanded. This is pleasing to the Lord, although it may not be pleasing to man.
26. For behold, it is not meet that I should command in all things; for he that is compelled in all things, the same is a slothful and not a wise servant; wherefore he receiveth no reward.
27. Verily I say, MEN SHOULD BE ANXIOUSLY ENGAGED IN A GOOD CAUSE, and do many things of their own free will, and bring to pass much righteousness;
28. For the power is in them, wherein they are agents unto themselves. And inasmuch as men do good they shall in nowise lose their reward. (D&C 58:26-28.)
The Seeming Conflict
How does all of this fit with the Fifth Article of Faith which reads: “We believe that a man must be called of God, by prophecy, and by the laying on of hands by those who are in authority, to preach the Gospel and administer in the ordinances thereof.” (Articles of Faith 5.)
Going back to a previous scripture touched upon, the Lord, Himself, said, “... and it becometh EVERY MAN who hath been warned to “WARN his neighbor.” (D&C 88:81.) The words, “every man,” are quite inclusive; they includes everyone. There appears to be a conflict in doctrine here, but is there?
First off, we are not necessarily speaking of every man administering “ordinances” here, but only warning our neighbor as commanded by God. It is true that the 144,000 (D&C 77) will be “called of God, by prophecy, and by the laying on of hands,” but they will be preaching the “fullness” of the gospel, something we are not doing at this time. How can the fulness of the gospel be taught when hardly anyone knows of what the fullness consists. At the present time, we are only preaching a “preparatory gospel,” preparing people to receive the fullness. (See D&C 84:23-27, and this author’s book, Even As I Am, Chapter 2, for a full treatment of this subject.)
The fullness of the gospel includes the “personal” administration of the Lord Jesus Christ, Himself. Where is that taking place today? And are members of the Church being taught how to receive that fullness? No, they are not. They are only taught the “first principles and ordinances,” not how to receive of the fulness. When some attempt to teach the subject of the fullness, they are often persecuted by Church authorities, and sometimes excommunicated.
However, that fullness will be taught and the necessary ordinances performed when the House of God is again set in order as prophesied (D&C 85:7), and by those 144,000 who will be “called of God, by prophecy, and by the laying on of hands,” who will “bring as many as will come to the church of the Firstborn.” (D&C 77:11.) And most likely, others may also be called, about that time, with a similar calling.
Closing Thoughts
Can anyone, no matter who they are, override any of God’s commandments. No, they cannot. Not even a true and living Prophet of God can do that. So why do so many members and leaders in the LDS Church try and deny others the right to be faithful to the Lord in following His will? Why do some try and control them, taking away their right to worship as their conscious demands? Is it because such commandments are contrary to their own worldly life style or belief systems? Could it be that the teachings of Prophets, such as Isaiah, are too uncomfortable to seriously consider? Lucifer is the author of control and force; God grants free will. The adversary promises safety, but also slavery; God promises truth and salvation in freedom.
Many are “anxiously engaged in a good cause” because their conscience is pricked by the Spirit of God to so be engaged. They know that what God says to one He says to all, and He will provide a way for them to accomplish the work. They are exercising their agency, or free-will, trying to study the things of God (for all things are spiritual to Him), and teach and warn their neighbor without being commanded. And in so doing, they hold to the promises received from the Lord:
60. Verily, verily, I say unto you who now hear my words, which are my voice, blessed are ye inasmuch as you receive these things;
61. For I will forgive you of your sins with this COMMANDMENT — that you REMAIN STEADFAST in your minds in solemnity and the spirit of prayer, in BEARING TESTIMONY TO ALL THE WORLD of those things which are communicated unto you. (D&C 84:60-61.)
As stated at the beginning of this study, there are some individuals, this author being among them, who take it upon themselves to write and speak about topics they feel are vital to God’s children. Such do so, NOT by the call of man, but the call of God; they do so, NOT by the will of man, but by the free exercise of conscience.
Being true to our conscience is not only being true to ourselves, it is being true to God. President Heber J. Grant once stated:
“I would sooner have the approval of my own conscience and know that I had done my duty than to have the praise of all the world and not have the approval of my own conscience. A man's own conscience, when he is living as he should live, is the finest monitor and the best judge in all the world. Men can accuse you of wrong-doing, and it has no effect at all if you know they lie and you have done that which is right.” (Gospel Standards, p.186.)
So, who gives us permission to write, publish, speak, and warn our neighbor? God, and obedience to the dictates of our conscience, that is who. The Prophet Joseph Smith taught, “It is the privilege of every Elder to speak of the thing of God.” (TPJS, p. 9.) And with these thoughts in mind, we will close with just one more word from the Lord found in Doctrine and Covenants, 124:49, on the subject:
Verily, verily, I say unto you,
that when I give a commandment
to any of the sons of men to do a work unto my name, and
those sons of men go with all their might and
with all they have to perform that work, and
cease not their diligence, and
their enemies come upon them and
hinder them from performing that work,
behold,
it behooveth me to require that work no more at the hands
of those sons of men,
but to accept of their offerings.
that when I give a commandment
to any of the sons of men to do a work unto my name, and
those sons of men go with all their might and
with all they have to perform that work, and
cease not their diligence, and
their enemies come upon them and
hinder them from performing that work,
behold,
it behooveth me to require that work no more at the hands
of those sons of men,
but to accept of their offerings.
