tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20624864840051869552024-03-14T03:08:51.209-07:00The Fulness of the Gospel of Jesus ChristA work dedicated to the real meaning of the FULNESS OF THE GOSPEL of Jesus Christ, with various papers written upon subjects relevant to that quest. (That which is presented is not sponsored by nor does it necessarily reflect the teachings of any duly organized religion.)Joseph Warren Grammerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05795589798825424327noreply@blogger.comBlogger31125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2062486484005186955.post-20409775426506570212012-11-03T23:37:00.001-07:002012-11-10T14:12:20.315-08:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<br />Joseph Warren Grammerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05795589798825424327noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2062486484005186955.post-22193583916188572862011-08-14T11:19:00.000-07:002012-11-03T23:15:34.861-07:00<div style="text-align: center;">
<b style="color: #cc0000; font-family: lucida grande; font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-size: 180%;">The Fulness of the Gospel</span></b>
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<span style="color: #009900; font-size: 130%;"><i style="font-weight: bold;">Studies on various principles of the Gospel of
<br />Jesus Christ</i></span>
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by
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Joseph Warren Grammer
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<span style="font-size: 180%;"></span>All rights reserved.
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Copyright © 2010 by
<br />
Joseph Warren Grammer
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Copies of these studies CAN be made by any means
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so long as no one but the author claims authorship
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and those copies are not sold for monetary gain.
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All rights reserved. Exodus 20:15, 17.
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Joseph Warren Grammerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05795589798825424327noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2062486484005186955.post-50978080341122972042009-11-02T14:22:00.002-08:002011-08-14T11:27:41.516-07:00<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-style: italic; color: rgb(0, 102, 0);font-size:180%;" ><span style="font-weight: bold;">Introduction</span></span>
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<br /><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size:180%;">M</span>ost of my writings offered herein consists of various studies and papers produced upon diverse subject matter, mostly for the Latter-day Saint (Mormon). They embrace subjects concerning where the reader’s faith lies in relation to Jesus Christ and His gospel of liberty and agency (free will) for all mankind.
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<br />It is my hope that these studies will provide a little substance upon which the reader can mentally and spiritually chew. Isaiah wrote: <span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">“Whom shall he teach knowledge? and whom shall he make to understand doctrine? them that are weaned from the milk, and drawn from the breasts.”</span> (Isa. 28:9); and the Apostle Paul said: <span style="font-style: italic;">“For when for the time ye ought to be teachers, ye have need that one teach you again which be the first principles of the oracles of God; and are <span style="font-weight: bold;">become such as have need of milk, and not of strong meat. For every one that useth milk is unskilful in the word of righteousness: for he is a babe. But strong meat belongeth to them that are of full age, even those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil</span>.”</span> (Heb. 5:12-14). These studies are presented to help the reader put on their thinking cap and reason with the Holy Spirit as their guide, contemplating a fuller commitment of his or her life to Jesus Christ.
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<br />It will be noted that the studies are not presented necessarily in any particular order. So feel free to pick and choose which ones you wish to consider first.
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<br />And as you consider some of the subjects presented, take a look at this very short story entitled, the “Sunday School Picnic,” by the late Bob Benson, Sr. Though actually an ordained elder, Bob Benson was best known as a lay preacher at retreats and other gatherings. Bob was well known for his ability to communicate the deepest truths of the gospel in simple, family-oriented ways. Benson was an author having penned many successful titles, among them being, <span style="font-style: italic;">Laughter in the Walls</span>, from which this insightful little gem is taken. I believe it has something harmonious to offer relevant to the other subjects discussed below.
<br /></div><div style="text-align: right;">— Joseph Grammer
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<br /></div>Joseph Warren Grammerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05795589798825424327noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2062486484005186955.post-21628315040309245782009-11-02T14:17:00.000-08:002009-11-02T14:21:49.342-08:00<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(153, 0, 0);font-family:georgia;font-size:180%;" >Sunday School Picnic</span><br />by Bob Benson<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size:180%;">D</span>o you remember when they had old-fashioned Sunday school picnics? It was before air-conditioning. They said, “We’ll meet at Sycamore Lodge in Shelby Park at 4:30 Saturday. You bring your supper and we’ll furnish the tea.”<br /><br />But you came home at the last minute and when you got ready to pack your lunch, all you could find in the refrigerator was one dried-up piece of baloney and just enough mustard in the bottom of the jar so that you got it all over your knuckles trying to get to it. And there were just two stale pieces of bread. So, you made your baloney sandwich and wrapped it in some brown bag and went to the picnic.<br /><br />When it came time to eat, you sat at the end of a table and spread out your sandwich. But the folks next to you - the lady was a good cook and she had worked all day and she had fried chicken, baked beans and potato salad and homemade rolls and sliced tomatoes and pickles and olives and celery and topped it off with two big homemade chocolate pies. And they spread it all out beside you. And there you were with your baloney sandwich.<br /><br />But they said to you, “”Why don’t we put it all together?” “No, I couldn’t do that, I just couldn’t even think of it,” you murmured, embarrassed.<br /><br />“Oh, come on! There’s plenty of chicken and plenty of pie, and plenty of everything - and we just love baloney sandwiches. Let’s just put it all together.” And so you did and there you sat - eating like a king when you came like a pauper.<br /><br />And I get to thinking. I think of me “sharing in the very being of God.” When I think of how little I bring, and how much He brings and that He invites me to ‘share’, I know I should be shouting from the housetops but I am so filled with awe and wonder that I can hardly be heard.<br /><br />I know you don’t have enough love and faith, or grace, or mercy or wisdom. But He has. He has all those things in abundance and says, “Let’s just put it all together. Everything I possess is available to you. Everything I am and can be to a person, I will be to you.”<br /><br />When I think about it like that, it really amuses me to see somebody running along through life hanging on to their dumb bag with that stale baloney sandwich saying, “<span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">God’s not going to get my sandwich! No siree, this is mine!”</span> Did you ever see anybody like that? So needy - just about half-starved to death, hanging on for dear life?<br /><br />It’s not that He needs your sandwich. The fact is,<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center; font-weight: bold; color: rgb(153, 0, 0);"><span style="font-size:130%;">you need His chicken.</span><br /><br /></div></div>Joseph Warren Grammerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05795589798825424327noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2062486484005186955.post-44972971670552288052009-11-02T13:43:00.000-08:002009-11-02T14:16:40.743-08:00<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(204, 153, 51);font-size:180%;" >A Short History of God’s People</span><br />By Joseph Warren Grammer<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size:180%;">F</span>rom the very beginning, in the pre-earth life, there was a plan. That plan involved the principle of freedom— freedom of thought and action. With that freedom, though, came the obligation of being responsible for the decisions made. Lucifer’s plan was to force all to his way of thinking, but the Savior’s plan was to allow all the freedom to choose their destinies.<br /><br /> Because of the opposing ideologies between the two plans, there was a war in heaven. Lucifer and his followers were cast out, and we came here to earth to work out our salvation according to the dictates of our own individual conscience. The plan of God also includes the principle of being tried and tempted in all things that we might grow through opposition, experiencing the bitter with the sweet, the light with the darkness, by being free to make choices and being responsible for those made. So God allowed Satan, who wanted to destroy our liberty in the first place, to come with his angels and throw opposition in our way that we might exercise our agency and choose whom we will serve, God or the devil. As God said, <span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">“... we will prove them herewith, to see if they will do all things whatsoever the Lord their God shall command them.” </span>(Abr. 3:25.) And even though most of the opposition and war that Satan wages is uncomfortable and stressful, it is still part of the divine plan of a wise and loving Father in Heaven.<br /><br /> President Ezra Taft Benson said, <span style="font-style: italic;">“The war that began in heaven is not yet over. The conflict continues on the battlefield of mortality. </span>And one of Lucifer’s primary strategies has been to restrict our agency through the power of earthly governments.”(<span style="font-style: italic;">The Constitution: A Heavenly Banner</span>, p. 3.) And so it is, and so it goes on. We and God’s Church are the enemy of Lucifer. And we must not forget that. Because of this continuing war, the Church of God has been under attack from the very beginning of mortal history.<br /><br /> Of course most of us know that opposition started in the Garden of Eden, but the resulting fall was a necessity if we were to be born into mortality and be proven to see if we will do all things whatsoever God commands. “Adam fell that men might be; and men are, that they might have joy” (2 Ne. 2:25), so the scripture says. For many of us that joy is hard to obtain, but nevertheless, that’s the purpose of the fall; which fall brought upon us a physical and spiritual death—the spiritual death being the deficiency which prevents us from entering Father’s presence.<br /><br /> The great plan of salvation, that helps us overcome this deficiency, is called the atonement of Jesus Christ; and that plan is contingent upon our faith in Jesus, repentance from all sin, baptism of water, and of fire and the Holy Ghost. But even though this salvation is open to all people, the tribes of Israel have been considered the lawful heirs of salvation. The others, not of the tribes of Israel, are heirs of salvation by way of adoption.<br /><br /> The plan of the gospel was with Adam and Eve; it was with Noah, with Abraham, and available at the time of Moses. However, because of the deficiencies of the Old Testament, many believe the gospel didn’t exist until Jesus came to declare it. But we know that Lehi and his people had the gospel, for the Book of Mormon so testifies, and that was 600 years before Christ. It was available at the time of the Prophets Daniel, Jeremiah, Ezekiel and others if the people would have repented and received it.<br /><br /> Adam and his children had the great plan of salvation, but from the beginning we had opposition. The gospel of salvation was so rejected in the beginning by God’s people that He saved only eight souls on the ark during the great flood. Through Noah’s sons we have the beginnings of the three principle races of people upon the earth: Shem, the father of God’s chosen people, from which Abraham and the Israelites were to come; Japheth, whose descendants are the Gentiles; and Ham, from whom sprung the Canaanites or black race.<br /><br /> The tower of Babel is a time when Satan deceived the people, so the Lord confounded their language and dispersed them throughout the world (saving the brother of Jared and his people to a promised land – the Americas).<br /><br /> Also, at this time, came Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob with his twelve sons, which eventually becoming known as the twelve tribes. Jacob and his very large family moved to Egypt to wait out the famine. Eventually, though, Jacob’s large posterity became slaves to the Pharaohs of Egypt.<br /><br /> The real reason the tribes of Israel became slaves in Egypt is because they rejected the gospel of their father, Jacob, and tried to kill their younger brother Joseph. Over the many years as the Israelites prospered in Egypt and became numerous, they also fell to the temptations of Satan and began taking upon themselves the false traditions of the Egyptians. Because of this false ideology, God allowed them to be placed into bondage by the Egyptians for hundreds of years, until Moses was eventually sent to deliver them. And what happened after being miraculously delivered by God from Egyptian slavery? They rejected God again in favor of the enticings of the evil one. (D&C 84:23-27.)<br /><br /> And so it went down through the history of Israel. When they gave into Satan’s seductive ways for worldly influence and acceptance, they also rebelled against their God. The Lord would warn them to repent, but when Israel would not turn back to Him He sent their enemies to punish and enslave them. Such was the case when the King of Assyria took the northern ten kingdoms of Israel captive, about 721 B.C., and later when Nebuchadnezzar destroyed Jerusalem and took the remaining of Judah captive, 586 B.C.<br /><br /> As a matter of fact, the Book of Mormon states that at the time Lehi was prophesying in Jerusalem, there were many prophets in the land. (1 Ne. 1:4.) With a little study I found that there were at least ten prophets calling Judah to repentance that were contemporary with Lehi. They were Nahum, Lehi, Zephaniah, Habakkuk, Jeremiah, Urijah, Ezekiel, Obadiah, Daniel, Baruch, and probably more.<br /><br /> While in Babylon, Judah partook of many of the Babylonian ways, took Babylonian wives, mixed their race, and changed laws and ordinances. The were eventually released from captivity, but the corrupt influence of Babylon had a strong foothold, and by the time that John the Baptist came on the scene leading the way for the Christ, Judah had totally apostatized from the gospel that they had originally received centuries before.<br /><br /> The dispensation of the gospel that Jesus came to institute was to restore the original order and gospel teachings, but the Jews were so corrupt by then that they rejected Him and hung Him on a cross to die. Because the Jews rejected the gospel of Christ, He had Paul and others take the gospel to the Gentiles. (Actually, most of those Gentiles were not of the seed of Japheth, as many suppose, but were actually of the blood of Israel that had been taken captive many hundreds of years before; who , after being released form Assyrian bondage, some migrated into the regions in which Paul traveled. Not being among the Jews of Jerusalem, they had lost their identity and unknown as Israelites, but considered Gentiles.) This is where the parables of the wild olive-trees and Lord of the vineyard come into play. (See Jacob 5 and D&C 101:44-62.) The tame olive trees (House of Israel) would not bear good fruit, so the wild olive trees, the Gentiles, are grafted in. To understand the last part of these parables we will have to take into consideration what is to transpire just before the Lord’s second coming.<br /><br /> The war in heaven continued. Now what did the Gentiles do with the gospel of Christ? They too gave into worldly enticing and trickery of the devil. They killed the Holy Apostles, changed the ordinances, and broke the covenants as did both Israel and Judah. It was, indeed, the darkest hour for what was called Christianity. There were persecutions, tortures, wars, rampant immorality, greed, treachery, and all in the hypocritical name of Christianity. Because of the spiritual decaying condition of the Gentiles, the western world plummeted into a period of history known as the Dark Ages. It was, indeed, a period of spiritual darkness and depravity.<br /><br /> Eventually it was time for the Lord to start stirring people with discontent because of their situations in religion and life in general. Enlightened people start asking questions and seeking answers to the problem of uncomfortable conditions. He started enlightening the minds of people to understand the things of God, religion, science, art, music, exploration, etc. This period of time became known as the age of enlightenment and discovery. Drastic advances and improvements began to take place. People became discontent with the Catholic Church, and a Reformation occurred. Great discoveries and explorations took place. The sciences and arts changed, and there were great advancements in every field. It was a time when God starting preparing a people for the restoration of the gospel. The hearts of man had to be conditioned so they would desire freedom and liberty. Thus was born the American Revolution. Now it was time for the restoration of the gospel of Jesus Christ in a land that boasted of a spirit freedom and of religious liberty. The U. S. of A. was just the place for it.<br /><br /> Now let’s switch for a moment to the early people of the new world—the Americas. The posterity of Jared and his people, true to form, rebelled against God and was eventually destroyed by their enemies. And what about Lehi and his people?<br /><br /> We know that it was at the time that Nebuchadnezzar destroyed Jerusalem and took Judah captive, about 600 B.C. according to the Book of Mormon, that Lehi brought his people over to the promised land. At that time the fulness of the gospel had been taken from Judah; however, it continued through Nephi where there was a restoration of that fulness in the new world.<br /><br /> But what happened right at the beginning of the story of Lehi and his bringing his family away from the corrupt church of his day? His eldest sons, Laman and Lemuel, rebelled. We know that the descendants of Laman and Lemuel became known as the Lamanites, and the followers of Nephi became known as the Nephites. And of course we know that off and on there were other kinds of ites, but they are inconsequential for now. Like their early ancestors, the Israelites and Judahites before them, the Nephites, the supposed good guys, kept rebelling. And when they did, God would send their enemies, the Lamanites, to punish and enslave them. Back and forth the Nephites went, righteous and prospering in the Lord one moment, rebellious and depraved the next.<br /><br /> It was about 200 years after Christ restored the gospel to the Nephites that they started being influenced by the host of Satan again. They became proud, rebellious, and immoral. God, once again, sent their enemies, the Lamanites, against them. This war continued until about 421 A.D. when the last of the Nephite prophets, Moroni, sealed up his record and buried it in a hill for future discovery by the young Joseph Smith. Thus, the war in heaven also continued among the Nephites.<br /><br />As we contemplate the various dispensations of the gospel of Jesus Christ in past history, and what God’s chosen people did with the wonderful knowledge and blessings they were given, what makes any of us so bold as to say we are more righteous than they? Are we not told in scriptures that in the last days we will be as wicked as the people were during the days of Noah, and as they were at Sodom and Gomorrah? (JST–Matt. 1:41, 24:44; Jer. 23:13; Zeph. 2:9; 2 Ne. 23:19.)<br /><br /> A very important scripture grossly overlooked by members of the LDS church is 3 Nephi 23:1-3. Not only was the resurrected Lord speaking here to the Nephites, but he was also speaking to us, latter-day Ephraim, the Gentiles.<br /><br /> “AND now, behold, I say unto you, that ye ought to search these things. Yea, <span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">a commandment I give unto you</span> that ye <span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">search these things diligently</span>; for <span style="font-style: italic;">great are the words of Isaiah</span>. For surely he spake as touching all things concerning <span style="font-style: italic;">my people</span> which are of the <span style="font-style: italic;">house of Israel</span>; therefore it must needs be that he must speak also to the <span style="font-style: italic;">Gentiles</span>. And all things that he spake <span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">have been and shall be</span>, even according to the words which he spake.” (3 Ne. 23:1-3.)<br /><br /> In this scripture we are commanded by the Lord to study the words of Isaiah. We are not simply told that it’s a good idea to read Isaiah, but <span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(204, 0, 0);">COMMANDED</span> to <span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(204, 0, 0);">SEARCH</span> the words of Isaiah. And again, we are commanded not simply to search the words of Isaiah a little here and a little there, but we are COMMANDED to SEARCH the words of Isaiah <span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(204, 0, 0);">DILIGENTLY</span>. Isaiah is the ONLY prophet the Lord commanded us to search, and also the only one of whom He mentioned by name. We might ask, For what are we to search? He want’s us to get the message that is contained in Isaiah, and to accomplish that we must seriously apply ourselves “diligently.”<br /><br /> Now, to whom was Isaiah speaking? As verse two states, He is speaking to the House of Israel of the last days, and also to the Gentiles. We are of the house of Israel, and we are also the Gentiles mentioned in the Book of Mormon as I point out in my study entitled, <span style="font-style: italic;">The Fulness – Part 2</span>. I go into a little more detail there, but for now, read the title page of the Book of Mormon where it says that that book is to <span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">“come forth in due time by way of the Gentiles,” </span>and D&C 20:9 where it says that the Book of Mormon contains the <span style="font-style: italic;">“fulness of the gospel of Jesus Christ to the Gentiles.”</span> The Book of Mormon came by way of us, and it is for us, the Gentiles of the latter-days.<br /><br /> And what is the message contained in Isaiah that our Savior wants us to receive? It is the message that, <span style="font-style: italic;">“all things that he spake have been and shall be.”</span> What does that mean? It simply means that history repeats itself: what has happened in the past is destined to repeat itself in the future. It’s called a type-and-shadow. What has already occurred is a type and foreshadowing of a similar occurrence in the future. We are now in that future, and our resurrected Lord wants us to know what happened to rebellious Israel in the past so we can recognize the signs of that apostasy in the future. And by recognition of the signs, we are forewarned and able to prepare spiritually and temporally for that which is destined to happen again, and for the ensuing calamities related to that falling away.<br /><br /> In verse five of this same twenty-third chapter, the Lord continued by saying, <span style="font-style: italic;">“...Search the prophets, for may there be that testify of these things.”</span> Not only does He command us to search Isaiah diligently, now He tells us to <span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(204, 0, 0);">SEARCH THE PROPHETS</span>, because they also teach and warn of the same things. So we are commanded to go beyond Isaiah and study such prophets as Jeremiah, Ezekiel, Daniel, Joel, Amos, Zechariah, and the like.<br /><br /> These verses we just examined in Third Nephi are a direct commandment from the Lord, Himself. No one, not even a true and living Prophet of God can rescind that commandment, but a true and living Prophet of God would teach and encourage us to follow that commandment. But are we being so taught? Are we, the latter-day Gentile Israelites, diligently searching the words of Isaiah as Jesus commanded? A few might be personally, but NO! – Not as a church. Consequently, they will not be able to recognize the signs of the times, of which our “prophets” should be warning us, and, therefore, not be prepared for the fulfilment of those prophetic events.<br /><br /> I submit that history is, indeed, already starting to repeat itself. Concerning this subject, I would like to quote from Elder H. Verlan Andersen’s book, <span style="font-style: italic;">The Great and Abominable Church of the Devil</span>. In this insightful book he wrote:<br /><br /> “Religious history testifies that, with the single exception of the inhabitants of the City of Enoch, no people to whom the gospel has been given have remained faithful to their covenants for more than a few generations. Time after time the Lord has established his church among a group who have lived his commandments for a few years and then fallen away thus bringing upon themselves his judgments. This cycle of human folly which so many prophets have noted, has repeated itself with such consistent regularity that any group which finds itself to be the favored recipients of the gospel would do well to assume that their own apostasy is certain and the only question about it is how long it will take.<br /> “Christ, who as governor of the world, has the painful duty of punishing transgression, has spoken of the infidelity of the House of Israel and the frequency with which they have rejected him. Just before he made his appearance to those righteous Nephites who survived the terrible disaster inflicted upon their nation, he uttered these words of anguish: ‘O ye people of these great cities which have fallen, who are descendants of Jacob, yea who are of the house of Israel, how oft have I gathered you as a hen gathereth her chickens under her wings, and have nourished you. And again, how oft would I have gathered you as a hen gathereth her chickens under her wings, yea, O ye people of the house of Israel, who have fallen; ... how oft would I have gathered you as a hen gathereth her chickens, and ye would not.’ (3 Nephi 10:4-5)<br /> “To the Jews the Lord said: ‘O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, thou that killest the prophets, and stonest them which are sent unto thee, how oft would I have gathered thy children together, even as a hen gathereth her chickens under her wings, and ye would not!’ (Matt. 23:37)<br /> “The fact that the Lord has found it necessary to restore his gospel so many times is in itself evidence of the regularity with which apostasy has occurred because the only thing which will cause the destruction of his Church is the wickedness of its members. As the angel told Alma who had been trying to destroy the Lord’s work among the Nephites: ‘Alma, arise and stand forth, for why persecutest thou the church of God? For the Lord has said: ‘This is my church, and I will establish it; and nothing shall overthrow it, save it is the transgression of my people.’ (Mosiah 27:13)<br /> “The prophet, Mormon, whose labor as a historian gave him the opportunity to observe the frequency of the righteousness - wickedness - punishment cycle, spoke of it as though it were a law of life which operates as a certain consequence of a universal human weakness. His analysis of apostasy and its causes should interest us deeply: ‘And thus we can behold how false, and also the unsteadiness of the hearts of the children of men; yea, we can see that the Lord in his great infinite goodness doth bless and prosper those who put their trust in him. Yea, and we may see at the very time when he doth prosper his people, yea, in the increase of their fields, their flocks and their herds, and in gold and silver, and in all manner of precious things of every kind and art; sparing their lives, and delivering them out of the hands of their enemies ... yea, and in fine, doing all things for the welfare and happiness of his people; yea, then is the time that they do harden their hearts, and do forget the Lord their God, .. and this because of their ease and exceedingly great prosperity. And thus we see that except the Lord doth chasten his people with afflictions, yea, except he doth visit them with death and with terror, and with famine and with all manner of pestilence, they will not remember him. O how foolish, and how vain, and how evil and devilish and how quick to do iniquity and how slow to do good, are the children of men...’ (Helaman. 12:1-4)<br /> “Do the words of Mormon quoted above have application today? If ‘ease’ and ‘exceedingly great prosperity’ are certain to cause people to ‘forget the Lord their God,’ then the Church is in deep trouble because seldom, if ever, has any group been as prosperous as it is today. Its beginnings were humble enough. Starting in 1830 with an initial membership of six, the Church was persecuted, its property destroyed and confiscated, its leaders slain, and the people finally driven into a forbidding wilderness before they could find a measure of peace. But all that has now changed. After 140 years of growth, membership numbers in the millions, persecution has long vanished, and instead of ostracism, members are, for the most part accepted and respected.<br /> “These conditions in prior dispensations have been sure signs of weakened faith. To fail to consider the possibility that the members of the Church are again <span style="font-weight: bold;">‘falling away’ </span>would be to ignore one of the most thoroughly documented lessons of history. Especially is this true in light of the fact that the cultural, political, and educational life of Church members has become so deeply and thoroughly involved with that of non-members that they are being overwhelmingly influenced by the ‘ways of the world.’ Through newspapers and magazines, motion pictures and television, schools and lecture halls, and a thoroughly integrated economic system, Church members come into close and continuous contact with those not of their faith.<br /> “Some may assume that a ‘Gentile apostasy’ in the latter days cannot occur because Christ’s Church is here to stay this time. They may assume that widespread departure from the gospel principles by Church members is contrary to prophecy. While the scriptures do assure us that the Church will continue to exist and be divinely led by prophets of the Lord right up until his Second Coming, they do not state that all, or even a majority of its members will follow those prophets. On the contrary they foretell extensive, and in some cases, almost total defection from true principles. For example, we noted in the Lord’s prophecy that only one-half of the small group he calls ‘virgins’ will avoid being deceived and destroyed. Let us consider other scriptures which discuss this problem.” (<span style="font-style: italic;">The Great and Abominable Church of the Devil</span>, 1972, Ch. 18, pp. 178-191.)<br /><br /> We have treated the restored gospel of Christ much as our ancestors before us treated the gospel, but we refuse to admit it because it makes us look like bad children of a loving Father. It has always been that way. It is easy to believe someone else can go wrong, but not accept the fact that we can be wrong. It’s much like the proud parent who refuses to accept the fact that their beloved child has gone astray in life. To acknowledge such a thing would leave the family with a blight that would be shameful, embarrassing, and difficult to eradicate. So the parent adamantly denies the charges against that child by wearing moral blinders. Such an attitude is not honest nor does it help that wayward child repent and grow.<br /><br /> In like manner, many of us, because of pride, wear spiritual blinders. Those of us who do so reject spiritual growth and forfeit eternal progression, unless we recognize and acknowledge our weaknesses, repent, and turn towards the true light of Christ. Choosing to stay blind to truth because it’s uncomfortable, or for any other reason, keeps us in spiritual darkness with no hope for salvation. Those who surrender to the intimidation and disapproval of the “mainstream” are no different than God’s earlier people who rejected Him because of fear, pride, greed, and worldly influences.<br /></div>Joseph Warren Grammerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05795589798825424327noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2062486484005186955.post-39204502402939537912009-11-02T13:26:00.000-08:002009-12-08T15:22:33.329-08:00<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(153, 51, 153);font-size:180%;" >Agency and the Glory of God</span><br />by Joseph Warren Grammer<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size:180%;">I</span>n the fourth chapter of Abraham we find a record of the creation of the world, just as we do in Genesis Chapter 1. However, in Abraham 5 and Genesis 2 we find another creation; so what is the difference between the two? The first was a spiritual creation (Abr. 5:4-5; Gen. 2:4-5), while the second was a temporal creation. But let’s start from the beginning. That beginning will take us back to the very creation of man—that is, to our creation in the pre-earth life where we dwelt with God our Heavenly Father as His spiritual offspring, beings of light, and organized intelligences.<br /><br /> When man was spiritually created, he was given the right to make choices. That right, known as agency, is also granted to him here upon the earth. It is the right to be free to choose. God said, “... in the Garden of Eden, gave I unto man his agency.” (Moses 7:32.) This statement does not mean that it was first in the Garden that man received his agency, for all spirits in Heaven had their agency, and that agency was from the beginning. Here in Moses 7:32, God is just reiterating the fact that from the beginning of mortality man was also granted agency.<br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">Intelligence and Light and Truth Is Agency</span></span><br /> In the beginning, or pre-earth existence, we were created by God and were known as His spirit children. He said to the prophet Enoch, <span style="font-style: italic;">“Behold these thy brethren; they are the workmanship of mine own hands, and I gave unto them their knowledge, in the day I created them ...”</span> (Moses 7:32.) So God created man and gave him knowledge. In some manner, currently unknown to mortals, God organized a substance called <span style="font-weight: bold;">intelligence</span> (Abr. 3:22), and out of it created His spirit children. From the Doctrine and Covenants we learn, among other things, some very important points in relation to our creation and agency. The Lord said to the Prophet Joseph Smith, <span style="font-style: italic;">“Man was also in the beginning with God. </span><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">Intelligence, or the light of truth, was not created or made, neither indeed can be</span>.” (D&C 93:29.)<br /><br /> Here we learn that intelligence is the light of truth and cannot be created or made. So when man was created he was given intelligence or, in other words, he was given truth, which is light. This intelligence, or the light of truth, has always existed and will always exist. It cannot be made or created but only organized.<br /><br /> Now let’s go on and read a couple more verses from this section: <span style="font-style: italic;">“All truth is independent in that sphere in which God has placed it, to act for itself, as all intelligence also; otherwise there is no existence. Behold, here is the agency of man, and here is the condemnation of man; because that which was from the beginning is plainly manifest unto them, and they receive not the light.” </span>(D&C 93:30-31.)<br /><br /> Here we find that truth and intelligence is agency. We now find that all truth and intelligence, or light, are independent to act for themselves. We also find that without this light, truth and intelligence, we could not exist. With this existence man has agency which gives him the capacity to act and be independent. Agency, it appears from the foregoing, is coeternal with our spiritual and intellectual makeup and cannot be separated.<br /><br /> This then is the beginning existence of man when he was created and given the ability to be free and independent. (D&C 104:17; 2 Ne. 2:26.) He was given his agency to make choices about the light of truth that is in him. The scripture goes on to say, <span style="font-style: italic;">“... and here is the condemnation of man; because ... they receive not the light.” </span>It could also be said, however: <span style="font-style: italic;">“Here is the glory of man, because he receives the light.”</span><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;font-size:130%;" >Glory Is Light and Truth</span><br /> Skipping down to verse 36 it states, <span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">“The glory of God is intelligence, or, in other words, light and truth.”</span> Here we find that God’s glory consists of intelligence, which is light and truth. We have learned also that truth and intelligence are agency. Therefore, we come to understand that, <span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic; color: rgb(204, 0, 0);">since glory is intelligence, light and truth, it also consists of agency</span>. <span style="font-style: italic;">That light and glory which is emitted from a perfected intelligence is truth and agency—a light so refined that it glows and becomes His glory and He is made glorious. God is praised and exalted, and His splendid and radiant magnificence is due to perfected intelligence, truth, and agency.</span><br /><br /> Verse 39 says, <span style="font-style: italic;">“And that wicked one cometh and taketh away light and truth ...” </span>Since light and truth are agency, as just discussed, then by taking away light and truth he also takes away our agency. We find that the “wicked one,” Satan, can indeed take away light and truth by telling us lies and by deceptions. By believing his lies we relinquish our freedom to exercise our agency, and we subject ourselves to his will and become slaves. Or, to put it another way, by believing his treachery, we give power to him to take away our liberty.<br /><br /> By being deceived into believing and accepting Satan’s principles, or false doctrine, we indeed lose some truth, or light. The process might be likened to a vacuum: when there is emptiness, something must fill it. The more darkness we accept, the more light we lose. The more we accept light, the less darkness is in us. It is either one or the other. The Lord said, <span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">“That which is of God is light; and he that receiveth light, and continueth in God, receiveth more light; and that light groweth brighter and brighter until the perfect day.”</span> (D&C 50:24.) Therefore, the more we allow ourselves to yield to Satan’s deceptive ways, the more we lose light and truth, but the more we personally yield to God’s light, the more light and truth we are capable of receiving.<br /><br /> To become glorious, as the Father and the Son are glorious, we must do as they have done. We must learn truth, not falsehoods. We must be willing to live God’s laws, not Satan’s. We must make wise choices with the light that is in us by carefully guarding our God-given agency. Our future salvation and glory are dependent upon how we exercise our agency, use our intelligence in choosing truth and light, and decide whom we will follow.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;font-size:130%;" >Heavenly Conflict Over Agency</span><br /> Sometime after the creation of man in the pre-earth life a council was held in heaven, and God stood among “the intelligences that were organized before the world was” created. There was one of “them that was like unto God” who said, “... we will make an earth whereon these [intelligences] may dwell.” (Abr. 3:22-24.)<br /><br /> What was the reason for an earth? One reason was so man could be proven. The scriptures state the following: “And we will prove them herewith, to see if they will do all things whatsoever the Lord their God shall command them.” (Abr. 3:25.) The earth, therefore, was to be a proving ground for God’s children. It was to be this way so that we, and not only God, could see how well we would use our agency and what type of choices we would make. The creation of the earth was so important and needed that “all the sons of God shouted for joy.” (Job 38:7.)<br /><br /> Because all of Heavenly Father’s children except Jesus would make choices that would keep them from God’s eternal presence, someone had to provide a plan of salvation. This was necessary to give His children an opportunity to enter into His presence when they were finished with their proving ground on earth. “And the Lord said: Whom shall I send? And one answered like unto the Son of Man: Here Am I, send me....”<br /><br /> At this time another also wanted to have that privilege. “... And another answered and said: Here am I, send me....” (Abr. 3:27.) We do not know how many others might have offered their services, but we do know of two offers and the resulting conflict that followed the second one.<br /><br /> This second intelligence was Lucifer, who “was from the beginning,” and was “an angel of God who was in authority in the presence of God.” (Moses 4:1; D&C 76:25.) This angel, Lucifer, was called “a son of the morning.” (D&C 76:26; Isa.14:12.) From this, could we speculate that there was more than one son of the morning, since it says “a” son of the morning, instead of, “the” son of the morning?<br /><br /> We also find that “the devil was before Adam” (D&C 29:36), or as it may sound: Lucifer was spiritually created before Adam was spiritually created. Whatever the case, it seems that Lucifer had influence, and he said, “... Behold, here am I, send me, I will be thy son, and I will redeem all mankind, that one soul shall not be lost, and surely I will do it....” (Moses 4:1.)<br /><br /> The Lord tells us that by Lucifer’s plan, the devil “sought to destroy the agency of man, which I, the Lord God, had given him.” (Moses 4:3.) Lucifer planned to accomplish this by not giving man a chance to exercise his agency in making choices. Man would be forced into submission, whether he wanted to submit or not. This is not God’s way. The Prophet Joseph Smith stated, “We deem it a just principle, and it is one the force of which we believe ought to be duly considered by every individual, that all men are created equal, and that all have the privilege of thinking for themselves upon all matters relative to conscience. Consequently, then, we are not disposed, had we the power, to deprive any one of exercising that free independence of mind which heaven has so graciously bestowed upon the human family as one of its choicest gifts ...” (TPJS, p. 49.)<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;font-size:130%;" >Lucifer Sought That Which Was Evil</span><br /> Not only did Lucifer want total power and control over the glorious agency of God’s spirit children, but he wanted God’s honor, power, and glory also. Nephi tells us that Satan “sought that, which was evil before God.” (2 Ne. 2:17.) What was that evil? The scriptures tell us what it was: Lucifer wanted to be the “Son,” and he wanted God’s “honor,” which is God’s “power.” (Moses 4:1-3; D&C 29:36.) By so doing, Satan “sought to take the kingdom of our God and His Christ.” (D&C 76:28.) The Devil also said in his heart, “I will ascend into heaven, I will exalt my throne above the stars of God: I will sit also upon the mount of the congregation, in the sides of the north: I will ascend above the heights of the clouds; I will be like the most High.” (Isa. 14:13-14.)<br /><br /> However, his plan was rejected because of his pride and disrespect for the glorious aspect of man’s agency. God said, “But, behold, my Beloved Son, which was my Beloved and Chosen from the beginning, said unto me—Father, Thy will be done....” (Moses 4:2.) His Beloved Son wanted His Father’s will to prevail, which included respect for the agency of man. The Son also displayed a respect for the Father’s position, meekly submitting Himself to the Father’s will, and saying, “the glory be thine forever.” This was in sharp contrast to Lucifer’s plan that was to take the power and honor of God and disenfranchise man of his agency and future light and glory. So God said, “... I will send the first.” (Abr. 3:27.) Because of this decision, the scriptures tell us that, “Satan, that old serpent, even the devil” rebelled against God and the Only Begotten Son. (D&C 76:25-28; Moses 4:3.)<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;font-size:130%;" >War in Heaven</span><br /> A conflict of principles developed between Lucifer and his followers and Jehovah and His faithful supporters. Heavenly Father told His spirit children that if they remained faithful in their pre-earth existence they would receive glory and be “added upon.” Abraham records this account in the following way, saying, “And they who keep their first estate, shall be added upon; and they who keep not their first estate shall not have glory in the same kingdom with those who keep their first estate....” (Abr. 3:26.)<br /><br /> The second intelligence, Lucifer, “was angry, and kept not his first estate; and, at that day, many followed after him.” (Abr. 3:28.) This angel in authority, and a son of the morning, must have had great influence because “a third part of the host of heaven turned he away from” God, and “his tail drew the third part of the stars of heaven, and did cast them to the earth.” (D&C 29:36; Revelation 12:4.) Because of his rebellion and influence, there was a war in heaven. “... Michael and his angels fought against the dragon; and the dragon fought and his angels, ... And prevailed not;...” (Rev. 12:7-8.)<br /><br /> Elder Bruce R. McConkie helps explain what type of war it was that raged in the heavens. In his monumental work, The Millennial Messiah, he illustrates:<br /><br /> “That war was a war of words; it was a conflict of ideologies; it was a rebellion against God and His laws. Lucifer sought to dethrone God, to sit himself on the divine throne, and to save all men without reference to their works. He sought to deny men their agency so they could not sin. He offered a mortal life of carnality and sensuality, of evil and crime and murder, following which all men would be saved.<br /> “And so, in the courts of heaven, waged the war of wars. Christ and Michael and a mighty host of noble and great spirits preached the gospel of God and exhorted their brethren to follow the Father. Lucifer and his lieutenants preached another gospel, a gospel of fear and hate and lasciviousness and compulsion. They sought salvation without keeping the commandments, without overcoming the world, without choosing between opposites.” (<span style="font-style: italic;">The Millennial Messiah</span>, pp. 666-67.)<br /><br /> That war of words, and conflict of ideologies, raged in heaven and still rages in the philosophies of the world today. It is raging for the purpose of destroying man’s intelligence and agency, and his future light and glory. President David O. McKay said in general conference, April 1942, “An attempt to rob man of his free agency caused dissension even in heaven ... To deprive an intelligent human being of his free agency is to commit the crime of the ages.” Then President McKay went on to say, “So fundamental in man’s eternal progress is his inherent right to choose, that the Lord would defend it even at the price of war. Without freedom of thought, freedom of choice, freedom of action within lawful bounds, man cannot progress. The Lord recognized this ... Men have sought for it, fought for it, have died for it.” (CR, April 1942, pp. 72-73.)<br /><br /> We see, then, that the war in heaven was not over money; it was not over the pros and cons of abortion, drugs, or homosexuality; it was not over the mode of baptism; it was not over the Book of Mormon being the word of God or not, or if Joseph Smith is a prophet; it was not over which church is right, or even the sacred atonement of Christ. It was over agency: the right and freedom to exercise that agency and to be accountable for the choices thus made.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;font-size:130%;" >Lucifer and His Angels Cast Out</span><br /> The scriptures tell us that Lucifer, “having sought that which was evil before God,” became “that great dragon,” and “as lightning,” had “fallen from heaven” and was “cast out into the earth.” (2 Ne. 2:17; Rev. 12:9; Luke 10:18; Isa. 14:12.) This rebelling angel, therefore, “was thrust down from the presence of God and the Son” by the power of the “Only Begotten.” (D&C 76:25; Moses 4:3.) “He became Satan, yea, even the devil, the father of all lies, to deceive and to blind men, ... And was called Perdition ... he was Lucifer, ... that old serpent, called the Devil ... which deceiveth the whole world ...” (Moses 4:4; D&C 76:26; Rev. 12:9.) President Alvin R. Dyer, a former member of the First Presidency, stated in his book, <span style="font-style: italic;">The Meaning of Truth</span>, that there were no neutrals in that conflict. He wrote: “Some have said that there were neutral spirits in the pre-mortal state ... there were no neutrals in that estate of existence, all sustained one position or the other. Some were occupied with complete rebellion, and became sons of perdition. As such, they were not permitted to be born into the probation of mortality.” (<span style="font-style: italic;">The Meaning of Truth</span>, p. 57.)<br /><br /> As the story continues we find that, “at that day, many followed after him”; that “a third part of the hosts of heaven turned he away from [God] because of their agency”; that “his angels were cast out with him, ... And they were thrust down, and thus came the devil and his angels.” (Abr. 3:28; D&C 29:36-37; Rev. 12:9.) Why were they turned away and cast out? It was because of their agency. They were free to make a choice, and their choice was to be on the side of good or the side of evil. There was no other choice to make.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;font-size:130%;" >Creation and Agency</span><br /> Progression into the second estate hinged upon how well one kept his first estate. Everyone here upon earth, the second estate, apparently kept a measure of faithfulness to God’s plan while in the first estate. God, then, gave man commandments to see if he would keep his second estate. Men therefore, were to be proven to see if they “will do all things whatsoever the Lord their God shall command them.” (Abr. 3:25-26.) Man was not to be forced to keep commandments, he was to exercise his agency and choose to keep them<br />.<br /> Agency is so important to God that, when He placed Adam in the Garden of Eden, the first thing He did, after giving Adam the breath of life, was to give him a choice to make. Let’s briefly go through the scenario and refresh our memories.<br /><br /> To start with, we will read a statement by President David O. McKay, who told us that agency is the second greatest gift of God to man. In a Conference address in 1966, he said, “Efforts are being made to deprive man of his free agency, to steal from the individual his liberty; and we must never forget that next to life itself, free agency is the greatest gift of God to man.” (CR, October 1966, p. 5.)<br /><br /> We find that after placing the plants and animals on the earth, “the Gods formed man.” (Gen. 2:7; Abr. 5:7.) Next we learn that God commanded Adam, “Of every tree of the garden thou mayest freely eat: But of the tree of knowledge of good and evil, thou shalt not eat of it.” (Gen 2:9-17; Moses 3:16-17; Abr. 5:9-13.) It was not until after the tree was introduced to Adam that Eve was brought onto the scene. (Gen. 2:21-23; Moses 3:21-23; Abr. 5:14-17.) The first thing God did was to give Adam life, then God gave Adam a commandment so he could make choices, exercising agency. This was done even before Adam and Eve were told to multiply and replenish the earth. That’s how important agency is to our Heavenly Father.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;font-size:130%;" >Atonement and Agency</span><br /> In the foregoing quote by David O. McKay, we must realize that he did not say, “agency is the greatest gift of God to man,” except for the resurrection or the atonement of Christ. He said that “next to life itself, free agency IS the greatest gift of God to man.”<br /><br /> First comes life, then agency. Agency is a more important gift than the resurrection of man, the atonement of Christ, or exaltation in the Celestial Kingdom. If this were not so, then God would have permitted Lucifer’s plan of force to control our Father’s spirit children. He would have forced them to go to earth, take a body, become resurrected, and be saved without any choice or responsibility of their own—a plan that was, of course, Lucifer’s great lie from the beginning.<br /><br /> When analyzed, this concept—the belief that agency is a more important gift than the atonement of Christ—can become a challenging notion to the belief system of many of us. However, to our wise and Eternal Father, the right to choose is more important than these other blessings. It is more important, even if it means one third of His Children will be cast out of Heaven and not have a body, or if many of us on earth, through choices of our own, will end up as Telestial beings or a son of perdition. Agency is also more important than the establishment of the Church, for without agency and freedom we would not be free to practice our religion. It may be a hard theory for many to appreciate; yet, as needful as is the resurrection, as sublime as the love and sacrifice of Jesus, as glorious as will be exaltation, nevertheless, agency is still the greater principle and greater blessing.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;font-size:130%;" >War Upon the Saints</span><br /> Among all of the commandments given to Israel, of course, God gave them the first and second greatest commandments: to love God and their neighbor as themselves. Moses records: “And unto thy brethren have I said, and also given commandment, that they should love one another, and that they should choose me, their Father ...” (Moses 7:33.)<br /><br /> However, Moses goes on in the same verse and says that, “they are without affection and they hate their own blood.” This happened because Satan was “to deceive and to blind men, and to lead them captive at his will, even as many as would not hearken unto” the voice of the Lord. (Moses 4:4.) Indeed, that great dragon “deceiveth the whole world” (Rev. 12:9), even from the beginning unto this very day<br />.<br /> It is clear when the scriptures state that “power was given [Satan] over all kindreds, and tongues, and nations,” and that “it was given unto him to make war with the saints, and to overcome them.” (Rev. 13:7; Isa. 14:12.) “Wherefore, he maketh war with the saints of God, and encompasseth them round about.” (D&C 76:29.) President Benson said the war that was fought in Heaven is now upon the earth, and it is still a war over agency. In an address delivered at Brigham Young University in 1986, he said, “The war that began in heaven is not yet over. The conflict continues on the battlefield of mortality. And one of Lucifer’s primary strategies has been to restrict our agency through the power of earthly governments. Proof of this is found in the long history of humanity.” (<span style="font-style: italic;">The Constitution: A Heavenly Banner</span>, p. 3.)<br /><br /> Why is it necessary for such conflicts or war to occur? The Lord has explained it, yet it is hard for many to comprehend. To really grasp the full importance of it, one needs to have the Holy Spirit as his or her guide. The Lord proclaimed, “I ... have given unto the children of men to be agents unto themselves.” (D&C 104:17.) But, in another place He said, “And it must needs be that the devil should tempt the children of men, or they could not be agents unto themselves; for if they never should have bitter they could not know the sweet—” (D&C 29:39.) From his book, <span style="font-style: italic;">The Millennial Messiah</span>, Elder McConkie presents some explanation into Satan’s offer of forced salvation in these words: “His offer was a philosophical impossibility. There must needs be an opposition in all things. Unless there are opposites, there is nothing. There can be no light without darkness, no heat without cold, no virtue without vice, no good without evil, no salvation without damnation.” (<span style="font-style: italic;">The Millennial Messiah</span>, p. 667.)<br /><br /> Yes, Satan is subtle. He tried to destroy our agency in the pre-earth life and is trying to do it here. Latter-day Saints are most vulnerable. They are finding it challenging to make choices that will protect their free agency, and the rights of others. Satan’s influence is powerful, but no more powerful than we choose to let it.<br /><br /> When Lucifer wants to mislead he uses his greatest tool, which tool is, of course, deception. He lulls people away with a sense of security in their sins—sins that most do not recognize as sins. Nephi also warned us in these words: “And others will he pacify, and lull them away into carnal security, that they will say: All is well in Zion; yea, Zion prospereth, all is well—and thus the devil cheateth their souls, and leadeth them away carefully down to hell.” (2 Ne. 28:21.)<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;font-size:130%;" >Difference Between Freedom and Rights</span><br /> It will be necessary to mention that the term “free agency” is not used in the scriptural standard works of the LDS Church. Agency is not free. A price was paid in the pre-earth life and a war in Heaven was fought over this sacred principle. A bloody revolution raged in the land of America for the establishment of a free environment where man’s agency could be exercised without restraint. Throughout history, many such wars and revolutions have been for the establishment and protection of this God-given principle. And there is still a price that will have to be paid by almost all of us, if we are to retain this Godly blessing.<br /><br /> Free agency does not automatically mean the right. Some have difficulty understanding the difference between the word “right” and the word “freedom.” Perhaps it could be explained by simply saying that, “We might have the freedom to take a life, but we do not have the right to do so.” Life is fragile and a free gift, and no one has the right to take it from another person, or for a person to take it from himself without God’s sanction.<br /><br /> In that same light, agency is a free gift, and the freedom to exercise that agency is a cherished possession. No one has a right to take that agency, or the freedom to exercise that agency, from another; nor does one have the right to put his agency, or that freedom, in the hands of another. Man is solely responsible for his own agency and no one else’s. Lucifer would have it otherwise. That was his proposal in the pre-earth life and the reason he was cast out of Heaven. In his farewell counsel to his son, Jacob, father Lehi said, “Wherefore, men are free according to the flesh; and all things are given them which are expedient unto man. And they are free to choose liberty and eternal life, through the great Mediator of all men, or to choose captivity and death, according to the captivity and power of the devil; for he seeketh that all men might be miserable like unto himself.” (2 Ne. 2:27.)<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;font-size:130%;" >Various Intelligence</span><br /> During communing with God, Abraham learned something of the spirits of man. He was informed that there are three types of spirits, or intelligences:<br /><br /> 19. And the Lord said unto me: These two facts do exist, that there are TWO spirits, one being more intelligent than the other; there shall be ANOTHER more intelligent than they; I am the Lord thy God, I am more intelligent than they all.<br /> 22. Now the Lord had shown unto me, Abraham, the intelligences that were organized before the world was; and among all these there were many of the noble and great ones;<br /> 23. And God saw these souls that they were good, and he stood in the midst of them, and he said: These I will make my rulers; for he stood among those that were spirits, and he saw that they were good; and he said unto me: Abraham, thou art one of them; thou wast chosen before thou wast born. (Abraham, 3:19, 22-23.)<br /><br /> First Abraham mentions two types of spirits, one spirit was more intelligent than the other. Then he learned that there was a third type of spirit which was more intelligent than the first two. From an understanding of Abraham’s writings, we learn that <span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">there are three types of spirits upon the earth; there being three levels of intelligence, one higher than the other</span>.<br /><br /> From what we learned above, intelligence, which is truth and light, is inseparably connected with agency. So we have three degrees of spirits upon the earth that respond to truth and light, and the spirit of liberty, in various ways. The capacity of one group of spirits to accept truth and light, and that of agency, greatly differs one from the other.<br /><br /> I am sure many of us have heard someone refer to another person as being very intelligent because that person knows a lot about thus and so. Perhaps we could put things in their proper perspective. Just because someone has much book learning or a lot of college degree initials behind their name, that does not necessarily mean they are very intelligent. True intelligence should be measured by how much light and truth one can comprehend, and how they understand free agency and honor that God-given right. A person may be educated, learned in the ways of the world, and even considered intellectual, but fall short in understanding the ways of God. If one cannot truly comprehend real truth and light as it comes from God, then that person cannot truly be considered very intelligent. Truth and light IS intelligence; and truth, light, and agency is inseparably connected to intelligence. Perhaps the words of the Apostle Paul can be applied here when he was speaking of those who are, <span style="font-style: italic;">“Ever learning, and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth.”</span> (2 Tim. 3:7.)<br /><br /> Currently, a great number of Gentiles are being brought into the LDS Church. The full gospel of Christ is only for Ephraim, the nations of true Israel, and the Gentiles who will believe. As the missionaries go out to preach, they are willing to baptize any and all who accept their teachings. And since the correct gospel is not truly understood by most members of the Church today, what is taught by modern-day missionaries is rather enticing to many Gentiles who normally would not accept the true restored light of the truth. Although the true gospel is to be taken to every nation, it is only intended for the gathering out of scattered Israel from those nations. Consequently, a time will come when there will have to be a separating of the sheep FROM the goats and the wheat FROM the tares—separating the different intelligences. In other words, a cleansing is coming; there will have to be a setting in order of the House of God (D&C 85:7; D&C 112:23-26.)<br /><br /> Yet in all this difference, God does not infringe upon anyone’s right to make a choice. He does not force. As Abraham said, God only proves them: “And we will prove them herewith, to see if they will do all things whatsoever the Lord their God shall command them.” (Abr. 3:25.)<br /><br /> How does God prove us? He gives us choices, and then gives us the privilege of being responsible for those choices. An individual’s capacity to recognize and accept truth and light can be determined by how he understands and honors the agency of man. Does he allow them the freedom of conscience, or does he try to force compliance. The Prophet Joseph Smith once said, <span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">“God would not exert any compulsory means, and the devil could not ... all was voluntary.” </span>(TPJS, p. 187.) Man is to be free to exercise his agency and be <span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">“accountable for his own sins in the day of judgment.” </span>(D&C 101:77-80.) <span style="color: rgb(204, 0, 0); font-weight: bold;">Agency is part of man’s intelligence, his light and eternal glory.</span><br /><br /> Now the Lord grants unto us leaders and teachers in all walks of life—government, church, school, business, etc.—that are relevant to our personal desires. When we are spiritually minded, He sends leaders and teachers that inspire and lead righteously. When we are carnal minded, He ALLOWS leaders and teachers to take us off onto forbidden paths. God will “send [us] strong delusion, that [we] should believe a lie” (2 Thes. 2:11) if we choose wickedness over righteousness, or man’s counsel over that of God’s. Part of the problem or delusion is: if we are carnal and worldly minded we often do not recognize that fact, nor do we recognize, because of our spiritual blindness, when those leaders we have might be leading us astray.<br /><br /> Two years after the death of the Prophet Joseph Smith, there was a revelation given to Apostle Orson Hyde at Nauvoo, Illinois, in April of 1846. Among other things, the Spirit moved upon Elder Hyde and he wrote:<br /><br /> 3. <span style="font-style: italic;">Evil men, ambitious of power, must needs arise among you</span>, and they shall be led by their own self-will and not by me. Yet <span style="font-style: italic;">they are instruments in my hands, and are permitted to try my people, and to collect from among them those who are not the elect, and such as are unworthy of eternal life</span>.<br /> 4. Grieve NOT after them, neither mourn nor be alarmed.<br /> 5. <span style="font-style: italic;">My people know my voice and also the voice of my spirit, and a stranger they will not follow:</span><br /> 6. <span style="font-style: italic;">Therefore such as follow strangers are not my people</span>. (<span style="font-style: italic;">Millennial Star</span>, 7:10, May 15, 1846, pp. 157-58: Unpublished Revelations, 1:65, pp. 104-05.)<br /><br /> In this revelation to one of the Lord’s apostles we are told that there will be “<span style="font-weight: bold;">evil men”</span> in power that will be permitted to <span style="font-weight: bold;">“try”</span> God’s people; but, those who are truly of God will not follow after the wicked because God’s people know His voice and the voice of His Spirit. Jesus said, <span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">“My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me.”</span> (John 10:27.) Just because we have a leader or teacher that proclaims thus and so, it does not mean that “thus and so” is God’s will. We must realize, there is a difference between what God wants and what He will allow. Because of agency, the Lord allows us what WE want, whatever the consequences, which may not necessarily be what He desires.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;font-size:130%;" >Truth Shall Make You Free</span><br /> Yes, His sheep do hear His voice and follow Him. In the Gospel of John we can hear the voice of the Master, who said, “And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.” (John 8:32.) Now what did Jesus mean when He said that truth shall make us free? And for what purpose are we to be free? With this scripture in mind, let’s do a little exploring.<br /><br /> To truly understand this scripture, we must go back to the beginning of creation and ask: “Why did God put man on this earth? It was obviously for a reason, and that reason was to have earthly experiences where we could learn to make free choices based upon our own spiritual inclinations. For man to have free choice it was necessary for him to partake of the tree of knowledge of good and evil. Now what is meant by free choice is that man is to be free to choose for himself what he desires, not what someone else believes is best for him.<br /><br /> Yes it is true that the Creator told Adam not to partake of the tree of knowledge of good and evil, yet it was necessary that Adam do so for the eternal progression of his posterity. If God told Adam to partake of that tree, then God would be responsible for the death of Adam. The Creator would have then been an unjust God, having been responsible for bringing death upon Adam for no reason at all. But Father is a just God, and He had to give Adam a commandment which, if broken, would bring death. Adam, himself, had to make the choice to obey or not to obey.<br /><br /> At this time, Adam and Eve had no contrasts in their lives. Living in eternal light and goodness, they did not know the dark nor understand evil. Now Satan, that old serpent, told Eve that if she partook of that tree: “your eyes shall be opened, and ye shall be as gods, knowing good and evil.” (Gen. 3:5.) This was a true statement designed to tempt Eve to transgress God’s command. The part that Satan was to play was known beforehand by God, and this is why a Savior was prepared before the foundation of the earth, to save Adam and his posterity from their sins. Not knowing the mind of God, Satan did just what was necessary for Adam and Eve to have their eyes opened so they could receive further light and knowledge, improve their intelligence, and further their eternal progression.<br /><br /> Partaking of the tree of knowledge of good and evil causes all of us to have our eyes opened to truth. It is only after partaking of that tree that we are able to receive from the tree of life. Remember, Adam and Eve were forbidden and prevented from partaking of the tree of life until they had repented and chose to become worthy by way of righteousness over disobedience. They had to understand the contrast between the light and the dark, the good and the bad. They needed to experience the bitter before they could appreciate the sweet love of God and make a choice to accept the grace and atonement of Christ. Only then would they be worthy of partaking of the tree of life.<br /><br /> Without Adam’s transgression, we would have no comparisons—we would have no options for choice. To become as God, knowing good and evil, being full of light and truth, and finally partake of the tree of life, it is necessary, as stated, that we first partake of the tree of knowledge of good and evil. However, our learning is to be a positive experience.<br /><br /> Now God expects us to make mistakes. But this does not mean that we are to go looking for trouble, there is plenty of that without looking for it. Our errors in life are not to be stumbling blocks where we keep going back over-and-over again wallowing in our old sins, or go around feeling sorry for ourselves. When trouble comes we are to use wisdom, move on, make the best of the experience. Our frailties are to be as stepping stones helping us ascend to a higher state of being. From our bitter experience we are to use our agency and make wise choices, choosing righteousness and Jesus Christ as our only way to truth and light. We must be free to make our choices, not somebody else’s. Only then can we fulfil the measure of OUR creation, instead of someone else’s creation.<br /><br /> There is no growth from not making mistakes in life, but there are those who refuse to learn truth because truth might upset their lifestyle. It disturbs their peace. However, peace at the cost of liberty is unacceptable to God, and man in general. Down through the ages man has given up temporary peace for the cause of liberty. Remember, we learned that truth, light, and intelligence is agency, and they are independent to act for themselves. Only through the understanding of truth comes true freedom and peace. When we purposely choose to ignore truth and light for the sake of comfort and peace, we exhibit a cowardly nature. We remain a slave to fear. Someone once said, “None are so enslaved than those who know not of their bondage.” By refusing to learn important truths and closing our eyes and ears to the option of receiving light, we are choosing to remain a slave to that which dictates and controls us. That is “selective ignorance”; we are then choosing Lucifer’s plan of control, unrighteous dominion, and oppression.<br /><br /> Without access to truth and light, we cannot receive adequate knowledge sufficient for us to make meaningful and intelligent choices relevant for our upward eternal progression. To have access to truth and light we must be free to inquire and act for ourselves. When we are not free to act for ourselves, our search for truth is thwarted; we then fall under the authoritarian hands of those who will try to dictate their philosophies. Allowing a person or an organization, such as a government, church, school, or society at large, to restrict what we can or cannot do, say, read, or even believe, we allow them to be our slave master. We then remain slaves to whomever or whatever it is that controls our belief system and how we live our lives—staying tied to philosophies and traditions that may not foster growth unto godhood.<br /><br /> God wants us to experience the bad along with the good so that we can recognize the difference and make righteous choices from the experience gained. He wants us to know the truth of all things. We then become free from ignorance, false philosophies, and those who would control our thinking, actions, belief systems, and way of life. We are then free to choose God’s way over that of man’s way. Having thus increased our intelligence, learning the truth about good and evil, the difference between light and dark, we are at liberty, with our own free will, to choose Jesus Christ as our only salvation, or not choose Him. Of course, since there are differences in intelligences, and as to how people perceive truth, not all will choose to be free or make the same choices. Even with the option of becoming a free agent unto themselves, many will still choose to remain ignorant to truth and slaves to the will of others.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;font-size:130%;" >It’s Our Choice</span><br /> As we consider the subject at hand, we find that the Orson Hyde quote above is in strict harmony with what the Lord said through the Prophet Joseph Smith: <span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">“For intelligence cleaveth unto intelligence; wisdom receiveth wisdom; truth embraceth truth; virtue loveth virtue; light cleaveth unto light; ...”</span> (D&C 88:40.) And these thoughts help us understand more fully the Lord’s statement when He said, <span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">“Behold, I am Jesus Christ, the Son of God. I am the same that came unto mine own, and mine own received me not. I am the light which shineth in darkness, and the darkness comprehendeth it not.” </span>(D&C 6:21.) But later He said, <span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">“And if your eye be single to my glory, your whole bodies shall be filled with light, and there shall be no darkness in you; and that body which is filled with light comprehendeth all things.”</span> (D&C 88:67.)<br /><br /> Many true followers of Jesus Christ have found the key to opening the doors of peace, spiritual growth, and true freedom. That key, surprisingly, comes from choosing to relinquish their will to the will of the Father in total obedience and meekness. In so doing they are letting the righteous pleasure of the Father be predominant in their lives. When we submit to the Father, exercising our agency and subordinating our will to His as Jesus did in the garden of Gethsemane, then, and only then, can we truly be free, find true peace, and develop the spiritual faith and power necessary to be His sons and daughters and partake of His divine gifts.<br /><br /> Every aspect of our earthly lives is based on our making choices and being responsible for those choices. While in mortality, Jesus chose to finish His Father’s work. That work consists of a plan whereby we may all be saved back into the Father’s Kingdom by acceptance of Christ’s atonement and sacrifice. Lucifer has a counterfeit program of slavery, spiritual deprivation, and idolatry. Agency is a free gift from God. However, the more we deny God’s involvement in our lives, the more we allow Satan control over them; the more we choose to follow the light of Christ the more free we become. Our salvation, therefore, is hinged on our agency and how prudently we exercise it in relation to the light and truth of God’s plan.<br /><br /> Because of their defiance and revolt, and because of their stance due to the conflict in ideologies, there was no “place found any more in heaven” for Satan and his followers. (Rev. 11:8; Jude 1:6.) Thus, one third of the host of Heaven exercised their agency in full view of reality and knew the consequence if they failed. And fail they did! In that pre-mortal existence they had a choice, and so do we on earth. They failed to keep their first estate. Now, will we fail here in our second estate?<br /><br /> How we accept light and truth, how we honor the agency of man, and what we choose, determines if we win or lose.</div>Joseph Warren Grammerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05795589798825424327noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2062486484005186955.post-83367796039846408572009-11-02T13:02:00.000-08:002009-11-02T13:22:20.571-08:00<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(0, 153, 0);font-size:130%;" >The First and Greatest Commandment:</span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(0, 153, 0);font-size:180%;" >An Eye Single to the Glory of God</span><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size:180%;">P</span>resident Ezra Taft Benson once stated that, “If you desire to help your fellowmen the most, then you must put the first commandment first.” (CR, October 1967, p. 35.) As we comply with President Benson’s advice, we are also following the scriptures that tell us to, “Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.” (Pro. 3:5-6.)<br /><br /> There are many members of the Church who take their membership casually, and who often give lip service rather than service from the heart. This is partly because all of us are on differing planes of progression. The Lord is usually patient with us as we grow and progress. However, a pure attitude and a single-minded relationship with the Savior are paramount if we want to be a TRUE disciple. President Benson also wrote in an Ensign article:<br /><br /> “In the usual sense of the term, Church membership means that a person has his or her name officially recorded on the membership records of the Church. By that definition, we have more than six million members of the Church.<br /> “But the Lord defines a member of His kingdom in quite a different way. In 1828, through the Prophet Joseph Smith, He said, ‘Behold, this is my doctrine—whosoever repenteth and cometh unto me, the same is my church.’ To Him whose Church this is, membership involves far more than simply being a member of record ...<br /> “Therefore, repentance means more than simply a reformation of behavior...<br /> “Faith in the Lord Jesus Christ is the foundation upon which sincere and meaningful repentance must be built. If we truly seek to put away sin, we must first look to Him who is the Author of our salvation.” (<span style="font-style: italic;">The Ensign</span>, October 1989, p. 2.)<br /><br /> In first looking to Christ, let’s remember Section 4 in the Doctrine and Covenants. This is a section which all LDS missionaries should be familiar. It lists a series of Christlike attributes which “qualify” them for the work. All these qualities are very important, especially one, and that is the principle of having an “eye single to the glory of God.” (D&C 4:5.)<br /><br /> When we are not singly serving God, we are serving someone else, or some “thing” else. Because of pride, that “someone” is usually ourselves, and that “thing” is often some possession or position. It is interesting to realize that when we serve other entities and not God, it is usually because of some personal selfish reason. That brings us back to pride, which is serving ourselves instead of serving the Lord.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;font-size:130%;" >Many Are Called but Few Chosen</span><br /> The opposite of having an eye single to the glory of God is seeking our own glory. Nephi, when prophesying about the last days, gave us an interesting definition of “priestcrafts.” These are his words: “for, behold, priestcrafts are that men preach and set themselves up for a light unto the world, that they may get gain and praise of the world; but they seek not the welfare of Zion.” (2 Ne. 26:29.) He said that one of the reasons for priestcrafts is to set ourselves up for the purpose of receiving praise.<br /><br /> We cannot serve God and the world, or ourselves, simultaneously. The Master tells us that “No man can serve two masters ... Ye cannot serve God and mammon,” “Every kingdom divided against itself is brought to desolation,” and that “A double minded man is unstable in all his ways.” But He also says, “... if therefore thine eye be single, thy whole body shall be full of light.” (Matt. 6:24; 12:25; James 1:8; Matt. 6:22.) That light is the fulness.<br /><br /> Jesus also said, “I receive not honour from men.” (John 5:41.) While walking the shores of Galilee, the Savior taught, “He that speaketh of himself seeketh his own glory: but he that seeketh his glory that sent him, the same is true, and no unrighteousness is in him.” (John 7:18.) One of our biggest challenges is not to seek honor from others. Most of us are familiar with the quote from the Doctrine and Covenants that says, “Many are called, but few are chosen.” Scripture tells us that, “They who are not chosen have sinned a very grievous sin ...” (D&C 95:5-6.) What is that sin? Let’s read about it. “Behold, there are many called, but few are chosen. And why are they not chosen? Because their hearts are set so much upon the things of this world, and aspire to the honors of men....” (D&C 121:34-35.)<br /><br /> In his letter to the Galatians, Paul says, “For do I now persuade men, or God? or do I seek to please men? for if I yet pleased men, I should not be the servant of Christ.” (Gal. 1:10.) And the Savior’s example is, “I seek not mine own will, but the will of the Father which hath sent me.” (John 5:30.) We are instructed by the Lord to turn our thoughts, minds, and service over to Him, and seek for NO honor and glory from the world.<br /><br /> Alma gloried in the Lord’s work and not in himself. He said, “I do not glory of myself, but I glory in that which the Lord hath commanded me.” (Alma 29:9.) And to his son, Helaman, he said, “Yea, and cry unto God for all thy support; yea, let all thy doings be unto the Lord, and whithersoever thou goest let it be in the Lord; yea, let all thy thoughts be directed unto the Lord; yea, let the affections of thy heart be placed upon the Lord forever. (Alma 37:36.) Satan knows that if we seek for the honor of man, we will lose our focus on Christ. This lack of focus is a major reason many are not called to the Lord’s service, and why they do not have the fulness.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;font-size:130%;" >The Greatest Commandment</span><br /> Once there was a Pharisee who tried to trick Jesus by asking, “Master, which is the great commandment in the law?” Jesus answered him, saying, “Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. This is the first and great commandment.” (Matt. 22:37-38.)<br /><br /> In Mark we read that a scribe asked Jesus which is the “first commandment of all,” and Jesus responded with, “And thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind, and with all thy strength: this is the first commandment.” (Mark 12:30.)<br /><br /> Luke records that a certain lawyer tempted Jesus by asking, “Master, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?” To which Jesus replied, “... Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy strength, and with all thy mind; and thy neighbour as thyself.” (Luke 10:27.)<br /><br /> This commandment was not new when Jesus lived in mortality. In the Old Testament Jehovah gave ancient Israel a similar commandment. Through Moses He proclaims, “And thou shalt love the LORD thy God with all thine heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy might.” (Deut. 6:5.)<br /><br /> Taking this one step further, let’s turn to a modern revelation from the Lord. In Section 59 of the Doctrine and Covenants the Prophet Joseph Smith records the word of God: “Wherefore, I give unto them a commandment, saying thus: Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, with all thy might, mind, and strength; and in the name of Jesus Christ thou shalt serve him.” (D&C 59:5.)<br /><br /> As we consider these attributes together, we could say that there are five that we must demonstrate to become sanctified by the grace of Christ. We are to serve Him with all of our heart, might, mind, strength, and soul. As we study these five attributes, we find that the definitions of one may be similar to another.<br /><br /> The Hebrew word for heart is <span style="font-style: italic;">lebab</span> (lay-bawb’), meaning courage and understanding; the Greek word is <span style="font-style: italic;">kardia</span> (kar-dee’-ah), meaning feelings, thoughts, and so forth. The Hebrew word for might is <span style="font-style: italic;">me‘od</span> (meh-ode’), which means, diligently, wholly, speedily, and the like. The Greek word for mind is <span style="font-style: italic;">dianoia</span> (dee-an’-oy-ah), meaning deep thought, imagination and understanding. The Greek word for strength is <span style="font-style: italic;">ischus</span> (is-khoos’), meaning forcefulness, might and power. The Hebrew word for soul is <span style="font-style: italic;">nephesh</span> (neh’-fesh), meaning vitality; the Greek word is <span style="font-style: italic;">psuche</span> (psoo-khay’), meaning vitality and life.<br /><br /> Other scriptures also refer to some of these attributes. We can read counsel to missionaries that says, “Therefore, O ye that embark in the service of God, see that ye serve him with all your heart, might, mind and strength, that ye may stand blameless before God at the last day.” (D&C 4:2.) And again we read, “Behold, this is your work, to keep my commandments, yea, with all your might, mind and strength.” (D&C 11:20.) And from Nephi we read the following: “And now behold, I say unto you that the right way is to believe in Christ, and deny him not; and Christ is the Holy One of Israel; wherefore ye must bow down before him, and worship him with all your might, mind, and strength, and your whole soul; and if ye do this ye shall in nowise be cast out. (2 Ne. 25:29.)<br /><br /> There are other scriptures we could quote that contain one or more of these attributes, which time and space do not permit. It is sufficient only to say that God requires us to serve Him with all of our courage, forcefulness, power, strength, understanding, feelings, thoughts, and imagination. We are to serve Him diligently with all of our ability, and do it speedily, or now, with all of our vitality, life, and whole being. That’s pretty comprehensive service for us to consider. And what all of this truly bowels down to is found in the Master’s words when He simply said, “If ye love me, keep my commandments.” (John 14:15.)<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;font-size:130%;" >Putting off Ungodliness</span><br /> Let’s turn our attention to the words of the prophet Moroni as he said, “come unto Christ, and be perfected in him, and deny yourselves of all ungodliness ... and love God with all your might, mind and strength, then is his grace sufficient for you, that by his grace ye may be perfect in Christ;... if ye by the grace of God are perfect in Christ, and deny not his power, then are ye sanctified in Christ by the grace of God, through the shedding of the blood of Christ, which is in the covenant of the Father unto the remission of your sins, that ye become holy, without spot.” (Moro. 10:32-33.)<br /><br /> Here we have a commandment. That commandment is to “Come unto Christ and be perfected in Him.” We can keep this commandment, for Nephi tells us that God will not give a commandment unless He provides a way for us to keep that commandment. (1 Ne. 3:7.) In verse 32, as we just read, it tells us how to keep that commandment. We are to “deny [ourselves] of all ungodliness,” and “love God with all [our] might, mind and strength.”<br /><br /> The Apostle Paul wrote to the Romans and said, “For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men,...” (Rom. 1:18.) The same Paul wrote to Titus and said that the grace of God teaches us to deny ungodliness. (Titus 2:11-12.) The original word for ungodliness is asebeia (as-eb’-I-ah), meaning impiety, irreverent, and wickedness. To deny ungodliness means that we must do just the opposite, that is, accept the virtues of godliness. Many of these virtues we discussed earlier, some of which were found in 2 Peter 1:4-11. Instead of focusing on the negatives of repenting, we focus on integrating into our lives the positive virtues of God. As we discussed earlier concerning faith, when we are doing good, there is no room for evil. The repenting, or doing away with ungodliness, automatically takes care of itself. What is our reward if we do this? Our reward is that we “become sanctified in Christ,” receive a “remission of [our] sins,” and become “holy, without spot.”<br /><br /> Peter said, “Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature.” An attribute that we must possess if we are to partake of the “divine nature” of Christ is to possess the characteristic of “godliness.” One way we do this is to deny ourselves all ungodliness. All of this is done by the “grace of God,” as we have learned. Grace is that unearned gift, that which we cannot obtain for ourselves. Before we can claim that grace, though, we must show forth sincere desire and true intent with faith in Christ, that this endowment is of specific worth. Therefore, we deny ourselves all ungodliness, and love God with all of our heart, might, mind, soul and strength. When we do that, we will be true to the first and greatest commandment.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;font-size:130%;" >Key to the Treasure</span><br /> Many of us want to please others and be accepted by them, and the fear of rejection may at times be greater than our love for our Heavenly Father. The Lord, however, expects our thoughts and affections to be upon Him, and on no one else or anything else. To have an eye single to the glory of God is to have a love for God that is greater than any other love.<br /><br /> The first and great commandment teaches, “Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind.” So, there is a question that we might ask: What do I love most? Again, Jesus simply said, “For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.” (Matt. 6:21; 3 Ne. 13:21.)<br /><br /> A treasure is simply that which we treasure most. To the extent that we treasure other things, people, or activities more than we treasure our covenants with the Lord and our devotion to Him, to that same degree our hearts will not be upon Him. President Spencer W. Kimball wrote some excellent words regarding this topic: “... we serve whom we love and give first consideration to the object of our affection and desires ... [which] indicates where ... allegiance and loyalty are.” (<span style="font-style: italic;">The Miracle of Forgiveness</span>, p. 41.)<br /><br /> In considering these most important thoughts, we must do some personal and honest soul searching. What do we really treasure most in our hearts? In seeking for the answer, we must become aware and consider where we put our energy; how we use our time; what we buy with our money; where we direct our interest, and so forth.<br /><br /> If we focus more on crude and base things, or immoral thoughts and acts, than we do on the pure life and love of Jesus, then we will truly know what we treasure most. If we mostly pursue our houses, cars, boats, or any other personal and material objects, instead of upon that which will never corrupt, even the Kingdom of God, then we will know what our treasure is. If we spend our energy in pursuit of money, sports, pleasure, and entertainment instead of seeking the treasures of eternal life, then we know where our treasure lies. And if we direct more of our interest toward family, friends, and associates than we do toward Him who has all charity, forgiveness, and light we know where our treasure is, and thus our hearts. These things become our gods—our false gods.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;font-size:130%;" >As a Man Thinketh</span><br /> In Proverbs we read, <span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">“For as he thinketh in his heart, so is he.”</span> (Prov. 23:7.) We do not think with our hearts, we think with our minds. We previously read: “<span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.”</span> That means that where our treasure is, there will our “mind” be also. For the most part, we focus our mind on that which we love. By so doing, we choose that which we love. Love is equated with the heart because that is where the feeling is registered, so it is said that man <span style="font-style: italic;">“thinketh in his heart.” </span>In reality we choose our treasure by permitting our minds to think in that direction. We treasure up in our hearts, or our minds, the things most dear to us. They are what motivate us and help us choose where we go, what we receive, and what type of beings we will become.<br /><br /> We often receive things that we do not pray for. Some may wonder why they have received certain troubles in life when they have not desired them, or certain blessings in life when they have not prayed for them. In too many cases the answer is that our thinking may have been focused on that particular thing. In this case, that thing could be a person, place, tangible object, or condition.<br /><br /> Perhaps a personal example can illustrate. I enjoy fine music and, notwithstanding large phonograph and cassette tape collections, many years ago I wanted a compact disc (CD) player. On occasion someone would leave theirs with me, which I used. Many years ago, due to the high cost of one of the finer CD players at the time, I figured that I would not purchase one, at least not for a while. However, I kept the thought of one foremost in my mind. Even though I couldn’t play them on anything, I still purchased a few CD’s with the hope of someday owning a player.<br /><br /> A time came when I had the opportunity to share some of my talents and services with a friend of the family at no cost. The friend, not having discussed the CD player issue with me, and to my utter surprise gave me a player in appreciation for my help. For me, this item was a want and not a need, and I certainly didn’t pray for it. However, the CD player was gratefully accepted, realizing from whom this gracious gift really came.<br /><br /> One day, while I was resting and listening as my new CD player produced lovely music, I wondered why the Lord blessed me with such a temporal gift when I felt I was in need of something more spiritual. Through the Spirit the thought came forcefully to me that it was a desire of the heart. It was where I often and unknowingly focused much of my attention. Although I did not pray for it, having more important needs, that energy still reached up to the heavens and a desire of my heart was realized. In other words, the dominant thought of my mind came to pass.<br /><br /> Now there is no inherent evil in a compact disc player. In this case it was a blessing and perhaps a reward for unselfish service. However, the point to be made here is that we often focus our attention on more than that which is godlike, and we reap the results. When someone is serving a mission for the Lord, and his or her mind is not focused on the work, being on other concerns than God’s, the mission could end as an unfortunate and sad experience. It is the same with marriage, employment, schooling, and other things. If our attention is not focused on the important task and object at hand, unexpected disasters could result.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;font-size:130%;" >Sanctify Ourselves</span><br /> The Lord commands us through the Doctrine and Covenants: “Therefore, sanctify yourselves that your minds become single to God, and the days will come that you shall see him ...” D&C 88:68.) The scriptures say sanctify YOURSELF. We are to sanctify ourselves; no one can do it for us. Sanctify means to consecrate, dedicate, hallow, absolve, cleanse or purify. The scripture also says, “that your minds become single to God.”<br /><br /> In the great intercessory prayer that Jesus offered, He expressed His feelings about His beloved disciples. He prayed, “That they all may be one; as thou, Father, art in me, and I in thee, that they also may be one in us.” (John 17:21.) To be one with Him, we must serve Him. To serve Him is to know Him, as King Benjamin said in his great discourse, “For how knoweth a man the master whom he has not served, and who is a stranger unto him, and is far from the thoughts and intents of his heart?” (Mosiah 5:13.) To increase in the spiritual endowments of God we must be one with the Lord and fully turn to Him.<br /><br /> Heber C. Kimball, speaking of turning to God, once said, “There is no person in this Church who can increase in the knowledge of God, in the spirit of revelation, in the gift of prophecy, in visions or in dreams, unless they cleave unto God with full purpose of heart. By being faithful, though, these gifts will be multiplied unto the Saints.” (JD, 10:245.)<br /><br /> To be sanctified, our purpose must be single with the purpose of the Savior. We must follow Him with full purpose of heart, and without hypocrisy or deception. This should be the single intent of our covenant making and our repenting from ALL sin.<br /><br /> From the scriptures we find that baptism alone will not get us back to the Father. The Lord told William Wines Phelps, <span style="font-style: italic;">“... after thou hast been baptized by water, which if you do with an eye single to my glory, you shall have a remission of your sins and a reception of the Holy Spirit by the laying on of hands;...”</span> (D&C 55:1.) Brother Phelps was told that he must be baptized with an eye single to God’s glory <span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;"><span style="color: rgb(204, 0, 0);">BEFORE</span> he was to receive a remission of his sins</span>.<br /><br /> In like manner, being charitable toward our neighbor is still no guarantee of salvation without an eye single to God’s glory. In Section 82 we learn such truths as, “<span style="font-style: italic;">For of him unto whom much is given much is required;...”</span> (v. 3), and <span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">“I, the Lord, am bound when ye do what I say; but when ye do not what I say, ye have no promise.”</span> (v. 10.) In this same section we learn that an early saint was commanded to bind himself by covenant according to the laws of the Lord, to be equal in all things, to improve upon his talents, and to seek the interest of his neighbor. However, there was no guarantee of salvation if all of this was done without <span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">“... an eye single to the glory of God.”</span> (D&C 82:15-19.)<br /><br /> In the pre-mortal existence, Lucifer and his angels had a choice, and we also had a choice. We couldn’t have everything, so choices had to be made. Because of their choices, Lucifer’s followers failed to keep their first estate. Now, we don’t need to fail here in our second estate, for the power is in us, along with the gift of grace, not to fail. But, If we do not intentionally stay focused upon God, by default, we will inadvertently become focused upon the adversary’s plan. A house divided against itself cannot stand, nor can we serve two masters at the same time. We can receive Christ by choice, or Satan by default.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;font-size:130%;" >Having No Other Gods</span><br /> Our treasure is what we think about—what we ponder and see in our mind’s eye. It is where we focus our attention with our mind. There are times when we may not even be aware of this focus, thinking that we love God and are mostly serving Him. We can go through religious rituals of “duty,” while, at the same time, desiring something altogether different.<br /><br /> If our outward appearance is contrary to our inner and true focus, we “deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us.” (1 John 1:8.) The Apostle Paul said that we are not to be “unequally yoked together,” but, instead, “be of the same mind,” that we become “perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment,” and that we become “like-minded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind.” (2 Cor. 6:14; Rom. 12:16; 1 Cor. 1:10, Philip. 2:2.) These statements cannot only be applied to social relationships but inner, or personal, relationships as well. When our minds are not one with God, and when we divide our loyalties, we cannot have an eye single to His glory. We will be considered “lukewarm.” (Rev. 3:16.)<br /><br /> We condition our minds with what we put into them—with such things as the movies and television we watch, books we read, music we listen to, and people we associate with. All types of input help condition our minds, and we need to be conscious of how we train our thought patterns.<br /><br /> Whatever our treasure is becomes our idol, because it is what we “idolize” most. Some people do not look at it this way though. Many consider an idol to be something such as a golden statue or image that represents a God and is worshiped as divine. However, an idol can be where our attention is focused most of the time. Have we thought, for example, what it means to “idolize” another person? How does that fit in with the first commandment when we venerate, reverence, glorify and even “worship the ground” someone “walks on”? Many of us idolize movie stars, singing stars, athletic stars, political stars, and some of us wrestle other fans for coveted autographs. When such is our central focus, how can we truly be committed to the Lord? Maybe it would be well for us to ponder what it means to be an idolatrous people.<br /><br /> Let’s take for example, the fourth commandment: “Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy. Six days shalt thou labour ... But on the seventh day ... thou shalt not do any work.....” (See Ex. 20:8-11.) Should we feel that earning a living justifies the means in doing so, such as taking harmful or unfair advantage of our neighbor, or working or having a business open on the Sabbath? Do we treasure money more than treasuring God’s approval for obedience?<br /><br /> I know of a grocery store owner who once said, “If people wouldn’t shop on the Sabbath, I wouldn’t have to stay open.” Now, are his customers making him stay open, or is that his rationalization because he’s afraid of not making money? Doesn’t such Sabbath-breaking show our defiance toward God’s fourth commandment of keeping the Sabbath day holy? To some it may seem that such open and blatant defiance of one of God’s most important commandments shows that such a one covets riches more than he desires to obey the first and great commandment, that of loving God above all else. It might show that he may have a basic moral weakness and should not be trusted in his business dealings. If he will try to cheat God he might try and cheat anyone. As a note, I also know of a grocer, in the same city, who chose not to open on the Sabbath. And I know of many people who have chosen not to work on the Sabbath, and they have been blessed with alternative jobs that offered more than what they might have chosen. I wonder who God might be more pleased with when He has given working man, and the shopping public, the intellect to choose and plan ahead?<br /><br /> Don’t get me wrong here. I’m not saying that there may not be a valid reason to work on a Sabbath, such as in hospitals, the feeding of livestock, pulling the proverbial ox out of the mire, and so on, but is all work done on the Sabbath justifiable, or cleverly rationalized because we treasure money more than pleasing God? As a supposed religious nation, have we become rather defiant or lackadaisical when it comes to honoring the Sabbath day to keep it holy? It’s good that God is the judge, and He will consider who receives His fulness.<br /><br /> Of course, we could separately consider all of the Ten Commandments, and how we often treasure our selfishness, pride, jealousies, and wickedness instead of pleasing God. But that could take an entire book of its own, which is not our purpose at this time. Besides, I believe the honest in heart understand the message of this chapter without doing so.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;font-size:130%;" >Our Only Treasure</span><br /> An act is a direct response to thinking, and we become what we mostly think about. When we think worldly thoughts, we become like the world. When we think Godly thoughts, we become more like God. Though we may be in the world, we do not have to be of the world. It is important to put off all ungodliness of mind, all evil or unclean thinking, and even all casual acceptance or tolerance for things that are slightly off color. If we do not, it will inevitably lead to the realization of a worldly mind set. In these latter days the Lord said, <span style="font-style: italic;">“... Go ye out of Babylon;...”</span> (D&C 133:7.) And anciently He said, <span style="font-style: italic;">“... come out of her, my people, that ye be not partakers of her sins, and that ye receive not of her plagues.”</span> (Rev. 18:4.)<br /><br /> It has been said that: “When you keep THINKING what you are thinking, you will BE what you have always been. And when you DO what you have always done, you will RECEIVE what you have always received.”<br /><br /> <span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">Whereas you ARE a certain way because you THINK a certain way, you cannot but RECEIVE the consequences of your actions — be they positive or negative.</span><br /><br /> Since the Lord said that what you think about most is what you treasure, and what you treasure is where your heart is, then it follows that you cannot help but worship that which you think about most. Mentally dwelling upon or verbally rehearsing the negative conditions in your current or past life is a form of worship. You give it unnecessary energy, and that energy comes back as a self-fulfilled prophecy — a never-ending downward spiral of dreams never realized.<br /><br /> Through Moses the Lord commanded, <span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">“Thou shalt have no other gods before me.” </span>(Ex. 20:3.) So:<br />—When we set other people up as heroes and choose them before Jesus Christ, we are honoring them more than Jesus, and those heroes become false gods.<br />—When we allow other activities to take the place of worshiping and praising the only true God, those activities then become false gods.<br />—When we let the words of any other person take precedent over the whisperings of the Spirit, we are esteeming that person more than God and that other person then becomes a false god.<br /><br /> When one desires to serve and worship the Lord with all his might, mind and strength (Moro. 10:32; D&C 11:20; 33:7; 59:5), and only has an eye single to His glory, then he will have a basis for a belief which eventually leads to the working of great miracles in his life. <span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic; color: rgb(204, 0, 0);">Jesus is to be our role model and our hero.</span> Only with an eye (mind’s eye) single to the glory of God and not to our own praise, or praise for someone else, can we unselfishly serve Him.<br /><br /> We must have faith and remember that Jesus is the only worthwhile treasure. We are not to lay up for ourselves treasures on earth, but to lay up for ourselves treasures in heaven. For where our treasures are, there will our hearts be also. If, therefore, our mind’s eye is single to His glory, our whole body shall be full of light. (Matt. 6:19-23.)<br /><br /> When our faith is in the Lord Jesus Christ, instead of man or the things of this world, when we treasure Him above all, then we will move toward that mighty faith that brings light, which light is the miracle of the fulness of God’s Glory. We shall not be “barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.” We shall be full of the pure love of Christ, and <span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">“partakers of the divine nature,”</span> (2 Pet. 1:4-8) which is the greatest treasure and miracle of all.<br /></div>Joseph Warren Grammerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05795589798825424327noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2062486484005186955.post-5926859381661589852009-11-02T12:31:00.000-08:002009-11-02T13:26:18.029-08:00<div style="text-align: justify;"><div style="text-align: center; color: rgb(0, 153, 0);"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="color: rgb(0, 153, 0); font-weight: bold;">The Second Greatest Commandment:</span></span><br /><span style="font-size:180%;"><span style="color: rgb(0, 153, 0); font-weight: bold;">The Pure Love of Christ</span></span><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">by Joseph Warren Grammer</span><br /></div><br /><span style="font-size:180%;">W</span>e read in a previous chapter that there was a lawyer who tried to trick Jesus by asking, “Master, which is the great commandment in the law?” Jesus answered by saying, “Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind.” Then Jesus said, “This is the first and great commandment.” He didn’t stop there, but continued by saying, “And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself.” (Matt. 22:35-39.) When we love God with all our hearts, souls, and minds, we will want to follow all of His other commandments, which include loving our neighbors as ourselves.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;font-size:130%;" >God’s People to Become One</span><br />Truly loving our neighbors, as ourselves, is charity. It’s the principle of grace in action. The Lord said, <span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">“Let thy bowels also be full of charity towards all men....”</span> (D&C 121:45.) What greater thing did Jesus teach than to love God and love our fellow man. He repeatedly taught us about love, service, and charity. His life was spent among the poor, needy, sick, afflicted, and despised. He even blessed the daughter of a Canaanite woman to whom He hadn’t been sent. (Matt. 15:22-28) Of all the gifts we can give to another, <span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic; color: rgb(204, 0, 0);">“... the greatest of these is charity.”</span> (1 Cor. 13:13.) Charity encompasses all the good things that can be given: our goods, money, time, talents, services, and so forth.<br /><br />What the Lord meant when He taught that we should love our neighbors as ourselves is that we should be equal in all things, as a Zion people are equal, and be like-minded in all things, as a Zion people are of one mind. During the days of Enoch, <span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">“... the Lord called his people ZION, because they were of one heart and one mind, and dwelt in righteousness; and there were no poor among them.”</span> (Moses 7:18.)<br /><br />When you love others as you love yourself, you will (1) do for them the same as you do for yourself, (2) give to them as you give to yourself, and (3) treat them as you want them to treat you. We can add to all of this the example Jesus gave when He said, “A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another.” (John 13:34.) All of this, of course, can be boiled down to what is commonly known as the golden rule: “Therefore all things whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them: for this is the law and the prophets.” (Matt. 7:12.) God’s people all share equally, and they treat each other with mutual love and respect.<br /><br />When we equally give to our neighbor, as we give to ourselves, there will be no rich or poor among us—all will be wealthy. When we equally share, we are living the second greatest commandment, and not living in iniquity. The will of the Father is that we be charitable and treat our neighbors as we treat ourselves. We cannot pretend to do otherwise, for Jesus said, “<span style="font-style: italic;">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</span>.” (Matt. 7:22-23.)<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;font-size:130%;" >Iniquity Is Inequity</span><br />Even though many do good works in the name of Jesus, yet all will not enter the kingdom of heaven if they are full of iniquity. The Greek word for iniquity, as used in Matthew 7, is <span style="font-style: italic;">anomia</span> (<span style="font-style: italic;">an-om-ee’-ah</span>), meaning <span style="font-style: italic;">illegality, violation of law, wickedness, transgress, and unrighteousness.</span> Webster’s Dictionary says that the word iniquity comes from the Latin word iniquitas which means, <span style="font-style: italic;">lack of righteousness or justice, unjust, wickedness, or sin.</span><br /><br />Webster’s definition for unjust is, <span style="font-style: italic;">unfair, and dishonest or unfaithful</span>. His definition for unfair means <span style="font-style: italic;">biased, inequitable and dishonest</span>, and the definition for unequal means, <span style="font-style: italic;">unjust, unfair, not of the same size, strength, ability, value, rank, number, amount, etc</span>. It also means <span style="font-style: italic;">not balanced, even, regular, or uniform, and not equal, adequate, or equitable</span>.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Iniquity, then, means</span> that which is<span style="font-style: italic;"> unjust, unfair, dishonest, unrighteous, and it represents that which is not equal, even, uniform, adequate or of the same size, strength, ability, value, rank, number or amount—in short, inequitable. <span style="font-weight: bold;">Iniquity, therefore, means inequity</span></span><span style="font-weight: bold;">.</span><br /><br />As mentioned in Matthew 7, what were these proponents of discipleship doing that was illegal, wicked, and unrighteous? What laws were they violating or transgressing? It sounds like they could have been neglecting the needy and poor among them. Paul wrote to the Corinthians: <span style="font-style: italic;">“Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, and <span style="font-weight: bold;">have not charity</span>, I am become as sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal.... And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, and <span style="font-weight: bold;">have not charity</span>, it profiteth me nothing.”</span> (1 Cor. 13:1-3.)<br /><br />Some may feel that bestowing all their goods to feed the poor IS charity, yet verse three sounds contradictory to that belief. However, true charity is not only bestowing our goods upon the needy, it has to be done with the love of Christ, for Jesus does not give begrudgingly. Remember what Moroni said: <span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(204, 0, 0);">“... charity is the pure love of Christ....”</span> (Moroni 7:47.) Therefore, true followers of Jesus Christ give willingly, benevolently, and with a Christ-like love.<br /><br />There are hundreds of references to the word iniquity in the scriptures. Another one is found in Alma. Now that we have studied the meaning of that word we can get a better idea of what Alma preached to the people of Zarahemla when he said, “Behold, are ye stripped of pride?... Behold, I say, is there one among you who is not stripped of envy?... And again I say unto you, is there one among you that doth make a mock of his brother, or that heapeth upon him persecutions?” (Alma 5:28-30.) Then he continued: “O ye workers of iniquity; ye that are puffed up in the vain things of the world, ye that have professed to have known the ways of righteousness nevertheless have gone astray, as sheep having no shepherd, notwithstanding a shepherd hath called after you and is still calling after you, but ye will not hearken unto his voice!” (See Alma 5:28-37.)<br /><br />It appears that Alma equates iniquity with coveting worldly things, which is not the way of righteousness. Charity, the pure love of Christ, is for the equalization of all mankind, that there be no rich or poor in the world. It is for the purpose of establishing a Zion people. When we do not give with this gracious goal in mind we are fostering inequality which is iniquity.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;font-size:130%;" >The Root of All Evil</span><br />I believe that anyone who has studied even a little of the history of economics, with a Christian outlook, will come to the conclusion that Satan, not God, was the father of money. It is interesting to note how consistently people are judged by the way (how well or badly) they deal with Satan’s money and how much of it they accumulate, than how they love and honor God and live the spirit of His statutes. How routinely they are criticized for not being constituted by God, either physically or mentally, with the ability to be a workaholic or have the inclination to accumulate much money. How prevalently it is that people are judged because of their physical poverty, than for their wealth in the Lord. And how common it is that some are ignorantly misjudged because God just might have another mission for them.<br /><br />The original economic system of God is not money, it is giving and sharing. However, Satan put it in the hearts of men to become a little possessive, so trade and barter began as a way of life. In ancient Babylon, the idea of money was planted in the hearts and minds of the people. This money was usually gold and silver, something with some perceived intrinsic value. Sometime later, that which had no intrinsic value in itself was substituted for gold and silver. This was usually pieces of printed paper, base metals, and even such things as sea shells. Individuals started becoming proud and haughty because of their much accumulation of things which they call wealth. Empires are now built upon the stroke of a keyboard and the monitoring of one another’s private business, instead of sharing and giving as God intended. Someday, what Satan offers will all become subject to moth or rust, or stolen by another. (Matt. 6:19-20.)<br /><br />We tend to want so much good credit in the eyes of the world, instead of good credit in the eyes of God. When we focus on God and His way of life, He provides the means to deal with Satan’s world. God’s manna is endless. But when we focus on how the old devil want’s us to conduct our lives, then we are left to our own devices. God often has pity on us because of our lack of faith and ignorance, and throws us a few crumbs to help sustain us. How many nations are destroyed and relationships torn apart because of this one thing—money?<br /><br />There was once a man who enquired of Jesus what he should do to have eternal life. After receiving a positive response from questioning him about keeping the commandments, Jesus said to him, “...<span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">If thou wilt be perfect, go and sell that thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come and follow me</span>.” (Matt. 19:21.) This answer disturbed the man because he was very rich, and he sadly went away. After the rich man left, Jesus said to His disciples, “... <span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">Verily I say unto you, That a rich man shall hardly enter into the kingdom of heaven</span>.” (See Matt. 19:16-24.)<br /><br />We find that it is not enough to keep only some of the commandments of god, we must keep all of them. We are to be willing to sell all we have and equally share the proceeds with those in need. We also learn that it is the only way to become perfect. When we follow the Master’s example we will do as He did, serve the poor, needy, sick, afflicted, and despised.<br /><br />Jesus didn’t condemn all the rich just because they were rich, he condemned those rich who were proud, greedy, and covetous. He didn’t say it was impossible for a rich man to enter heaven, but taught that it was very difficult because of his greed and pride. Seeking riches can be addictive, and many covet after worldly gain, power, and recognition. When Paul wrote to Timothy he didn’t say that money was evil, he said, <span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">“For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith ...”</span> (1 Tim.6:10.)<br /><br />When we are strong in the faith of Christ, we will not need to covet after riches. We keep in mind that it is Jesus who provides all things, and we are to share that which He provides with those less fortunate, while not taking advantage of them.<br /><br />Adding to the many indictments against Israel’s wickedness, Isaiah said, <span style="font-style: italic;">“... every one loveth gifts, and followeth after rewards: they judge not the fatherless, neither doth the cause of the widow come unto them.... for <span style="font-weight: bold;">ye have eaten up the vineyard</span>; the <span style="font-weight: bold;">spoil of the poor is in your houses</span>. What mean ye that <span style="font-weight: bold;">ye beat my people and grind the faces of the poor?</span> saith the Lord God of hosts.”</span> (Isa. 1:23; 3:14-15.)<br /><br />From these few verses alone, it sounds like Israel was rather unjust, receiving God’s judgment. For the sake of reward, it appears the orphans were mistreated, the cause of widows not considered, foodstuffs not distributed to the needy, that which should have gone to the homes of the destitute was confiscated for the houses of the rich, and all this being rubbed in the faces of the poor as they were being taken advantage of.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;font-size:130%;" >A Parable</span><br />At this point let’s consider a brief story, or parable, which is not unlike many around us today.<br /><br />There once was a woman who lived in a mortgaged house with her husband and four small children. Her husband made very little money at work, and had no insurance of any kind for his family.<br /><br />After becoming very ill he spent much time in the hospital, incurring large doctor bills and other hospital expenses. Because of his illness and time away from work, he lost his job. Therefore, he had no means by which to pay the large hospital and doctor bills, going deeper in debt as time passed.<br /><br />Due to health complications the man died, leaving behind a widow, four small children, large medical debts and other bills, mortgage on a house, and no means of income or insurance. The creditors, of course, added much interest (usury) to the outstanding balance of the bills, which usury God condemns as evil. (See Ex. 22:25; Lev. 25:35-37; Neh. 5:6-10; Ps. 15:1-5; Prov. 28:8; Isa. 24:1-3; Jer. 15:10; Ezek. 18:5-9, 22:12-13; Smith’s Bible Dictionary; Black’s Law Dictionary.)<br /><br />Because the widow could not pay the bills plus the continued increases upon her debt, the medical profession summoned her before the law, demanding payment. This they did instead of extending forgiveness of the debts which they could have done had they the charity and mercy of Christ, and because of their rich financial resources they would have hardly felt the difference.<br /><br />She investigated the possibility of a lawyer to plead her case before the court. Instead of compassionately and freely (Pro bono) offering his help to free her from bondage, an attempt he could have made had he the love of God, the lawyer charged enormous rates for his services. As a result, she had no advocate before the judge.<br /><br />Because she had no source of earnings and couldn’t make mortgage payments, the bank foreclosed on the house, forcing the widow and her four children out into the streets. The bankers must have forgotten that Jesus said, “... for sinners also lend to sinners, to receive as much again. But love ye your enemies, and do good, and lend, hoping for nothing again; and your reward shall be great ...” (Luke 6:34-35.) They too, of course, could have forgiven the debt, trusting that God would multiply their business many-fold for their compassion, but they did not.<br /><br />After the widow and her children were evicted from the house the banker sold it at a discount, and at the same time still made a tidy profit. The new buyer thanked God for blessing him in making such a good investment which would bring him much in earnings.<br /><br />But, what of the widow and her children?<br /><br />It doesn’t take much for the average person to see the injustice of all of this. The true disciple of Christ has no need to feel that any of it is just, or believe that someone has a right to make a profit off the hard luck of others, for their profit is in the Lord who provides all that is needed. Though there are those that go into business for the reason of preying on the poor and unfortunate, the true Christian will try to help and bless the downtrodden. Instead of being Christian missionaries spreading the gospel of grace, love and forgiveness, many have become Christian mercenaries seeking self-interest, gain and reward. Quoting again from Isaiah we read, <span style="font-style: italic;">“Woe unto them that decree unrighteous decrees, and that write grievousness which they have prescribed; <span style="font-weight: bold;">To turn aside the needy from judgment, and to take away the right from the poor of my people, that widows may be their prey, and that they may rob the fatherless!</span>” </span>(Isa. 10:1-2.)<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;font-size:130%;" >Understanding God’s Law</span><br />Any time our method of earning money is attacked we become defensive. The money changers in the temple had their way of earning money, and they became defensive when Jesus took the whip to them. (John 2:13-16.) To say that we make a living by taking advantage of the unfortunate, or in an unethical way, can make us uneasy, especially when that way of making a living is an accepted practice. However, God does not go by accepted practices, He goes by what is equitable.<br /><br />Because of this inequity, Moses was not able to establish a righteous society in his time, and there is no righteous society upon the earth today for the same reason. Ezekiel prophesied concerning the latter times and said that the shepherds ruled their flock with force, and do not search out the lost. The good word is that the Lord, Himself, will seek after His sheep and feed them. (Ezek. 34:2-10.) It’s imperative to examine how we serve and treat one another, especially when we have a stewardship over a flock of His sheep.<br /><br />While the Prophet Isaiah was chastising the Israelites for their wickedness, one of the first things he mentioned was their strict obedience to law and their neglect of charity. Isaiah lit the fire of rebuke with these scorching words: <span style="font-style: italic;">“Bring no more <span style="font-weight: bold;">vain oblations</span>; incense is an abomination unto me; the new moons and sabbaths, the calling of assemblies, I cannot away with; it is iniquity, even the solemn meeting. Your new moons and your appointed feasts my soul hateth: they are a trouble unto me; <span style="font-weight: bold;">I am weary to bear them</span>. And when ye spread forth your hands, I will hide mine eyes from you: yea, when ye make many prayers, I will not hear: your hands are full of blood.”</span> (Isa. 1:13-15.)<br /><br />This sounds much like what the Lord said when speaking about those claiming good works in His name—a scripture we considered above: “And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, <span style="font-style: italic;">ye that work iniquity</span>.” (Matt. 7:22-23.) It’s also similar to the rebuke laid upon the scribes and Pharisees by Jesus when He said, <span style="font-style: italic;">“Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye pay tithe of mint and anise and cummin, and have omitted the weightier matters of the law, judgment, mercy, and faith: these ought ye to have done, and not to leave the other undone.”</span> (Matt. 23:23.) We can incur the wrath of God when we pursue thoughtless (things pursued with less thought) habits without truly sacrificing and loving those in need.<br /><br />Isaiah admonished Israel in the following words, asking them to become clean from their pride, greed, and vanity: “Wash you, make you clean; put away the evil of your doings from before mine eyes; cease to do evil; Learn to do well; seek judgment, relieve the oppressed, judge the fatherless, plead for the widow.” (Isa. 1:16-17.)<br /><br />Many feel rather comfortably content with just teaching Sunday School, singing in the church choir, finding it easy to write a check for the paying of tithes and offerings, and just doing what is expected on the surface. The true disciple of Jesus, on the other hand, does not presume that this justifies his offering of charity. He doesn’t necessarily find it easier to give money just because he won’t miss it, because it’s easiest to give what hurts less. He doesn’t need to find excuses when called upon to serve, for he is willing to give up a few moments of his time to see if there is anyone in his neighborhood in need. He also doesn’t resent having to turn off something such as a televised sporting activity or special movie to perform some needed act. He doesn’t just give money to a charity, he follows Jesus’ example by getting personally involved with the people in need. <span style="font-style: italic;">That is true charity!</span><br /><br />There is more the Lord expects than just outward performance in the customary way. It’s much harder to physically go and perform a needed and unselfish service, particularly if it’s inconvenient or uncomfortable at the time and not on a list of expected or required duties. It’s even harder to equally give to our neighbors that which we possess. An example of how the Lord expects His followers to share can be found in Acts 4 and 5. There we find that the people that believed were of “one heart and of one soul,” and they had “<span style="font-style: italic;">all things common</span>.” “Neither was there any among them that lacked: for as many as were possessors of lands or houses sold them, and brought the prices of the things that were sold, And laid them down at the apostles’ feet: and distribution was made unto every man according as he had need.” (Acts 4:32-35.)<br /><br />When the reader considers Acts 5, he will find what happened to a couple that tried to cheat the Lord and the people in this matter. I once heard it said, <span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic; color: rgb(204, 0, 0);">“It isn’t how much we give that matters to the Lord, it’s how much we keep.”</span> Many know the story of the widow’s mite where rich men cast their gifts into the treasury, but a widow cast in her two mites. Jesus said, <span style="font-style: italic;">“... this poor widow hath cast in more than they all: For all these have of their abundance cast in unto the offerings of God: but she of her penury hath cast in all the living that she had.” </span>(Luke 21:1-4.) When we make money our God, we have no one to pray to when the money is gone.<br /><br />This concept won’t go right over the heads of those who are true followers of Christ, for they will know that God doesn’t bless them for some pretended righteousness, <span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">“... supposing that gain is godliness ...”</span> (1 Tim. 6:5.) Sometimes we think that because we had the opportunity for a little schooling, to get a job, work hard, and earn a little, we should also selfishly put much away for the proverbial <span style="font-style: italic;">“rainy day” </span>There are times when we think that it isn’t our responsibility because others can’t do the same, or aren’t blessed in the same way. We need to realize, however, that some are not blessed with the same opportunities to go to school, get jobs, or earn much, and that <span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">it’s already their rainy day</span>. Some of us must have forgotten that the Lord said, <span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold; color: rgb(204, 0, 0);">“For of him unto whom much is given much is required: ...”</span> (D&C 82:3.)<br /><br />The disciple of Jesus doesn’t need to hold tight to the scripture that says, “But if any provide not for his own, and specially for those of his own house, he hath denied the faith, and is worse than an infidel.” (1 Tim. 5:8.) He recognizes that the unfortunate, perhaps, might have a handicap, either physical, mental or emotional that hinders him from functioning to his full capacity. A real Christian also doesn’t forget that Jesus said, “Judge not, that ye be not judged. For with what judgment ye judge, ye shall be judged: ...” (Matt. 7:1-2.)<br /><br />The true disciple of Christ doesn’t have to believe that what he gives to one he must give to all, or be fearful that others will take advantage of him, for he knows that what God has bestowed was given in grace, and is not his alone. Though there are the greedy poor, just as there are the greedy rich, yet Jesus’ followers will not judge and turn away the petitioner. The Lord will deal with them in His own way and in His own time if they are unjust. He said, “Wo unto you poor men, whose hearts are not broken, whose spirits are not contrite, and whose bellies are not satisfied, and whose hands are not stayed from laying hold upon other men’s goods, whose eyes are full of greediness, and who will not labor with your own hands!” (D&C 56:17.)<br /><br />Knowing that there are the lazy and the greedy does not justify how we conduct our business. The Christian disciple cannot separate business practices from religious teaching, as many try to do, for as it is written: “... 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.) God is proving us in all things to see if we will do what He has commanded.<br /><br />Instead of being proud of our accomplishments, we are grateful—grateful enough to share God’s gifts with others. When we share what we have, we can expect the Father to share with us. When we expect the Father to share all that He has with us, we are willing to share all that we have with our neighbors.<br /><br />The late H. Verlan Anderson, a former member of the Quorum of the Seventy, had some excellent insights into our eternal situation regarding the attitudes we take towards our fellow man. His words offer a sobering perspective and some well needed “food for thought.” In one of his books he wrote:<br /><br /> “Over and over again the scriptures emphasize that <span style="font-style: italic;">we will be judged according to our treatment of our fellow men</span>. If we are charitable, we will be placed with the sheep in the Lord’s kingdom rather than with the goats in outer darkness (Matt. 25:31-46). If we forgive, we may be forgiven (Matt. 6:12). If we are just, we may rise in the resurrection of the just and dwell with them (D&C Sec. 76). If we refrain from exercising compulsion unrighteously, our dominion in the hereafter may be everlasting and flow unto us forever and ever ‘without compulsory means’ (D&C Sec. 121). In short, <span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">we can expect to be treated in the next life, as we treat others here</span>.<br /> “The exact implementation of this law of the harvest is made inevitable by the fact that at the end of this life, we will be divided into groups and each person will be consigned to spend eternity with those with whom he is most like. An unjust person will dwell with those who will treat him unjustly; a kind, forgiving person will enjoy the companionship of kind and forgiving associates, etc. But the fact which is important to our discussion here is that <span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">each person will be with that group who will allow him to exercise no more freedom than he is willing to allow them</span>.<br /> “If during this life we have been persuaded to believe that the force of government, or any other agency, should be used to deny our fellow men the stewardship which God has given them over their families, their property, and their private affairs, we can be very certain that we will be placed with a group in the hereafter who will hold similar views. With such an attitude <span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">we cannot expect to have stewardship or dominions of our own because we do not believe in them for others and neither will those with whom we will dwell believe in them for us</span>.” (<span style="font-style: italic;">The Great and Abominable Church of the Devil</span>, pp. 72-73.)<br /><br />Before we conclude this thought, let’s read a few verses in Mosiah 4. In this chapter we find King Benjamin presenting his address to the people, preaching to them on the subject of charity. King Benjamin had a way of expressing himself very clearly on the subject. He stated that we are not to<span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;"> “suffer that the beggar putteth up his petition to you in vain.”</span> We are not to say, “The man has brought upon himself his misery; therefore I will stay my hand.” King Benjamin then warned: “O man, whosoever doeth this the same hath great cause to repent; and except he repenteth of that which he hath done he perisheth forever, and hath no interest in the kingdom of God.” Then he points out in these eloquent words: <span style="font-style: italic;">“For behold, <span style="font-weight: bold;">are we not all beggars?</span> Do we not all depend upon the same Being, even God, for all the substance which we have, for both food and raiment, and for gold, and for silver, and for all the riches which we have of every kind? </span>.... And now, <span style="font-style: italic;">if God, who has created you, on whom you are dependent for your lives and for all that ye have and are, doth grant unto you whatsoever ye ask that is right, in faith, believing that ye shall receive, O then, how ye ought to impart of the substance that ye have one to another</span>.” Then he addressed the beggar: <span style="font-style: italic;">“And again, I say unto the poor, ye who have not and yet have sufficient, that ye remain from day to day; I mean all you who deny the beggar, because ye have not; I would that ye say in your hearts that: I give not because I have not, but if I had I would give.”</span> (See Mosiah 4:16-25.)<br /><br />The Lord expects us to give of our abundance to those who stand in need, and not let the beggar petition in vain. Aren’t we all beggars before God? Don’t we all depend upon God for everything we have—our food, clothing, and even the air we breath, as well as our financial substance? Does He let us beg in vain when we are in great distress, even for forgiveness because we are all sinners? No, He does not! He doesn’t leave us alone, for He salves our wounds and fills us with joy. He fills us with the good word of hope and salvation. When God blesses us, we are to bless others.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;font-size:130%;" >Enough and to Spare</span><br />We must have faith that God was wise enough to create a world that could support all of His children. There is always good reason to equally share what we have with our neighbors. The faithful disciple finds that when he gives with the pure love of Christ, there is plenty to go around with much to spare. Charity is a gift of love. It is grace in action. And it is necessary to truly understand this principle when we expect to find favor with God.<br /><br />The Psalmist wrote, <span style="font-style: italic;">“The earth is the LORD’S, and the fulness thereof; the world, and they that dwell therein.”</span> (Ps. 24:1.) And through the Prophet Joseph Smith the Lord said, <span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic; color: rgb(204, 0, 0);">“For the earth is full, and there is enough and to spare;...” </span>(D&C 104:17.) Does the Lord want us to store food away for a rainy day when it’s already raining on our neighbor? It takes faith to give to others as we give to ourselves. It takes faith to believe there is enough to go around. As followers of Jesus we remember the life God has given to us, and we don’t take it for granted. We remember the supreme and charitable sacrifice Jesus made for us, and the suffering He endured that we might have eternal life. We are not asked to give more to others than what He gave to us. The Savior asks so little of us in comparison.<br /><br />We are taught that, <span style="font-style: italic;">“... the end of the commandment is charity out of a pure heart, and of a good conscience, and of faith unfeigned.”</span> (1 Tim. 1:5.) When we unselfishly and unflinchingly give the gift of charity, we can then feel justified in petitioning Christ for this same gracious gift. Besides, serving others can help us forget our own worries. It can produce a deep and abiding inner peace that may come in no other way.<br /><br />Yes, there are those who do spend a lot of time and energy being concerned about others. They care to the extent that they try to be too much to too many people, at the expense of their own physical, mental, and emotional health. This is where wisdom comes in handy. The Lord knows we cannot be everything to everybody, and He doesn’t expect us to be. He wants to share this burden, and we need to have the faith that He can handle it. There needs to be a balance, but all too often the balance is shifted towards selfishness.<br /><br />As stated toward the beginning of this discussion, the two major themes taught by Jesus were love of God and love for our neighbor. His life was a repeated example of those teachings. For example, while Jesus was teaching the parables of the ten virgins, the talents, and the sheep and the goats to His disciples, He explained to them that the Son of man shall come in His glory. When He does, he shall separate the sheep from the goats. (Matt. 25:31-34.) After Jesus divides the wicked from the righteous, He then tells the favored disciples the reasons for their inheritance.<br /><br />The Master continues: “For I was an hungred, and ye gave me meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me drink: I was a stranger, and ye took me in: Naked, and ye clothed me: I was sick, and ye visited me: I was in prison, and ye came unto me. Then shall the righteous answer him, saying, Lord, when saw we thee an hungred, and fed thee? or thirsty, and gave thee drink? When saw we thee a stranger, and took thee in? or naked, and clothed thee? Or when saw we thee sick, or in prison, and came unto thee? And the King shall answer and say unto them, <span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, <span style="color: rgb(204, 0, 0);">ye have done it unto me</span></span>.” (Matt. 25:35-40.)<br /><br />Comparing the first commandment with the second, Jesus said, “And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself.” (Matt. 22:35-39.) “Like unto it” means that the second commandment is just as important as the first—they go together. You cannot have one without the other.<br /><br />The second greatest commandment is also inseparably connected with charity, the pure love of Christ. We also know that to love our neighbors as ourselves is to give to them as we give to ourselves, and treat them as we would treat ourselves. In so doing we will be living the golden rule: “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you”—thereby becoming a Zion people. Such people shall receive grace for grace.<br /><br />In the last chapter of Roy Mills’ book, <span style="font-style: italic;">The Soul’s Remembrance</span>, he writes, <span style="font-style: italic; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">“We only need to look about us to see the mighty spirits that have come to teach and support us as we grow and learn on earth. And <span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(204, 0, 0);">the greatest of these mighty spirits are those that love and serve their fellow man.</span>”</span> (<span style="font-style: italic;">The Soul’s Remembrance</span>, p. 144.) And in her book, <span style="font-style: italic;">I Stand All Amazed</span>, Elane Durham wrote about a very important question that Jesus asked her during her near-death experience. It was: <span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic; color: rgb(204, 0, 0);">“What have you done for your fellow man?” </span>(<span style="font-style: italic;">I Stand All Amazed</span>, p. 31.)<br /><br />Let’s end this discussion with a few more questions: What is the purpose of going to church each Sabbath day, and studying the scriptures and other religious topics? The purpose of such doings is to learn how to come unto Christ and be as He is. Jesus is the supreme example of charity, for He is Love. Can anyone truly imagine the Savior being asked to bless someone, only to be turned down because Jesus had to go to Synagogue, or because He had to study scripture? Many have heard the story of the woman who was told that her Lord was coming to visit her home. As she made herself busy by clean and taking care of her house, three different individuals, all at different times, came knocking upon her door begging for some charitable hand out. The story goes that she turned them all away because she was busy making ready for her Lord. As it turned out, the three unsuspecting beggars were all her Lord. He was proving her obedient faithfulness in His commandment to serve her neighbor. What is the true spirit of Christianity, going to church or studying scripture to learn how to be charitable, or by setting that aside, temporarily, and actually going out and proving your love for your neighbor by example?<br /><br />It appears that the bottom line for obtaining the most glorious reward, according to those that have viewed it, is unconditional love for others and unselfish service toward them with all we have. Truly, “... charity is the pure love of Christ, and it endureth forever; and whoso is found possessed of it at the last day, it shall be well with him.” (Moro. 7:47.) Such people shall receive grace for grace. A wise individual once said:<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center; font-weight: bold; font-style: italic; color: rgb(204, 0, 0);">“You make a living by what you receive,<br />but you make a life by what you give.”<br /><br /></div></div>Joseph Warren Grammerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05795589798825424327noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2062486484005186955.post-87865927572151010972009-11-02T11:35:00.000-08:002009-11-02T11:44:58.651-08:00<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(51, 51, 255);font-size:180%;" >The Fulness of the Gospel</span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(51, 51, 255);font-size:130%;" >P A R T - I:<br /><span style="font-style: italic;">The Fulness</span></span><br />by Joseph Warren Grammer<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size:180%;">I</span>t can safely be assumed that most Latter-day Saints know that the fulness of the gospel was restored through the Prophet Joseph Smith, that the Apostles are sent out to teach the fulness of the gospel, and that the Book of Mormon contains the fulness of the gospel. One day the question was asked, “What is the fulness of the gospel?” Some answer that question by saying it is the restoration of the priesthood, restored truths previously lost, missionary work, temple work for the dead, celestial marriage, and so forth. But, after much study, some have come to believe that it is much more. And although the things listed above are vital parts of the fulness, those things in themselves do not constitutes the fulness of the Gospel; they are only a part of that fulness. The intent of this study, therefore, is to search out the real answer to the question, “What is the fulness of the gospel?”<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;font-size:130%;" >A Few Christlike Attributes</span><br /> As we start out, it might be important to ask, “What really qualifies one to be a true witness of Jesus Christ and one who can bear a true and honest testimony of His divine nature?” Upon investigation, we discover that part of the answer is found in Section four of the Doctrine and Covenants. As missionaries, many of us have memorized that section, but is that enough? Have we truly studied it? Verses five, six, and seven of that section read as follows: “And faith, hope, charity and love, with an eye single to the glory of God, qualify him for the work. Remember faith, virtue, knowledge, temperance, patience, brotherly kindness, godliness, charity, humility, diligence. Ask, and ye shall receive; knock, and it shall be opened unto you. Amen.” (D&C 4:5-7.)<br /><br /> Each principle stated here is an attribute of Christ. It would be good if we studied each of these attributes and employed them in our lives—not just read about them. Peter mentions these same attributes in his writing. Opening the Bible to the first chapter of Second Peter, we start with verse four and read to verse eleven. This is a scripture that is important in understanding God’s design for us.<br /> <br /> 4. Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust.<br /> 5. And beside this, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue; and to virtue knowledge;<br /> 6. And to knowledge temperance; and to temperance patience; and to patience godliness;<br /> 7. And to godliness brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness charity.<br /> 8. For if these things be in you, and abound, they make you that ye shall neither be barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.<br /> 9. But he that lacketh these things is blind, and cannot see afar off, and hath forgotten that he was purged from his old sins.<br /> 10. Wherefore the rather, brethren, give diligence to make your calling and election sure: for if ye do these things, ye shall never fall:<br /> 11. For so an entrance shall be ministered unto you abundantly into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. (2 Pet. 1:4-11.)<br /><br /> Notice that the Doctrine and Covenants rendition adds the attribute of humility, which isn’t mentioned by Peter. The Apostle Paul also mentions some of these attributes in Galatians 5:22-23. For our purposes, however, we will stay focused on Peter’s words. And as we incorporate these attributes into our lives, we shall come to understand what is meant by the word, “fulness.”<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;font-size:130%;" >Great and Precious Promises</span><br /> First, let’s consider what Peter means in verse four when he says, “Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature ...” Skipping down to verse eight, let’s think of what he means there: “For if these things be in you, and abound, they make you that ye shall neither be barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.”<br /><br /> What are the great and precious promises? What is the divine nature? What does it mean to be neither barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of the Lord? To help answer these questions, let’s recall what the Lord said in D&C 93. “Verily, thus saith the Lord: It shall come to pass that every soul who forsaketh his sins and cometh unto me, and calleth on my name, and obeyeth my voice, and keepeth my commandments, shall see my face and know that I am.” (D&C 93:1.)<br /><br /> What does the Lord say WILL happen if we “forsaketh [our] sins,” “come unto [Him],” “calleth on [His] name,” “obeyeth [His] voice,” and “keepeth [His] commandments”? We learn that the “exceeding great and precious” promise that Peter mentioned is the promise of partaking of the “divine nature” of Christ, that is, seeing His face. If we abound in these Christlike attributes, as mentioned by Peter and in Section Four, then our “knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ” and our testimony of Him will not be “barren nor unfruitful.”<br /><br /> As we seriously consider this idea, let’s turn to Section 101. What do we read in verse 38? “Seek the face of the Lord always.” Does that statement mean that we should seek His face sometime in the future? No, it doesn’t! That is a commandment to everyone—to seek his face always—which means now. Section 93:1, quoted above, tells us what we need to do to obtain that great and precious promise. Verse ten of Section 67 gives a few more attributes to help us with this process. “And again, verily I say unto you that it is your privilege, and a promise ... that inasmuch as you strip yourselves from jealousies and fears, and humble yourselves before me ... the veil shall be rent and you shall see me and know that I am—not with the carnal neither natural mind, but with the spiritual.” (D&C 67:10.)<br /><br /> This verse starts by saying, “... verily I say unto you that it is your privilege, and a promise ...” Now, what privilege and promise did He give us? He said that, “... the veil shall be rent and you shall see me and know that I am ...” Here we have His promise again, but first there are some more prerequisites. What are they? The verse reads that we must “strip [ourselves] from jealousies and fears, and humble [ourselves] before [Him].” By adding these teachings to those of Peter and D&C Four, we find a more thorough list of qualifications when we want to partake of His presence, His divine nature, and His fulness.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;font-size:130%;" >What Is His Fulness?</span><br /> Should we want to partake of His person and receive of His fulness? Before we can answer this question, we must know what constitutes His fulness. Section 84 helps us understand that also. The section points out some very important things, many of which may not be fully understood among most Latter-day Saints today.<br /><br /> 23. 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;<br /> 24. 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 fulness of his glory.<br /> 25. Therefore, he took Moses out of their midst, and the Holy Priesthood also;<br /> 26. And the lesser priesthood continued, which priesthood holdeth the key of the ministering of angels and the preparatory gospel;<br /> 27. Which gospel is the gospel of repentance and of baptism, and the remission of sin, and the law of carnal commandments ... (D&C 84:23-27.)<br /><br /> Verse 23 tells us that Moses tried to get his people to cleanse and “sanctify” themselves so they would be worthy to see the face of God. However, they were not desirous to repent, so they “hardened their hearts.” Because of this, the Lord was angry with them and swore in His wrath that they would not “enter into his rest.”<br /><br /> Now what is His rest? It is seeing the Lord’s face (v. 23) and partaking of the “fulness of his glory” (v. 24). The fulness of His glory is the “fulness of the gospel.” One can learn this with careful reading of Section 76. Speaking of the Only Begotten Son, the Prophet Joseph Smith records: “Of whom we bear record; and the record which we bear is the fulness of the gospel of Jesus Christ, who is the Son, whom we saw and with whom we conversed in the heavenly vision.” (D&C 76:14.) Clearly then, the fulness of the gospel IS the fulness of the Son.<br /><br /> We learn from Section 76 that, those who are of the Church of the Firstborn also receive of the fulness of the Father (vv. 20, 71, 94); and that those who inherit the Terrestrial Kingdom do not receive of the fulness of the Son, nor the fulness of the Father, but only the presence and glory of the Son (v. 76). It should be obvious from these verses that just receiving the presence and glory of the Son is not necessarily the fulness of the Son. The fulness of the Son includes the fulness of the Father.<br /><br /> When you have a drinking glass filled to overflowing with water, you cannot get any more in it. You cannot get it fuller than full. When we receive the fulness of the Son, we cannot get more. That’s it. The Son received the fulness of the Father. That’s the Son’s fulness. And we are promised that what the Father has can be ours also. (D&C 76:55, 59-60; 1 Cor. 3:21-23.)<br /><br /> By reading Section 76 we learn the Prophet Joseph Smith and Sidney Rigdon were bearing record of the Only Begotten Son of the Father. They say that their record is the “fulness of the gospel,” after which they continue by saying that the “fulness of the gospel” is the “Son, whom [they] saw.” This “privilege, and a promise,” and “fulness,” ancient Israel could have enjoyed if they had only understood the blessing without hardening their hearts.<br /><br /> The fullness of God also includes the fulness of the priesthood. The Prophet Joseph Smith said, “If a man gets a fullness of the priesthood of God he has to get it in the same way that Jesus Christ obtained it, and that was by keeping all the commandments and obeying all the ordinances of the house of the Lord. Where there is no change of priesthood, there is no change of ordinances.” (TPJS, p. 308.) About this President Joseph Fielding Smith wrote, “There is no exaltation in the kingdom of God without the fulness of priesthood. ... Every man who is faithful and will receive these ordinances and blessings obtains a fulness of the priesthood, and the Lord has said that ‘he makes them equal in power, and in might, and in dominion.’” (See D&C 76:95; 88:107.)<br /><br /> Now many know that the gospel consists of repentance, baptism by water, and the baptism of fire and the Holy Ghost, even the Comforter, which showeth all things, and teacheth the peaceable things of the kingdom. (D&C 39:6.) The purpose of the (lesser) gospel, though, is only to prepare one for the “fulness” of the gospel, which gives them a fruitful knowledge of Jesus Christ and His divine nature. From reading D&C 84:23-27 we can see what happened because Israel would not become sanctified and receive the fulness of the Lord. The Lord took the opportunity of receiving His fulness from them and left only a preparatory gospel. It was an introductory gospel, if you will, and not the fulness of the gospel, which is the fulness of His presence.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;font-size:130%;" >The Oneness</span><br /> As stated above, the fulness of the Son consists of the fulness of the Father. To further illustrate, let’s consider another statement by the Prophet Joseph. In 1842, while in council and giving instruction to a select few, he said he was, “... setting forth the order pertaining to the Ancient of Days, and all those plans and principles by which any one is enabled to secure the FULNESS of those blessing which have been prepared for the Church of the Firstborn, and come up and ABIDE IN THE PRESENCE of the Eloheim in the eternal worlds.” (TPJS, p. 237/) Doctrine and Covenants 93, a section to which we previously referred, helps shed a little light on this subject.<br /><br /> 1. Verily, thus saith the Lord: It shall come to pass that every soul who forsaketh his sins and cometh unto me, and calleth on my name, and obeyeth my voice, and keepeth my commandments, shall see my face and know that I am;<br /> 2. And that I am the true light that lighteth every man that cometh into the world;<br /> 3. And that I am in the Father, and the Father in me, and the Father and I are one—<br /> 4. The Father because he gave me of his fulness, and the Son because I was in the world and made flesh my tabernacle, and dwelt among the sons of men. (D&C 93:1-4.)<br /><br /> Jesus became the Father because He obtained the fulness of the Father. For all intents and purposes, they are both the same because of this fulness, or oneness. Likewise, because of the fulness, we can become one with God and Christ. John recorded that Jesus said, “That they [His disciples] all may be one; as thou, Father, art in me, and I in thee, that they also may be one in us:... And the glory which thou gavest me I have given them; that they may be one, even as we are one: I in them, and thou in me, that they may be made perfect in one;...” (John 17:21-23 [1-26.)<br /><br /> Joseph Smith recorded the words of the resurrected Christ in the following manner: “I am Jesus Christ, the Son of God, who was crucified for the sins of the world, even as many as will believe on my name, that they may become the sons of God, even one in me as I am one in the father, as the Father is one in me, that we may be one.” (D&C 35:2.)<br /><br /> In verse two of D&C 93, Jesus said, “I am the true light that lighteth every man that cometh into the world” Actually, the oneness of the Father and the Son, is the light of the Father. When we become one in Christ Jesus, as He is with the Father, we will also possess that same light. When the scriptures state that Jesus and the Father are one in the same, they are not just speaking of a oneness in purpose, but literally of a oneness in the same light. That perfect light infuses itself through all those who are perfect, and all things actually become one. With these thoughts in mind, the words of the Savior become more clear when He said, “Therefore, let your light so shine before this world, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven.” (JST Matt. 5:18.)<br /><br /> The fulness consists of being one with God, which in reality, is the same as being in the presence of the Father because of the oneness of the Only Begotten and the Father. Because of the fulness, as pointed out in John 17, we not only become one with the Father and the Son, but one IN the Father and the Son. That’s a fulness. You cannot get fuller than full.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;font-size:130%;" >The Schoolmaster</span><br /> Writing to the Galatians, the Apostle Paul said, “Wherefore the law was our schoolmaster to bring us unto Christ, that we might be justified by faith. But after that faith is come, we are no longer under a schoolmaster.” (Gal. 3:24-25.)<br /><br /> What is Paul saying here? He is saying that the preparatory gospel that ancient Israel received, because of their rejecting the Lord, is to teach us how to come to Christ. When we receive Christ into our personal lives, however, we do not need to be under the “schoolmaster.” We no longer need the lesser gospel to help us get to our Savior because we are there, though the “preparatory gospel” was important beforehand. This is exactly what he taught to the Hebrews when he wrote, “Therefore not leaving the principles of the doctrine of Christ, let us go on unto perfection; not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works, and of faith toward God.” (JST, Heb. 6:1.)<br /><br /> Paul explains here that ancient Israel had the “schoolmaster,” or the preparatory gospel, to show them the way unto Christ, but now they had to go forward to “perfection.” To help illustrate the difference between the preparatory gospel and the fulness of the gospel, let’s turn again to the Doctrine and Covenants. “And this is my gospel—repentance and baptism by water, and then cometh the baptism of fire and the Holy Ghost, even the Comforter, which showeth all things, and teacheth the peaceable things of the kingdom.” (D&C 39:6.)<br /><br /> In this verse the Lord tells us that His gospel is repentance, baptism of water, and baptism by fire and the Holy Ghost. The Lord told James Covill that, if he partook of this gospel, he would be called to preach a “greater work,” which was called the fulness of His gospel. The Lord said to him: “But, behold, the days of thy deliverance are come, if thou wilt hearken to my voice, which saith unto thee: Arise and be baptized, and wash away your sins, calling on my name, and you shall receive my Spirit, and a blessing so great as you never have known. And if thou do this, I have prepared thee for a greater work. Thou shalt preach the fulness of my gospel, which I have sent forth in these last days, the covenant which I have sent forth to recover my people, which are of the house of Israel.” (D&C 39:10-11.)<br /><br /> Here we find that there is a difference in the Lord’s gospel (vv. 6 and 10) and the fulness of [His] gospel. (v. 11.) There is a lesser gospel to prepare us for a greater, or fuller gospel—even the fulness of the Lord Jesus Christ. Some are called to preach that fuller gospel. To further illustrate, let’s go to another section. In Section 90 we read: “For it shall come to pass in that day, that every man shall hear the fulness of the gospel in his own tongue, and in his own language, through those who are ordained unto this power, by the administration of the Comforter, shed forth upon them for the revelation of Jesus Christ.” (D&C 90:11.)<br /><br /> Who are those “ordained” to the power of preaching the fulness of the gospel? It is not my purpose to discourage anyone, but is it the LDS missionaries as presently constituted? Have they truly received the fulness? As we have come to understand what the fulness contains, are these missionaries prepared to present the fulness to every man, in his own tongue and language, for the revelation of Jesus Christ? Or, are current missionaries only preaching the preparatory gospel, or the schoolmaster as Paul referred to it, to prepare people for the fulness? We must understand that the Church is not the fulness, in itself. It is only a vehicle through which the fulness can be obtained. In reality, can the current missionaries lift someone to a higher spiritual realm than what they, themselves, have obtained? Then, if the current missionaries are not teaching the fulness of the gospel, who is to teach it? Could there be someone else that the Lord will call and ordain to this responsibility?<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;font-size:130%;" >The Church of the Firstborn</span><br /> We learn that the 144,000 are “high priests, ordained ... to administer the everlasting gospel ... ordained out of every nation, kindred, tongue, and people, by the angels.” (D&C 77:11.) If the current missionary force of the Church is to preach the everlasting gospel to all people in their own tongue, why must the Lord call 144,000 special missionaries? Is there something more to the everlasting gospel than merely preaching the restoration of the Priesthood, the Book of Mormon, and the usual missionary lessons?<br /><br /> What are the 144,000 ordained to do? Verse 11 tells us they are “... to bring as many as will come to the church of the Firstborn.” (D&C 77:11.) Who is to inherit the Celestial Kingdom? We learn from D&C 76:54, “They are they who are the church of the Firstborn.” So the 144,000 are to gather in those who will become members of the Celestial Kingdom, if they will come. The 144,000 are not only sent out to non-members of the LDS Church but to the members as well; that is, if those members want to become members of the church of the Firstborn and inherit the Celestial Kingdom. When we consider this carefully, we come to understand there must be something lacking in our personal relationship with the Savior that warrants Him sending out 144,000 specially-ordained shepherds to gather His sheep into the fold of the Firstborn.<br /><br /> To be a member of the church of the Firstborn we must receive the Second Comforter and have our calling and election made sure. The Prophet Joseph Smith explains:<br /><br /> “Now what is this other Comforter? It is no more nor less than the Lord Jesus Christ Himself; and this is the sum and substance of the whole matter; that when any man obtains this last Comforter, he will have the personage of Jesus Christ to attend him, or appear unto him from time to time, and even He will manifest the Father unto him, and they will take up their abode with him, and the visions of the heavens will be opened unto him, and the Lord will teach him face to face, and he may have a perfect knowledge of the mysteries of the kingdom of God; and this is the state and place the ancient Saints arrived at when they had such glorious visions—Isaiah, Ezekiel, John upon the Isle of Patmos, St. Paul in the three heavens, and all the Saints who held communion with the general assembly and Church of the Firstborn.<br /> “Oh! I beseech you to go forward, go forward and make your calling and your election sure...” (TPJS, pp. 150-51, 366.)<br /><br /> Elder Bruce R. McConkie thought this subject was so important that he wrote quite a few pages on the topic in his Doctrinal New Testament Commentary. Within those pages he said,<br /><br /> “The call itself is the gospel cause; it is not reserved for apostles and prophets or for the great and mighty in Israel; it is for all the members of the kingdom.<br /> “To have one’s calling and election made sure is to be sealed up unto eternal life; it is to have the unconditional guarantee of exaltation in the highest heaven of the celestial world; it is to receive the assurance of godhood, it is, in effect, to have the day of judgment advanced....<br /> “But in the most express and proper usage of terms, “The elect of God comprise a very select group, an inner circle of faithful members of the Church.... They are the portion of church members who are striving with all their hearts to keep the fullness of the gospel law in this life so that they can become inheritors of the fullness of gospel rewards in the life to come ...” (<span style="font-style: italic;">Doctrinal New Testament Commentary</span>, pp. 326, 330-31.)<br /><br /> Elder McConkie said to have one’s calling and election made sure is, in effect, to advance the ordinance. Instead of waiting, we desire it now. This is not impatience when sought after under the direction of the Spirit, but a desire encouraged by the Lord and the prophets. Elder McConkie continued: “It is the privilege of those who have their calling and election made sure ... to receive the Second Comforter.” (<span style="font-style: italic;">Doctrinal New Testament Commentary</span>, p. 337.)<br /><br /> This Second Comforter, or fulness of the gospel, is a very important thing indeed, and serious to consider. The Lord said, “And there are none that doeth good except those who are ready to receive the fulness of my gospel, which I have sent forth unto this generation.” (D&C 35:12.) Therefore, if we do not receive of His fulness, we are not doing very “good.” At least that is the way it appears.<br /><br /> The Lord wants us to become worthy and seek His face always, not just be baptized and only receive the whisperings of the Holy Ghost—but to receive Him. The Lord said, “You shall see me and know that I am.” If we do, we can have a true “knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ” and “enter into his rest.”<br /><br /> Alma referred to those who “entered into the rest of the Lord,” and he taught this principle, as can be seen by reading Alma 13: “Now they, after being sanctified by the Holy Ghost, having their garments made white, being pure and spotless before God, could not look upon sin save it were with abhorrence; and there were many, exceedingly great many, who were made pure and entered into the rest of the Lord their God.” (Alma 13:12.)<br /><br /> However, Paul told the Hebrews that they were not ready for the meat of the gospel. He pointedly said they were “dull of hearing,” and though they ought to be teaching, yet they still needed the first principle taught to them. He stated that they still had need of milk instead of strong meat. Then he said, “For every one that useth milk is unskillful in the word of righteousness: for he is a babe. But strong meat belongeth to them that are of full age, even those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil.” (Heb. 5:11-14.)<br /><br /> Paul tells the Hebrews that they are “dull of hearing,” and that they need to still be taught the “first principles” of God. It appears that those people still needed to be sucking on the milk of the gospel instead of chewing and enjoying the fulness of the meat—the presence of the Lord—which can only come from personal revelation. Is not this milk what the Lord said was the “preparatory gospel” as recorded in Doctrine and Covenants 84:27?<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;font-size:130%;" >The New Covenant</span><br /> There was to be a covenant which the Lord would make to receive His people. We previously read from D&C 39:11 that the fulness of the gospel is a “covenant.”<br /><br /> Another condition necessary to redeem the Church from condemnation, as pointed out in D&C 84:54-58, is that the Saints need to “repent and remember the new covenant.” What is the new covenant they need to remember? To help gain an understanding of this new covenant, it might be good to turn to Jeremiah 31:31-34.<br /><br /> 31. Behold, the days come, saith the Lord, that I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel, and with the house of Judah:<br /> 32. Not according to the covenant that I made with their fathers in the day that I took them by the hand to bring them out of the land of Egypt; which my covenant they brake, although I was an husband unto them, saith the Lord:<br /> 33. But this shall be the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel; After those days, saith the Lord, I will put my law in their inward parts, and write it in their hearts; and will be their God, and they shall be my people.<br /> 34. And they shall teach no more every man his neighbor, and every man his brother, saying, Know the Lord: for they shall all know me, from the least of them unto the greatest of them, saith the Lord: for I will forgive their iniquity, and I will remember their sin no more. (Jer. 31:31-34.)<br /><br /> Here the Lord speaks to Jeremiah of a “new covenant.” The Lord tried to establish the same covenant with the fathers when he took them out of Egypt. We learn though, as we read in D&C 84, they refused that covenant, so the Lord removed Himself from them, which included the “fulness” of His glory. He, therefore, established another covenant, even the law of Moses, which was not the fulness of the gospel, or the fulness of the Glory of the Lord, but a lesser gospel. This covenant they broke also, which is the covenant referred to in verse 32 above.<br /><br /> However, the Lord is to establish a new covenant. And this new covenant will be unlike the one our ancient fathers broke, which was the schoolmaster. (v. 32; Gal. 3:24.) It will be an “everlasting” covenant, even the “fulness” of His gospel. “Verily I say unto you, blessed are you for receiving mine everlasting covenant, even the fulness of my gospel, sent forth unto the children of men, that they might have life and be made partakers of the glories which are to be revealed in the last days, as it was written by the prophets and apostles in days of old.” (D&C 66:2.)<br /><br /> Section 133 references the fact that the covenant is an “everlasting” covenant whereby we may become “partakers of the glories” which could be revealed unto us. “And for this cause, that men might be made partakers of the glories which were to be revealed, the Lord sent forth the fulness of his gospel, his everlasting covenant, reasoning in plainness and simplicity.” (D&C 133:57.)<br /><br /> With this new covenant the Lord is to put His law in our inward parts, and we will know it throughout our being. He is to write it in our hearts (Jer. 31:33), and it will become our treasure, or that which we treasure most. (Matt. 6:19-24.) We will have no need to teach our neighbor or our brother, for they shall know the Lord for themselves. Even the least of His people will know Him. They shall be His people and He will be their God. (Jer. 31:34.)<br /><br /> By reading D&C 76:50-70 we can learn who is to inherit the Celestial Kingdom of God. As we consider the subject of covenants, we find verse 69 to be very interesting. It says that those who are to receive the celestial glory are those “... who are just men made perfect through Jesus the mediator of the new covenant ...” (D&C 76:69.)<br /><br /> From reading verse 57 of Section 84, it can be learned that members of the Church must “... repent and remember the new covenant, even the Book of Mormon and the former commandments.” (D&C 84:57.) In this verse, by using the word “even,” the Lord appears to equate the new covenant with the Book of Mormon and the former commandments. That is to say: The Book of Mormon and the former commandments are included in the new covenant. Both have reference to the fulness of the gospel or receiving the fulness of the Lord.<br /><br /> Regarding the Fullness contained in the Book of Mormon, Let’s consider it in this light: The Book of Mormon is one of the keys in helping us understand the realization of the Resurrection and our relationship to Christ. The Lord Himself, in D&C 20:9, has stated that the Book of Mormon contains the “fulness of the gospel of Jesus Christ.” Speaking of the Book of Mormon He said that it, “... contains a record of a fallen people, and the fulness of the gospel of Jesus Christ to the Gentiles and to the Jews also.” Those words, however, do not mean that the Book of Mormon contains every teaching, every doctrine ever revealed. No! His words mean that in the Book of Mormon we will find the fulness of those doctrines required for our salvation. And they are taught plainly and simply so that even children can learn the ways of salvation and exaltation.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;font-size:130%;" >Entering into His Rest</span><br /> The fulness is received by those who are honest in heart, and who have not hardened their hearts. Let’s take a moment and re-read verses 23-24 in Section 84: “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 fulness of his glory.” (D&C 84:23-27.) We find here that those who have not hardened their hearts will enter into His rest, which means to behold the face of God, endure His presence, and receive a fulness of His glory.<br /><br /> Alma 12:13 reads: “Then if our hearts have been hardened, yea, if we have hardened our hearts against the word, insomuch that it has not been found in us, then will our state be awful, for then we shall be condemned.” It might be good for us to reflect upon President Ezra Taft Benson’s words concerning the Church still being under condemnation. (General Conference, October 1988; see also D&C 84:23-27, 49-58; Isa. 5:20-23, 56:9-12; Jer. 23:1-4, 9-32; Ezek. 33: 30-33, 34:1-10; 2 Ne. 28:8-16, 20-21, 24; Morm. 8:35-40; D&C 107:18-19; Ether 4:4-7; D&C 112:23-26, 85:7.)<br /><br /> The fulness of the gospel is that great and precious promise whereby we can partake of the divine nature of Christ by seeking His face and being in His presence. It is that privilege and promise whereby the veil will be rent and we will see Him and know Him. It is to enter into His rest and partake of the fulness of His glory.<br /><br /> Therefore, the fulness of the gospel of Jesus Christ is nothing more nor less than knowing the mysteries of God in full, and receiving the fulness of Jesus Christ, which is also the fulness of the Father; being both one with, and in, the Father and the Son, who is full of grace and truth.<br /></div>Joseph Warren Grammerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05795589798825424327noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2062486484005186955.post-49002510374820648022009-11-02T11:17:00.000-08:002009-11-02T11:45:26.685-08:00<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(51, 51, 255);font-size:180%;" >The Fulness of the Gospel</span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(51, 51, 255);font-size:130%;" >P A R T - II:<br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Rejecting the Fulness</span></span><br />by Joseph Warren Grammer<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size:180%;">A</span>s stated previously, the fulness of the gospel is that great and precious promise whereby we can partake of the divine nature of Christ by seeking His face and being in His presence. (2 Pet. 1:4; D&C 93:1.) It is that privilege and promise whereby the veil will be rent so we can see and know Him. (D&C 67:10.) It is to enter into His rest and partake of the fulness of His glory. (D&C 84:24.) And we have the command to “Seek the face of the Lord always.” (D&C 101:38.) The fulness of the gospel of Jesus Christ is nothing more nor less than the fullness of the presence of Jesus Christ and that of the Father.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;font-size:130%;" >Beware of False Philosophies</span><br /> There are those that would try to say that it isn’t necessary to receive the fulness of the Lord in this life because it can be achieved in the next.<br /><br /> We know what happened to the children of Israel because they hardened their hearts and wouldn’t repent. (D&C 84:23-24.) They were basically saying to Moses, “You go speak to God and come back and tell us what He says. We have you, a prophet, and that is good enough for us. We don’t need to see the Lord and talk to Him face to face, so we don’t need to be too serious about sanctifying ourselves at this time. Besides, we have a lot going for us now and we can’t afford to encourage criticism from those whom we love, work and associate. God certainly understands.”<br /><br /> This philosophy is a false philosophy. It is simply a lie. This lie tries to encourage us not to take seriously the immediate necessity of wholehearted repentance. Consequently, today, many are not truly trying to repent but are taking the same stance the children of Israel took, that of not attempting to sanctify themselves. That is one reasons many of them want people to believe that the great “privilege, and a promise” is only for the next life and not for this one. Of course they might concede it is possible for a true prophet or a real apostle to have the promise, but not the rest of them. Why, if it was for everyone, they might have to make some changes, and that would be very inconvenient. And in the light of many comments made of President Gordon B. Hinckley, the issue of the current General Authorities having received the Fullness of the Gospel is questionable.<br /><br /> Now I realize I might sound a little cynical here, but it appears to me that some might feel it’s more comfortable if they believe in having a Moses come down from the mountain and give them the word instead of their struggling to climb that mountain and personally obtaining the word for themselves—something that is not only their privilege, responsibility and commission—but a commandment.<br /><br /> No one else can save us but ourselves, although someone may be sent with priesthood to teach and point the way. The Church and priesthood leaders are here to teach us about Christ. They are to point the way to Him without replacing His fulness or standing in the way of our receiving that fulness. To believe otherwise is to place the power of man before God’s power to save. That is not the gospel of Christ.<br /><br /> The Apostle Paul wrote about this false philosophy and warned that no one was to change the teachings of the gospel or they would be cursed. To the Galatians he wrote: “But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we preach unto you, let him be accursed. As we said before, so say I now again, If any man preach any other gospel unto you than that ye have received, let him be accursed.” (Gal. 1:8-9.) As we study the subject of the fulness, we can readily see why those who preach a false concept about it will be accursed. It will condemn their own souls.<br /><br /> There is a name for holding back the truth, it is called “purloining.” In a letter to Titus, the Apostle Paul said, “Not purloining, but shewing all good fidelity; that they may adorn the doctrine of God our Savior in all things.” (Titus 2:10.) The original Greek word for purloining is nosphizomai, (<span style="font-style: italic;">nos-fid’-zom-ahee</span>). It means clandestinely, to sequestrate for oneself, embezzle, or keep back.<br /><br /> Why would anyone want to hold back the truth; are they ashamed of the fulness of the gospel? Many of us know what Paul said to the Romans: “For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto Salvation to every one that believeth ...” (Rom. 1:16.) If any are ashamed of the doctrine of the fulness, then it would appears they could be ashamed of Christ, and must feel embarrassed to be called a Christian.<br /><br /> We could ask ourselves, “Am I ashamed of the gospel, or am I fearless in my faith?” As the Sadducees tried to silence Peter and John from testifying of the risen Christ we learn that,<br /><br /> 13. ... when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were unlearned and ignorant men, they marvelled; and they took knowledge of them, that they had been with Jesus.<br /> 18. And they called them, and commanded them not to speak at all nor teach in the name of Jesus.<br /> 19. But Peter and John answered and said unto them, Whether it be right in the sight of God to hearken unto you more than unto God, judge ye.<br /> 20. For we cannot but speak the things which we have seen and heard. (Acts 4:13-20.)<br /><br /> We know that Paul was not ashamed or timid, but boldly proclaimed to the Thessalonians, “But even after that we had suffered before, and were shamefully entreated ... we were bold in our God to speak unto you the gospel of God ...” (1 Thes. 2:2.)<br /><br /> The false and sometimes cowardly idea that this privilege and a promise is only for the next life, and not this one, is very plainly mentioned in D&C 76. There we learn who is to inherit the celestial kingdom and who will receive a terrestrial world. Upon reading verse 51 we learn that those who receive the testimony of Jesus will be heirs of the Celestial Kingdom. From verse 71 we also learn that they are those who have received the fulness of the Father. Let’s read a few verses in this section and learn who will inherit the Terrestrial Kingdom. We will find that some of them are those who do not receive His Fulness.<br /><br /> 71. And again, we saw the terrestrial world, and behold and lo, these are they who are of the terrestrial, whose glory differs from that of the church of the Firstborn who have received the fulness of the Father, even as that of the moon differs from the sun in the firmament.<br /> 72. Behold, these are they who died without law;<br /> 73. And also they who are the spirits of men kept in prison, whom the Son visited, and preached the gospel unto them, that they might be judged according to men in the flesh;<br /> 74. Who received not the testimony of Jesus in the flesh, but afterwards received it.<br /> 75. These are they who are honorable men of the earth, who were blinded by the craftiness of men.<br /> 76. These are they who receive of his glory, but not of his fulness.<br /> 77. These are they who receive of the presence of the Son, but not of the fulness of the Father.<br /> 78. Wherefore, they are bodies terrestrial, and not bodies celestial, and differ in glory as the moon differs from the sun.<br /> 79. These are they who are not valiant in the testimony of Jesus; wherefore, they obtain not the crown over the kingdom of our God.<br /> 80. And now is the end of the vision which we saw of the terrestrial, that the Lord commanded us to write while we were yet in the Spirit. (D&C 76:71-80.)<br /><br /> We find that verse 76 teaches that it’s possible to receive of the glory of Christ, but not of His fulness. Without this fulness we will only be an heir of the terrestrial world.<br /><br /> Verse 74 tells us that if we believe we don’t have to receive a testimony of Jesus in this life, but wait until the next to receive it, we will not receive the Celestial Kingdom.<br /><br /> It is explained in verse 79 that those who are not valiant in the testimony of Jesus will not be worthy of the celestial but will only receive the glory of the terrestrial. From this we learn that we must receive a testimony of Jesus. And not only that, we must be valiant in expressing that testimony if we expect to receive the glory of the celestial world.<br /><br /> The Son is revealed by way of the Holy Ghost, and the Father is revealed by way of the Son. Therefore, if we are not born again by fire and the Holy Ghost, we will not receive the fulness of the Son. And if we do not receive the fulness of the Son, we will never behold the Father’s fulness.<br /><br /> Apparently, according to verse 77, it is possible to receive the Son and reject the Father. It states that those “who receive of the presence of the Son, but not of the fulness of the Father” will inherit a terrestrial world. Consequently, without the fulness of the Father and the Son, we will only be worthy of a terrestrial glory at best.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;font-size:130%;" >The Devil Cheateth Souls</span><br /> We will read something many of us have often read. Although the whole chapter is extremely important, we will only quote those verses which are to be emphasize:<br /><br /> 8. And there shall be many which shall say: Eat, drink, and be merry; nevertheless, fear God—he will justify in committing a little sin; yea, lie a little, take the advantage of one because of his word, dig a pit for thy neighbor; there is no harm in this; and do all these things, for tomorrow we die; and if it so be that we are guilty, God will beat us with a few stripes, and at last we shall be saved in the kingdom of God.<br /> 14. ... they have all gone astray save it be a few, who are the humble followers of Christ; nevertheless, they are led, that in many instances they do err because they are taught by the precepts of men.<br /> 21. And others will he pacify, and lull them away into carnal security, that they will say: All is well in Zion; yea, Zion prospereth, all is well—and thus the devil cheateth their souls, and leadeth them away carefully down to hell.<br /> 24. Therefore, wo be unto him that is at ease in Zion!<br /> 26. Yea, WO be unto him that hearkeneth unto the precepts of men, and denieth the power of God, and the gift of the Holy Ghost.<br /> 30. For behold, thus saith the Lord God: I will give unto the children of men line upon line, precept upon precept, here a little and there a little; and blessed are those who hearken unto my precepts, and lend an ear unto my counsel, for they will learn wisdom; for unto him that receiveth I will give more; and from them that shall say, We have enough, from them shall be taken away even that which they have.<br /> 31. Cursed is he that putteth his trust in man, or maketh flesh his arm, or shall hearken unto the precepts of men, save their precepts shall be given by the power of the Holy Ghost. (See 2 Ne. 28.)<br /><br /> The reason we bother to review so much of 2 Nephi 28 is because I want to emphasize certain points. There are many people who believe that this chapter is speaking only to nonmembers of the LDS Church in these last days. That is not so. The chapter has reference to members of the LDS Church and their “little” sins.<br /><br /> There may be times we feel these little sins are okay because they are not the “big” ones like murder, adultery, bank robbery, and so forth. However, when we do believe this way, we cheat ourselves by denying the Lord’s privilege and a promise, which He so freely offers to those who truly seek Him. It is imperative that we get rid of these sins, even the smallest, so that we can receive the great endowment of His presence.<br /><br /> President Joseph Fielding Smith made an interesting statement on this subject. In a Melchizedek Priesthood manual, he says, “We have a great many members of this Church who have never reached a manifestation through the Holy Ghost. Why? Because they have not made their lives conform to the truth.” (<span style="font-style: italic;">Melchizedek Priesthood Personal Study Guide 2</span>, p. 57; <span style="font-style: italic;">Church News</span>, 4 November 1961, p. 14.)<br /><br /> This is an interesting thing for an apostle to say. Why did he say that “many members of this Church ... have never [had] a manifestation through the Holy Ghost”? Because they would not “conform to the truth.” About this conformity, his father, President Joseph F. Smith, once taught,<br /><br /> “Obedience is a requirement of heaven, and is therefore a principle of the gospel. Are all required to be obedient? Yes, all. What, against their will? Oh, no, not by any means. There is no power given to man, nor means lawful, to be used to compel men to obey the will of God, against their wish, except persuasion and good advice, but there is a penalty attached to disobedience, which all must suffer who will not obey the obvious truths or laws of heaven...<br /> “Is it a difficult task to obey the gospel? No. It is an easy matter to those who possess the spirit of it.... To such as are untrue to their covenants it may be said, by and by, ‘Depart from me!’ In vain will they plead their former good works and faith. Why? Because the race is not to the swift nor the battle always to the strong, but to him that endures faithful to the end ... It is a continual labor, but the strength of the righteous will be sufficient for their day.” (<span style="font-style: italic;">Gospel Doctrin</span>e, pp. 105-106.)<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;font-size:130%;" >Condemnation of the Church In the Last Days</span><br /> According to President Ezra Taft Benson, revered as prophet of God by Latter-day Saints, the Church is still under condemnation. (General Conference, October 1988.) He quoted part of D&C 84 and emphasized the reason for this condemnation: “And they shall remain under this condemnation until they repent and remember the new covenant, even the Book of Mormon.” The verses in reference are as follows:<br /><br /> 54. And your minds in times past have been darkened because of unbelief, and because you have treated lightly the things you have received—<br /> 55. Which vanity and unbelief have brought the whole church under condemnation.<br /> 56. And this condemnation resteth upon the children of Zion, even all.<br /> 57. And they shall remain under this condemnation until they repent and remember the new covenant, even the Book of Mormon and the former commandments which I have given them, not only to say, but to do according to that which I have written—<br /> 58. That they may bring forth fruit meet for their Father's kingdom; otherwise there remaineth a scourge and judgment to be poured out upon the children of Zion. (D&C 84:54-58.)<br /><br /> The lack of remembering the Book of Mormon is NOT the only reason for the Church to be under condemnation, however. We are not only to “remember the new covenant, even the Book of Mormon,” but we are to also “remember ... the former commandments.” It seems obvious that, to help the Church get out from under His condemnation, we must remember the Book of Mormon. But, is that enough? No, it is not. We must also remember the former commandments.<br /><br /> Now, what are the former commandments that we are not remembering? If we do not know them, can we remember them and help the Church get out from under this condemnation? Not really. Therefore, a determination must be made as to what those former commandments are.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;font-size:130%;" >Why Condemnation?</span><br /> Earlier we quoted Alma, who said, “Then if our hearts have been hardened, yea, if we have hardened our hearts against the word, insomuch that it has not been found in us, then will our state be awful, for then we shall be condemned.” (Alma 12:13.) Why is there a condemnation? Because of hearts that are hardened.<br /><br /> When we consider ancient Israel, we see that they rejected God in favor of following a man. God wanted Moses to prepare, or sanctify, the people that they might behold the Lord’s face and receive the “fulness of his glory.” The people rejected that offer, preferring to continue where they were more comfortable. They wanted to follow the arm of flesh which was Moses himself. We learned that they were cursed with a lesser gospel, which was the preparatory gospel, as Section 84 so aptly points out.<br /><br /> Salvation is a very personal thing because our relationship with the Lord IS very personal. It is something that only we are responsible for. We are taught that the Book of Mormon contains the fulness of the gospel (D&C 20:9; 27:5; 42:12; JSH 1:34), that is, seeking the face of the Lord and receiving of His fulness. The Book of Mormon, consequently, also contains the former commandments. Treating the Book of Mormon lightly is part of the condemnation, as President Benson so aptly pointed out. By giving only a little thought to the matter, we can easily see what part of the Book of Mormon we have treated lightly.<br /><br /> Of course, there are two other “former commandments” we have not considered in this study, and they are the first and second greatest commandments, which are: loving the Lord God with all our hearts, souls, strength and minds, and our neighbors as ourselves. (Matt. 22:36-39; Luke 10:27.) These commandments are covered in my books, <span style="font-style: italic;">“Come Unto Me”</span>, and <span style="font-style: italic;">Even As I Am</span>, so they will not be discussed here except for the following.<br /><br /> Section 59, of the Doctrine and Covenants, was also given to the saints before condemnation was pronounced in September 1832. It was given on August 7, 1831, the year before condemnation was announced. In that section we read:<br /><br /> 5. Wherefore, I give unto them a commandment, saying thus: Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, with all thy might, mind, and strength; and in the name of Jesus Christ thou shalt serve him.<br /> 6. Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself. Thou shalt not steal; neither commit adultery, nor kill, nor do anything like unto it.<br /> 7. Thou shalt thank the Lord thy God in all things.<br /> 8. Thou shalt offer a sacrifice unto the Lord thy God in righteousness, even that of a broken heart and a contrite spirit. (D&C 59:5-8.)<br /><br /> The Lord did not just leave it to the Bible to command the saints in the last days to live the first and second of the greatest commandments, He reiterated them in modern revelation. Not only that, but He added to those commandments. We are not only to love God with all we have, but we are to serve Him in the name of Jesus Christ. We are not only to love others as ourselves, but we are not to hurt or take advantage of them in any way. We are further commanded to “thank” the Lord in ALL things, and we are to offer God a righteous sacrifice of a broken heart and a contrite spirit.<br /><br /> Did the early saints of this dispensation live up to these commandments and others, or did they neglect them as a whole? With a little study in Church history we can learn that it was the latter. And so it still is today according to President Benson, which statement no succeeding President of the Church has rescinded. The Book of Mormon taught these things also. It should be obvious that if we are not living the first and second of the greatest commandments, we will not be worthy to seek the fulness of His presence. And in not seeking that fulness, we are neglecting that commandment also.<br /><br /> There is a simple way to tell if we have neglected the commandment to seek the Lord’s fulness. Recall Enos who had his guilt swept away and was made whole through his faith in Christ. After that experience Enos said, “I began to feel a desire for the welfare of my brethren.” (See Enos 1-12.) Likewise with Jacob, that after he had “obtained a hope in Christ” (Jacob 2:19) his heart went out to his people. Down through history, such prophets as Enoch, Moses, Lehi, Alma, Moroni, and Peter all, after they tasted of the goodness of God’s fulness and glory, desired others to receive the same. They went out and preached that fullness, and gave their lives to that task.<br /><br /> We can know that the fulness of the gospel is not with us today simply because the members of the church are not being taught how to receive it. If our church leaders are what they allow church members to continue believing about them, that they have received that fullness, then their joy would be so great that they would be trying to teach all members how to receive the same.<br /><br /> Oh, there are those who make excuses for this discrepancy, saying that such an experience is too sacred of a thing to be talked about. But that’s a bunch of hogwash. It wasn’t too sacred for Nephi, James, John, Paul, or Joseph Smith and the like. It wasn’t too sacred for them, why is it all of a sudden too sacred now? It isn’t! It’s just that they have not experienced the fullness, therefore, they cannot teach others how to receive that great blessing.<br /><br /> Concerning this, I will share a story that a Seminary and Institute Director (one not given to making up stories) shared with me not too many years ago. I will not mention all the names for reasons that should be obvious to the reader, but that does not lesson the truthfulness of his remarks which give a valid indication of where we are today in the church concerning this subject.<br /><br /> This Institute Director friend, and my good wife and I, were discussing the subject of one having his “calling and election made sure,” which calling and election indicates that the recipient has also experienced the fullness. During our discussion, my friend mentioned that his Supervisor, told him that during a telephone conversation with President Hinckley, that Hinckley asked his Supervisor what he knew about the “calling and election make sure.”<br /><br /> My friend said that his Supervisor told President Hinckley: “Only what I read about it.”<br /><br /> Whereupon, President Hinckley told my friend’s Supervisor that, “That’s all I know about it too.”<br /><br /> Now what does this tell us. It tells us that if all President Hinckley knows about the calling and election is from what he reads, then it ought to be an indication that he has NOT received that great promise, which includes the fullness. And if he has not received the true fullness of the gospel, then no wonder it isn’t being preached and taught to the members as it was in ancient times, or even during the days of the Prophet Joseph Smith. The Brethren of the church cannot preach it, simply because they have neglected it.<br /><br /> This knowledge helps explain a much overlooked scripture in the Doctrine and Covenants. According to D&C 112:24-26, when the Lord sends His judgments down to cleanse the earth before His coming in glory, He said His judgments will start with His House: <span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">“And upon my house shall it begin ... saith the Lord”</span> (v. 25). Not only that, but it will start in His house AMONG those who PROFESS to know Him, but DO NOT: <span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">“FIRST among those among you, saith the Lord, who have professed to know my name and have not known me ...”</span> (v. 26).<br /><br /> Perhaps all of this helps us glean an understanding from the words of Isaiah, and the other prophets, which the Lord has commanded us to search diligently (3 Ne. 23:1-3, 5). Speaking prophetically to latter-day Ephraim, of which we are, Isaiah, Jeremiah and Ezekiel said to us: “The ox knoweth his owner, and the ass his master’s crib: but Israel doth not know, my people doth not consider” (Isa. 1:3); “O my people, they which lead thee cause thee to err, and destroy the way of thy paths” (3:12); “Woe unto them that are wise in their own eyes, and prudent in their own sight! ... they have cast away the law of the Lord of host, and despised the word of the Holy One of Israel” (5:20-24); “Woe to the crown of pride, to the drunkards of Ephraim ... they also have erred through wine, and through strong drink are out of the way; the priest and the prophet have erred through strong drink, they are swallowed up of wine, they are out of the way through strong drink; they err in vision, they stumble in judgment” [drunk with wine and strong drink = absorbed with the prosperity and praise of Babylon.] (28:1-8); “The priests said not, Where is the LORD? and they that handle the law knew me not: the pastors also transgressed against me” (Jer. 2:8); “Mine heart within me is broken because of the prophets ... they make you vain: they speak a vision of their own heart, and not out of the mouth of the LORD.... in the latter days ye shall consider it perfectly. ... I have not spoken to them, yet they prophesied. ... Behold, I am against them that prophesy false dreams, saith the LORD” (Ch. 23); “Son of man, prophesy against the prophets of Israel that prophesy, and say thou unto them that prophesy out of their own hearts, Hear ye the word of the LORD.... Have ye not seen a vain vision, and have ye not spoken a lying divination, whereas ye say, The LORD saith it; albeit I have not spoken?” (Ezek. 13); “Her priests have violated my law, and have profaned mine holy things ... And her prophets have daubed them with untempered morter [telling untruths], seeing vanity, and divining lies unto them, saying, Thus saith the Lord GOD, when the LORD hath not spoken” (Ch. 22).<br /><br /> By going back in Church history, and through the earlier sections of the Doctrine and Covenants, we find that the Lord gave modern Israel the same opportunity He gave ancient Israel, that is, to repent, sanctify themselves, redeem Zion, and receive the fulness and the glory of His presence. But did the early saints do this? Did they sanctify themselves? Did they redeem Zion? Did they love God with all they had, and their neighbor as themselves? And have they all received a fulness of His glory, entering into His rest? No, they have not! Hence, there is still a condemnation as in ancient times. When the cleansing comes, and things are set in order, it will start with the “drunkards of Ephraim,” those fallen and prideful shepherds who should have been leading the sheep on the Lord’s path, but were found wanting.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;font-size:130%;" >The Gentiles of the Book of Mormon</span><br /> The fulness of the gospel was to come to the gentiles (1 Ne. 15:13) through the Prophet Joseph Smith (D&C 35:17). But if the gentiles reject the fulness, it will be taken from them. (3 Ne. 16:10; D&C 14:10.) Let’s touch on this aspect of the fullness as it pertains to the gentiles.<br /><br /> Who was it that brought forth the Book of Mormon which contains the fulness of the gospel? It came through the Prophet Joseph Smith, a gentile that had the blood of Israel running through his veins. There were eleven witnesses that could attest to the divinity of the work and, eventually, most of the membership of the Church could and would bear witness to the divinity of that work. For the most part, these members are of a gentile culture, a culture carried over from the old Roman Empire.<br /><br /> The gentiles, as they are mentioned in the Book of Mormon are, in reality, the latter-day members of the Church of Jesus Christ. They have the blood of Israel and have, for many generations, been taught and reared in a gentile society and nurtured in a gentile culture. The title page of the Book of Mormon points out the fact that the Book of Mormon was to come by way of the gentile. It says that the Book of Mormon was, “To come forth by the gift and power of God unto the interpretation thereof—Sealed by the hand of Moroni, and hid up unto the Lord, to come forth in due time by way of the Gentile—The interpretation thereof by the gift of God.” (<span style="font-style: italic;">Title page of the Book of Mormon</span>.)<br /><br /> The Doctrine and Covenants teaches us that the Book of Mormon “contains a record of a fallen people, and the fulness of the gospel of Jesus Christ to the Gentiles and to the Jews also.” (D&C 20:9). From Third Nephi we read:<br /><br /> 1. And verily I say unto you, I give unto you a sign, that ye may know the time when these things shall be about to take place—that I shall gather in, from their long dispersion, my people, O house of Israel, and shall establish again among them my Zion;<br /> 2. And behold, this is the thing which I will give unto you for a sign—for verily I say unto you that when these things which I declare unto you, and which I shall declare unto you hereafter of myself, and by the power of the Holy Ghost which shall be given unto you of the Father, shall be made known unto the Gentiles that they may know concerning this people who are a remnant of the house of Jacob, and concerning this my people who shall be scattered by them;<br /> 5. Therefore, when these works and the works which shall be wrought among you hereafter shall come forth from the Gentiles, unto your seed which shall dwindle in unbelief because of iniquity;<br /> 6. For thus it behooveth the Father that it should come forth from the Gentiles, that he may show forth his power unto the Gentiles, for this cause that the Gentiles, if they will not harden their hearts, that they may repent and come unto me and be baptized in my name and know of the true points of my doctrine, that they may be numbered among my people, O house of Israel. (3 Ne. 21:1-2, 5-6.)<br /><br /> Here again we find that the Book of Mormon was to come forth from the gentiles unto the seed of the ancient inhabitants of this, the promised land. Being considered some of the gentiles, we are among those who are to take the Book of Mormon to the seed of Joseph, the native American Indians, or the Lamanites as Latter-day Saints call them. Verse 6 notes that we gentiles may be numbered among the House of Israel if we repent and are baptized. God has included the believing gentiles along with that of the believing Jews, and both groups share equally in the blessings of Israel when they accept and obey the ordinances of the Gospel of Christ.<br /><br /> Considering 3 Nephi 21:2, it will be noted that the Lord said, “... for verily I say unto you that when these thing which I declare unto you, and which <span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(204, 0, 0);">I SHALL DECLARE UNTO YOU HEREAFTER of MYSELF</span> ...” He was saying He will AGAIN, personally, declare the gospel unto them in the future—not through one of His servants. If so, He could just as easily have said so as He has done at other times. (D&C 1:38, 43:25; Moses 6:30.) Though there was a slight attempt to convert the American Indian during the time of Joseph Smith, they still have not received the fulness. And it is the Lord Himself that will declare it unto them AGAIN, as He said in this verse.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;font-size:130%;" >Condemnation Upon the Gentiles</span><br /> If we, the gentiles, reject the fulness of the gospel, even the fulness of the Lord Jesus Christ, what shall be the consequence? The Lord lets us know what WILL happen, for He said,<br /><br /> 10. And thus commandeth the Father that I should say unto you: At that day WHEN the Gentiles shall sin against my gospel, and shall reject the fulness of my gospel, and shall be lifted up in the pride of their hearts above all nations, and above all the people of the whole earth, and shall be filled with all manner of lyings, and of deceits, and of mischiefs, and all manner of hypocrisy, and murders, and priestcrafts, and whoredoms, and of secret abominations; and if they shall do all those things, and shall reject the fulness of my gospel, behold, saith the Father, I will bring the fulness of my gospel from among them.<br /> 11. And then will I remember my covenant which I have made unto my people, O house of Israel, and I will bring my gospel unto them.<br /> 12. And I will show unto thee, O house of Israel, that the Gentiles shall not have power over you; but I will remember my covenant unto you, O house of Israel, and ye shall come unto the knowledge of the fulness of my gospel.<br /> 13. But if the Gentiles will repent and return unto me, saith the Father, behold they shall be numbered among my people, O house of Israel.<br /> 14. And I will not suffer my people, who are of the house of Israel, to go through among them, and tread them down, saith the Father. (3 Ne. 16:10-14.)<br /><br /> We often assume that the gentiles mentioned in 3 Nephi 16:10, those who sin against the gospel, are those who reject the message delivered by LDS missionaries. But how can one sin against the “fulness” if he doesn’t have it in the first place? Only those that have the fulness can sin against it. This seems to be what happened to the Church of Christ after the Savior established it among the Nephites. We read in 4 Nephi 1:27, “... yea, there were many churches which professed to know the Christ, and yet they did deny the more parts of his gospel ... ” It happened then among the Nephites, and it was to happen in the future among the gentiles. In verse ten the Savior said <span style="font-weight: bold;">“WHEN the Gentiles shall sin against my gospel,”</span> not <span style="font-weight: bold;">IF</span> they shall sin against His gospel—the word <span style="font-weight: bold;">“when”</span> being prophetic. The respected Hugh Nibley clearly taught that the LDS people do not have the Fullness of the Gospel any more. Commenting on 3 Nephi 16, he said,<br /><br /> “At that day when the Gentiles shall sin against my gospel [when they go bad, after receiving it; notice they’ve received the gospel now, but if they sin against it, here’s the description of the Gentiles today] and shall be lifted up in the pride of their hearts above all nations [we’re talking about one nation, those of the Promised Land, of course] and above all the people of the whole earth, and shall be filled with all manner of lyings, and of deceits, and of mischiefs, and all manner of hypocrisy, and murders, and priestcrafts, and whoredoms, and secret abominations [all these things, then] ‘I will bring the fulness of my gospel from among them.’ Does that mean we don't have the gospel anymore? No. NOTICE THE EMPHASIS HERE IS ON THE FULLNESS OF THE GOSPEL. DO WE HAVE THE FULLNESS OF THE GOSPEL NOW? NO, WE DON'T. WE ONLY HAVE PARTS OF IT.” (<span style="font-style: italic;">Teachings of the Book of Mormon</span>, Semester 3, pp. 348-49.)<br /><br /> In reference to the last days, verse ten of 3 Nephi 16 says, “... At that day when the Gentiles shall sin against my gospel, and shall reject the fulness of my gospel ... behold, saith the Father, I will bring the fulness of my gospel from among them.” Also, what did the Lord say in D&C 45: “And when the times of the Gentiles is come in, a LIGHT shall break forth among them that sit in darkness, and it shall be the FULNESS of my gospel; But they receive it not; for they perceive not the light, and they turn their hearts from me because of the precepts of men. And in that generation shall the times of the Gentiles be fulfilled. (D&C 45:28-30.)<br /><br /> The times of the Gentiles will be fulfilled when the Lord brings the fulness of the gospel from among them. We are the Gentiles, and we, as a people, have rejected the light. We know that light to be Jesus the Christ. He is the light of every man that cometh into the world, and that shineth in a dark place, but the light was comprehended not, nor was it received by His own. (See John 1:1-11.) That Light is Jesus Christ. That Light is the fulness. But we, as a people, comprehend it not, nor do we received it. The early Saints rejected the light, and it appears that the Latter-day Saints have also.<br /><br /> Let’s read what the resurrected Lord had to say about us in the twentieth and twenty-first chapters of 3 Nephi:<br /><br /> 15. And I say unto you, that if the Gentiles do not repent after the blessing which they shall receive, after they have scattered my people—<br /> 16. Then shall ye, who are a remnant of the house of Jacob, go forth among them; and ye shall be in the midst of them who shall be many; and ye shall be among them as a lion among the beasts of the forest, and as a young lion among the flocks of sheep, who, if he goeth through both treadeth down and teareth in pieces, and none can deliver. (3 Ne. 20:15-16.)<br /><br /> 11. Therefore it shall come to pass that whosoever will not believe in my words, who am Jesus Christ, which the Father shall cause him to bring forth unto the Gentiles, and shall give unto him power that he shall bring them forth unto the Gentiles, (it shall be done even as Moses said) they shall be cut off from among my people who are of the covenant.<br /> 12. And my people who are a remnant of Jacob shall be among the Gentiles, yea, in the midst of them as a lion among the beasts of the forest, as a young lion among the flocks of sheep, who, if he go through both treadeth down and teareth in pieces, and none can deliver. (3 Ne. 21:11-12.)<br /><br /> It is easy to learn from these scriptures that if the gentiles sin against the gospel and reject the fulness of it, the Father will take that fulness from them. It appears that, according to many of these verses, if the gentiles do not repent, then Jacob (the Lamanites) will go through them and tread them down. There are further warnings to the gentiles, as can be found in 3 Nephi 29 and 30, and in Mormon 5 and 8. From such references, it appears that the Lord will allow many Latter-day saints to be smitten because of their rebellion against the fulness of the gospel.<br /><br /> President Joseph Fielding Smith, as an apostle, and before he was president of the Church, made a very startling statement in the Church News many years ago. In The Deseret News, dated Saturday, October 17, 1936, President Smith preceded the statement by first quoting from Isaiah 24:3-6, which reads as follows:<br /><br /> 3. The land shall be utterly emptied, and utterly spoiled: for the Lord hath spoken this word.<br /> 4. The earth mourneth and fadeth away, the world languisheth and fadeth away, the haughty people of the earth do languish.<br /> 5. The earth also is defiled under the inhabitants thereof; because they have transgressed the laws, changed the ordinance, broken the everlasting covenant.<br /> 6. Therefore hath the curse devoured the earth, and they that dwell therein are desolate: therefore the inhabitants of the earth are burned, and few men left. (Isa. 24:3-6.)<br /><br /> After quoting from these verses, President Smith wrote the following statement:<br /><br /> “Are we not too much inclined to blame the generations that are past for the breaking of the new and everlasting covenant, and to think it is because of the great apostasy which followed the ministry of the Apostles in primitive times, that these troubles are coming upon the earth? Perhaps we should wake up to the realization that it is because of the breaking of the covenants, especially the new and everlasting covenant, which is the fulness of the Gospel as it has been revealed, that the world is to be consumed by fire and few men left. Since this punishment is to come at the time of the cleansing of the earth when Christ comes again, should not Latter-day Saints take heed unto themselves? <span style="font-style: italic;">WE have been given the new and everlasting covenant, and <span style="font-weight: bold;">many among us have broken it, and many are now breaking it</span>; therefore all who are guilty of the offense will aid in bringing to pass this destruction in which they will find themselves swept from the earth when the great and dreadful day of the Lord shall come</span>.” (Joseph Fielding Smith, <span style="font-style: italic;">The Deseret News</span>, Saturday, October 17, 1936, page 7.)<br /> <br /> After considering the above, is there any wonder that God will perform His “strange work; and bring to pass his act, his strange act,” and have to send the “One Mighty and Strong,” the “One Like Unto Moses,” the “Davidic Servant,” and who know who else, to set things in order? (D&C 85:7; Isa. 28:1-21.) However, If the gentiles repent and accept the fulness, they will be numbered with the house of Israel.<br /><br /> 3 Nephi 16:13 states that if we, the gentiles, will repent and “return” unto Him, we shall be numbered among His people. Our responsibility, then, is to repent and receive the fulness of the gospel so we may be numbered among the house of Israel. By so doing, we will help the Church come out from under its condemnation.<br /><br /> The fulness of the gospel was restored through the Prophet Joseph. Will we seek the fulness of the gospel, or expect it to seek us?<br /></div>Joseph Warren Grammerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05795589798825424327noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2062486484005186955.post-63382553911860477532009-11-02T11:13:00.000-08:002009-11-02T11:17:37.437-08:00<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(255, 0, 0);font-family:georgia;font-size:180%;" >Clean from the Blood of<br />This Generation</span><br />by Joseph Warren Grammer<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size:180%;">F</span>rom President Spencer W. Kimball we read: “Were it not for the atonement of Christ, the shedding of his blood, the assumption by proxy of our sins, man could never be forgiven and cleansed.” (<span style="font-style: italic;">The Miracle of Forgiveness</span>, p. 359.) The Lord desires ALL to be converted and to be found clean from sin when they appear before Him at the last day. To Moses the Lord declared, “For behold, this is my work and my glory to bring to pass the immortality and eternal life of man.” (Moses 1:39.) For that immortality and eternal life to come about, however, our garments must become clean from the blood of this generation.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;font-size:130%;" >Being Made Clean Through Jesus</span><br /> The New Testament tells us that, “... the blood of Jesus Christ his son cleanseth us from all sin.” (1 John 1:7.) Alma tells us that no man can be saved except he is sanctified and his garments are washed white and purified through the blood of Christ. (Alma 5:21, 27; 13:11-12.)<br /><br /> Let’s explore, for a moment, the ideas contained in the scriptures on this subject, namely, cleansing our garments, and of the blood of this generation being required at our hands. There are some poignant thoughts on this important subject that we will consider.<br /><br /> Sin is the result of uncleanliness. When a person sins, or when a law is broken, an inherent penalty is attached, and that penalty must be paid. As we studied earlier, justice cannot be robbed. It must be satisfied. Therefore we see that a broken law must be satisfied with a punishment. That punishment Jesus meekly took upon himself in the garden of Gethsemane and upon the cross of Calvary.<br /><br /> That Divine Son, and brother of us all, shed His blood for our sins. He suffered and paid the price so we will not have to suffer for them. When we repent, His blood atones and pays the penalty for our past sins. And because He paid our debt for sin, we do not owe any debt. Our slate is clean, or, in other words, our garments are made white from sin. We are not held guilty anymore.<br /><br /> If we owed a great financial debt and we could not pay it, would we not seek some type of relief? Suppose then our brother came and offered to pay that debt, would we not be grateful? Our accounting books would be wiped clean. Our elder brother, Jesus the Christ, graciously paid our debt with His precious blood. It would be foolish to have to pay for it ourselves, thereby having the debt paid twice. Jesus pleads for us to accept His offering and not to waste the priceless blood that He spilt for us. Through our faith in Christ and our sincere repentance, therefore, our garments are washed and made clean by His blood. We should eagerly embrace this selfless offering.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;font-size:130%;" >Remorse at the Sacrament Table</span><br /> To receive the blessings of forgiveness, we need to be baptized and take upon us the name of Jesus Christ. When we take up His name, we become the followers of Christ. People will then judge our Savior by our way of life. This is an awesome responsibility. The problem is, we are all human for we all sin even after baptism. So in humility we present ourselves at the sacrament table, and with a newness of heart we again repent of those sins.<br /><br /> Over and over we take upon ourselves the sacred name of Jesus Christ each time we partake of the sacrament. We promise to remember Him and His sacrifice in our behalf, and we covenant to keep all of His commandments. This we do so that we may be redeemed of God, be numbered with those of the first resurrection, and that we may always have his Spirit to be with us. When this is done wholeheartedly, Jesus Christ Himself dwells in us and us in Him. Jesus said, “Whoso eateth my flesh, and drinketh my blood, hath eternal life; and I will raise him up at the last day. For my flesh is meat indeed, and my blood is drink indeed. He that eateth my flesh, and drinketh my blood, dwelleth in me, and I in him.” (John 6:54-56.)<br /><br /> As we approach this holy ordinance our hearts are to be contrite; for we now represent our Savior. We should truly regret our sins and desire to have them washed away. Are we really grateful for all of God’s blessings? Are we truly remembering the life and sacrifice of Jesus which He meekly offers us? Are we eagerly striving to be faithful to our covenants, and with real purpose, consciously taking His name upon us again each time we take the sacrament? Are we honestly seeking His Spirit to be with us and following those spiritual promptings? Or, are we just following through with what is the custom of many members of the congregation—partaking of those sacred emblems with little thought as to any covenants we should have made, and with little thought of Him by whom salvation comes? These are some hard questions to consider, for they prick at some hearts.<br /><br /> Do we recognize all of our sins? Do we remember and realize that OUR personal sins are what caused Jesus to suffer in the Garden of Gethsemane and on the cross of calvary? Do we feel a sense of guilt, remorse, and anguish for OUR causing Jesus to suffer? Before we can truly be changed, be born again and receive a remission of our sins, we must arrive at a certain and forthright recognition that we are personally responsible for the suffering and sacrifice of Jesus Christ. Apostle Melvin J. Ballard once gave a talk entitled, “The Sacramental Covenant.” In it he said, “No man goes away from this Church and becomes an apostate in a week, nor in a month. It is a slow process. The one thing that would make for the safety of every man and woman would be to appear at the sacrament table every Sabbath day. We would not get very far away in a week—not so far away that, by the process of self-investigation, we could not rectify the wrongs we may have done. If we should refrain from partaking of the sacrament, condemned by ourselves as unworthy to receive these emblems, we could not endure that long, and we would soon, I am sure, have the spirit of repentance. The road to the sacrament table is the path of safety for Latter-day Saints.” (<span style="font-style: italic;">Improvement Era</span>, October 1919, pp. 1025-31.)<br /><br /> To approach those hallowed emblems and partake of the promised blessings is a most solemn occasion which the pure in heart reflectively long for with utmost homage and soberness. It is through this ordinance that we can petition the grace of Christ in our behalf. When we reverently and meekly show our gratitude for His merciful suffering for us, His grace can, and will, attend us and His Spirit truly be with us. We can then become cleansed. Wouldn’t it be wonderful to leave the sacrament meetings, having partaken of those sacred emblems, feeling as though we have just stepped out of the waters of baptism with a newness of spiritual commitment, being clean again from the sins of mortality?<br /><br /> Elder Heber C. Kimball expressed his remarkable experience of baptism in these words: “Under the ordinances of baptism and the laying on of hands, I received the Holy Ghost, as the disciples did in ancient days, which was like a consuming fire. I felt as though I sat at the feet of Jesus, and was clothed in my right mind, although the people called me crazy.<br /><br /> “I continued in this way for many months, and it seemed as though my body would consume away; at the same time the scriptures were unfolded to my mind in such a wonderful manner that it appeared to me, at times, as if I had formerly been familiar with them.” (<span style="font-style: italic;">Life of Heber C. Kimball</span>, pp. 22-23.)<br /><br /> What a glorious and loving plan. Jesus expressed His divine love for us through service, suffering and sacrifice. Through our worthiness and acceptance of this plan, He has promised us the Holy Ghost to be our companion, our Comforter, the Spirit of Truth, and to move upon our hearts. How are we going to serve the Lord to be worthy of this blessing?<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;font-size:130%;" >Taking the Lord’s Name in Vain</span><br /> We must remember that when we take upon ourselves the name of Jesus Christ, we must not do it in vain. Most of us know what the Lord said about taking His name in vain: “Thou shalt not take the name of the Lord thy God in vain;...” (Ex. 20:7.) The Apostle Paul wrote, “Wherefore whosoever shall eat this bread, and drink this cup of the Lord, unworthily, shall be guilty of the body and blood of the Lord.” (1 Cor. 11:27.) If we are not serious about our sacrament covenants and take them thoughtlessly, are we not taking His blessed name in vain? If our hearts are not turned to Christ in contrition, is not this in vain as we say Amen to the sacrament prayer?<br /><br /> When our heart is not right with God, and with our brother or sister, we are not to partake of the sacrament. But if we don’t partake, other people might see this and wonder about us. That could be embarrassing, so we just go ahead and take the sacrament anyway without self examination and repentance. With this attitude, can we really be meek and lowly of heart, accepting Christ’s sacrifice and forgiveness? What we do, we do in vain. It is often more humbling not to take the sacrament, than take it as a matter of course.<br /><br /> Many people do not separate emotional feelings from spiritual promptings, believing that emotionality is spirituality. It is true that people can get emotional when the Spirit speaks, but when a testimony is emotionally based, and not spiritual, is not the Lord’s name taken in vain when that testimony is presented in His name?<br /><br /> Another way some use the Lord’s name in vain is by bearing false witness in His name—simply lying. There have been many who have put their hand on the Holy Bible in a court of law and swore the tell the truth, but then lied. Is not this also taking the Lord’s name in vain? Perjury is still a concern in the courts today, and always will be when man is more concerned about himself instead of his relationship with his Creator.<br /><br /> This author has known differing people bearing testimony at the same time to two opposing doctrines in the name of the Lord, and also some in the LDS Church who have purposely lied, bearing testimony to that lie in the name of Jesus Christ. We must all realize that, not all claimed testimonies borne in the name of Jesus Christ are motivated by the Spirit of the Lord. This may seem like a picky thing to some, but should we not become aware of what motivates us and how we use the sacred name of Jesus Christ?<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;font-size:130%;" >The Blood of the Martyrs</span><br /> There have been many martyrs for the cause of righteousness. The scriptures tell us that Abel was the first. (D&C 138:4.) When Saul—later known as Paul—was called by the Lord to be a witness, he lamented the fact that he “was standing by,” when the blood of the “martyr Stephen was shed,” and he was “consenting unto his death, and kept the raiment of them that slew him.” (Acts 22:20.) This feeling of having consented to Stephen’s death must have been a great burden upon Paul, and most likely was a motivating force behind his great missionary zeal.<br /><br /> The Book of Mormon records the account of the Prophet Abinadi. After Abinadi prophesied and called King Noah to repentance, the prophet suffered martyrdom by fire at the hand of that wicked king. (Mosiah, Chap. 11-17.) And in these latter days Joseph Smith and his brother Hyrum gave their blood through martyrdom, sealing their testimonies of the Book of Mormon, the restored gospel, and the divinity of Jesus Christ. (D&C 135.)<br /><br /> Why is it that the loss of blood is needed to help establish the eternal validity of testimony? We are told that even this great nation was established and redeemed by this process, for the Lord said: “And for this purpose have I established the Constitution of this land ... and redeemed the land by the shedding of blood.” (D&C 101:80.) Why blood must be shed as a witness of Christ, and for the price of freedom, may be beyond mortal man’s finite mind to comprehend. But so it is. And so with faith it is to be accepted as a principle of eternal truth; the blood of a martyr seals his testimony. When we reject the testimonies of God’s witnesses, who gave their lives for truth, our garments become stained with their blood just as much as when we reject Christ and our garments become stained with His blood.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;font-size:130%;" >Garments Cleansed from the Blood</span><br /> The Lord tells us in the Doctrine and Covenants to, “Cleanse your hearts and your garments, lest the blood of this generation be required at your hands.” (D&C 112:33.) This is emphasized in D&C 88, where we are told to warn our neighbors. “Behold, I sent you out to testify and warn the people, and it becometh every man who hath been warned to warn his neighbor. Therefore, they are left without excuse, and their sins are upon their own heads.” (D&C 88:81-82.)<br /><br /> Jacob, the brother of Nephi, testifies that he and his brother Joseph must preach so that the blood of their brethren might not come upon their garments. From that record we read: “And we did magnify our office unto the Lord, taking upon us the responsibility, answering the sins of the people upon our own heads if we did not teach them the word of God with all diligence; wherefore, by laboring with our might their blood might not come upon our garments; otherwise their blood would come upon our garments, and we would not be found spotless at the last day. (Jacob 1:19; See also Jacob 2:2; Ezek. 3:17-19, 33:2-6.)<br /><br /> Man must suffer spiritual death because of his sin, and if he is left without repentance he will die in his sins. When we do not cry repentance unto our neighbor when we have an opportunity, as the Spirit directs, then we will be held responsible for our neighbor’s sins and spiritual death if he does not repent. Therefore, we will have his blood upon our skirts. John Taylor verified this when he said, “... if you do not magnify your callings, God will hold you responsible for those whom you might have saved had you done your duty. How many of you can say, my garments are clean from the blood of this generation?” (JD, 20:23.)<br /><br /> After making reference to part of this quote by John Taylor, Elder Hugh B. Brown remarked, “This is a challenging statement. If I by reason of sins of commission or omission lose what I might have had in the hereafter, I myself must suffer and, doubtless, my loved ones with me. But if I fail in my assignment as a bishop, a stake president, a mission president, or one of the General Authorities of the Church—if any of us fail to teach, lead, direct, and help to save those under our direction and within our jurisdiction, then the Lord will hold us responsible if they are lost as the result of our failure.” (CR, Oct. 1962, p. 84.)<br /><br /> In King Benjamin’s magnificent discourse we read some of the words presented to the people of Zarahemla. He said, “I say unto you that I have caused that ye should assemble yourselves together that I might rid my garments of your blood ...” (Mosiah 2:28.)<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;font-size:130%;" >Love, the Retroactive Effect </span><br /> All of us are so valuable and of such worth that Jesus gave His life’s blood for our eternal salvation. Our beloved Christ suffered for all sins—all the sins from before His time, and all sins that were to come, even until the end of the world. How this was done we do not know. The challenge of our faith is to only believe. How we honor and love Him for that sacrifice will determine our worthiness to live again with our Heavenly Father and His Only Begotten Son.<br /><br /> Jesus agonized over ALL sin, but if we do not repent WE will have to suffer for our sins. What was it the Savior told us in the Doctrine and Covenants? “For behold, I, God, have suffered these things for all, that they might not suffer if they would repent; But if they would not repent they must suffer even as I.” (D&C 19:16-17.) The Scriptures also tell us that, “... I the Lord cannot look upon sin with the least degree of allowance.” (D&C 1:31.) One of the reasons He cannot look upon sin with any degree of allowance is because sin caused Him to suffer and die a most horrible death.<br /><br /> Our sin, even the least bit, caused the agony and suffering of Jesus. This is even true about those sins committed after His mortal life. Every time we now commit a sin, Jesus has already suffered and bled for it. Therefore, if we cause a sin to be committed, He has already paid for that sin in advance. If no one sinned, He would not have had to endure the agonizing pain of sin and bear the burdens of the world. The adversity He bore should be grievous to all of us. We are the reason He suffered in agony.<br /><br /> President Ezra Taft Benson, a superb example of a disciple of Christ, wrote the following on the subject: “Godly sorrow is a gift of the Spirit. It is a deep realization that our actions have offended our Father and our God. It is the sharp and keen awareness that our behavior caused the Savior, He who knew no sin, even the greatest of all, to endure agony and suffering. Our sins caused Him to bleed at every pore. This very real mental and spiritual anguish is what the scriptures refer to as having “a broken heart and a contrite spirit.” Such a spirit is the absolute prerequisite for true repentance ... godly sorrow is defined as a sorrow that leads us to repentance.” (<span style="font-style: italic;">The Ensign</span>, Oct. 1989, p. 4.)<br /><br /> It’s a sobering thought to realize that when we choose NOT to sin, we choose not to have had the Savior suffer needlessly; we have saved Him some pain and loss of blood. What greater way can we express our gratitude and love for Him than to have “mental and spiritual anguish” for sin that leads us to sorrowful repentance, even a broken heart and a contrite spirit. (Ps. 51:17; 3 Ne. 12:19; Moro. 6:2; D&C 59:8.)<br /><br /> As stated: when we choose not to sin, we choose to have saved Jesus some pain and loss of blood. Conversely, when we choose TO sin, we choose to cause Him pain; we are responsible for shedding His precious blood. And when we knowingly sin, and we know it caused Him pain, it may be considered as if we helped crucify Him, because we shed His blood knowingly.<br /><br /> Those who sin are responsible for the blood of Christ. Therefore, the sinner has blood on his garments and he will have to suffer unless he repents. This is part of the message about which we should be warning our neighbors. Two of the great struggles we endure for the gospel’s sake are similar to that for which the Prophets endured: first, personal repentance; and second, calling others to repentance—thereby having saved Jesus some anguish and torment. If we do not do this, then blood will be on our garments. Whose blood? The blood of Jesus, and the blood of those who might have been saved if we had only done our duty in warning them and calling them to repentance.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;font-size:130%;" >“Go, and Do Likewise”</span><br /> How are we going to serve our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ? This is one of the challenges of making choices. This is where Satan ardently struggles against our agency. This is our choice and no one else’s. This is where we decide to truly repent and live a righteous life, as clean as possible. Why? Because we love the Lord and reverence His sacrifice for us.<br /><br /> We must call others to repentance so they can also be free from such guilt. This is our responsibility. If we do not, we will be contributing to their sin and their loss of salvation—along with the suffering of Jesus. Therefore, we become partly responsible for those sins if we allow them to continue without trying to stop them. When we consent to them because of apathy, we then have the “blood of this generation” upon our garments. Thus we find the prophets preaching as King Benjamin did when he said, “... that I might rid my garments of your blood.”<br /><br /> Jesus gave His life and blood that we might live eternally in the Father’s kingdom. He also gave His life in unselfish mortal service that we might have the definitive example of service to one’s neighbor. Life’s blood was given for us. Will we give in return? Many say they will die for Christ, but how many will live to help save their neighbor? How many will live so to have made the dying of Jesus less painful? The words “go, and do likewise” (Luke 10:37), can aptly be applied to those who not only desire salvation for their own souls, but also for their brothers and sisters.<br /></div>Joseph Warren Grammerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05795589798825424327noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2062486484005186955.post-87739128664227523352009-11-02T11:01:00.000-08:002009-11-02T11:11:21.863-08:00<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(102, 0, 204);font-size:180%;" >The Beatitudes</span><br />by Joseph Warren Grammer<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size:180%;">T</span>o be an effective disciple of Christ, it might be helpful to understand the Beatitudes as taught by Jesus. Some like to feel that the Beatitudes are so named because they set forth some of the “attitudes” that disciples of Christ ought to “be” possessing; thus the name, “Be-attitudes.” The word Beatitude is a French word which derives its meaning from the Latin word, beatitudo, or beatus, which means to be happy, or blessed. Therefore, one might say that the Beatitudes are blessings of happiness.<br /><br /> The rendition of the Beatitudes, as found in the fifth chapter of Matthew, is the most popular of all the accounts, being the most often quoted by the Christian world. Luke’s recording of the account is sparse, to say the least, comprising only four verses in Chapter 6. The account found in 3 Nephi is held by many Latter-day Saints as the more accurate of the accounts of the Beatitudes, enlarging one’s understanding on a few points.<br /><br /> Another account of the Beatitudes, one that is rarely referred to, can be found in Matthew 5:5-14 of Joseph Smith’s inspired translation of the New Testament. The reason it is not often considered is that it is identical to the account found in 3 Nephi. Consequently, we will not be referring to it in this chapter.<br /><br /> Upon a bit of investigation, it appears that all of the Beatitudes relate to one another in a progressive manner designed to form and refine a more spiritual pattern of Christian discipleship. The pattern may be the following: conversion, maturation, sanctification, persecution, and redemption of a follower of Jesus Christ.<br /><br /> Let’s take the Beatitudes one at a time, observing how this pattern develops, and let’s see how we can relate them to our personal lives as disciples of Christ.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;font-size:130%;" >Blessed Are the Poor in Spirit: for Theirs Is the Kingdom of Heaven. (Matt. 5:3; Luke 6:20; 3 Ne. 12:3.)</span><br /> In this first Beatitude both Matthew and Luke state much the same thing. Nephi, however, adds a qualifier. He says that “blessed are the poor in spirit who come unto me....” Being poor is no magical status for one to possess, he must also come unto Christ. That also goes for the rich. Temporally and spiritually speaking, all must come unto Christ, the rich and the poor. Without a relationship with Jesus they are nothing and have nothing of value, either in this world or in the world to come.<br /><br /> The word poor, as used in this Beatitude, comes from the Greek word ptochos (pto-khos’), meaning to be a beggar, pauper, and distressed. One might say the “poor in spirit” feel to be as common as beggars, being distressed with the recognition of all their sin. These are those racked with the guilt of their own sins, who possess a broken heart and a contrite spirit. They genuinely realize how sinful they are, how low—even as the dust of the earth—they have become. They understand that they are both temporally and spiritually poor, have nothing, and are nothing without the atoning blood of Christ. Speaking of the Lord, Isaiah wrote, “For all those things hath mine hand made, and all those things have been, saith the Lord: but to this man will I look, even to him that is poor and of a contrite spirit, and trembleth at my word.” (Isaiah 66:2.)<br /><br /> Those who truly believe that they have nothing and are nothing, and come unto Him with a broken heart and a contrite spirit, will be given all, even the “kingdom of heaven.” The Apostle James encouraged the Christians of his day by saying, “... Hath not God chosen the poor of this world rich in faith, and heirs of the kingdom which he hath promised to them that love him?” (James 2:5.) And in a latter-day revelation, the Lord addressed not only the poor in spirit, but those who are not poor in spirit: “Wo unto you poor men, whose hearts are not broken, whose spirits are not contrite, and whose bellies are not satisfied, and whose hands are not stayed from laying hold upon other men's goods, whose eyes are full of greediness, and who will not labor with your own hands! But blessed are the poor who are pure in heart, whose hearts are broken, and whose spirits are contrite, for they shall see the kingdom of God coming in power and great glory unto their deliverance; for the fatness of the earth shall be theirs.” (D&C 56:17-18.)<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;font-size:130%;" >Blessed Are They That Mourn: for They Shall Be Comforted. (Matt. 5:4; Luke 6:21; 3 Ne. 12:4.)</span><br /> The Greek word for mourn is pentheo (pen-theh’-o), meaning to grieve. Those who mourn are those who grieve with sorrow and regret, realizing that their personal sins have been the cause of great suffering for Jesus. They also grieve for the sins of the world that make all men miserable, which sins have also caused the Savior to suffer.<br /><br /> Those who have been persecuted and unrighteously cast out of God’s Church mourn because of injustice among the leadership of God’s people, because of Idolatry that has taken hold of the Church at large, and because of the breaking of the Sabbath and other holy laws. They mourn because of the unrighteous changes that have been made in ordinances, and in the garment of the Holy Priesthood; indeed, they sorrow for the cause of Zion.<br /><br /> Speaking of the righteous and repentant souls under his care, King Benjamin said, “And they had viewed themselves in their own carnal state, even less than the dust of the earth. And they all cried aloud with one voice, saying: O have mercy, and apply the atoning blood of Christ that we may receive forgiveness of our sins, and our hearts may be purified; for we believe in Jesus Christ, the Son of God, who created heaven and earth, and all things; who shall come down among the children of men.” (Mosiah 4:2.)<br /><br /> The great Prophet, Mormon, was rather elated that his people mourned because of their sufferings. He soon discovered, though, that their mourning was not from a realization of their sins, but because the Lord did not rescue them while they were still in their sins. Mormon wrote, “And it came to pass that when I, Mormon, saw their lamentation and their mourning and their sorrow before the Lord, my heart did begin to rejoice within me,... But behold this my joy was vain, for their sorrow was not unto repentance, because of the goodness of God; but it was rather the sorrowing of the damned, because the Lord would not always suffer them to take happiness in sin.” (Morm. 2:12-13.)<br /><br /> Because of their repentant attitude and humility, those that mourn, or grieve, shall be “comforted” with the good news of the resurrection, merciful forgiveness, and the redemptive loving grace of Christ.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;font-size:130%;" >Blessed Are the Meek: for They Shall Inherit the Earth. (Matt. 5:5; 3 Ne. 12:5.)</span><br /> The “meek” are the mild, humble, submissive, obedient and teachable ones. The original word for meek means mild or humble. These are those who truly seek forgiveness and are not ashamed to beg for Divine direction. They humble themselves and trust in God instead of man, and are led by the pure light that comes only from Christ.<br /><br /> From the pen of the Psalmist we read: “The Lord lifteth up the meek: he casteth the wicked down to the ground.” (Psalms 147:6.) “But the meek shall inherit the earth; and shall delight themselves in the abundance of peace.” (Ps. 37:11.) “The meek shall eat and be satisfied: they shall praise the Lord that seek him: your heart shall live for ever.” (Ps. 22:26.) “The meek will he guide in judgment: and the meek will he teach his way.” (Ps. 25:9.) And from Alma we discover that the meek “shall find rest to their souls.” (Alma 37:34.)<br /><br /> There is a reward for those that are meek. Because they ask, seek, and knock in meekness, they shall find the way. The mighty ones of the earth, those who do not humble themselves before God, shall be cast down, and the earth shall become the possession of the meek. The meek shall be blessed with the abundance of the earth, for the Lord said, “And the redemption of the soul is through him that quickeneth all things, in whose bosom it is decreed that the poor and the meek of the earth shall inherit it.” (D&C 88:17.)<br /><br /> We are to follow in the footsteps of the Master, for we are to be meek as He was meek. In these words He taught: “Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls.” (Matt. 11:29.)<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;font-size:130%;" >Blessed Are They Which Do Hunger and Thirst After Righteousness: for They Shall Be Filled. (Matt. 5:6; Luke 6:21; 3 Ne. 12:6.)</span><br /> Hunger, in its original word, means famished or to crave. Those that “hunger and thirst after righteousness” are those that crave to be fed by the Spirit, looking for that direction in life that leads back to Heavenly Father through Christ Jesus. They desire only to taste the heavenly bread that feeds the spirit and satisfies the starving soul, and to drink from the waters of life that can only quench a spiritual thirst. They are those that shall be filled with the Spirit of God.<br /><br /> Righteousness in this scripture means equity, justification, right, and holy. In a true sense then, those who “hunger and thirst after righteousness” crave that which is just, right and holy. In a world gone amuck, many hunger for justice and crave that which is right and equitable. The only way to fill that hunger, or quench that thirst, is for one to turn his life over to Christ, and let Him be the chef who prepares a table of unparalleled delicacies. Nephi and Isaiah invite us to partake of the waters of life and become fat in the Lord: “Come, my brethren, every one that thirsteth, come ye to the waters; and he that hath no money, come buy and eat; yea, come buy wine and milk without money and without price. Wherefore, do not spend money for that which is of no worth, nor your labor for that which cannot satisfy. Hearken diligently unto me, and remember the words which I have spoken; and come unto the Holy One of Israel, and feast upon that which perisheth not, neither can be corrupted, and let your soul delight in fatness.” (2 Ne. 9:50-51; Isa. 55:1-2.)<br /><br /> After His resurrection, Jesus visited the Nephites on the American continent and taught them about the sacrament. In doing so, He said, “He that eateth this bread eateth of my body to his soul; and he that drinketh of this wine drinketh of my blood to his soul; and his soul shall never hunger nor thirst, but shall be filled.” (3 Ne. 20:8.)<br /><br /> Many will go to almost any length to feed their bodies with physical bread and quench their thirsts with water. True followers of Christ, who hunger and thirst after righteousness, will give all they have for the bread of life and living waters. It is their eternal and unending quest. They that lose their lives in this quest shall find it in Jesus Christ. (Matt. 10:39.) The Apostle John records that Jesus said, “I am the bread of life: he that cometh to me shall never hunger; and he that believeth on me shall never thirst.” (John 6:35.)<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;font-size:130%;" >Blessed Are the Merciful: for They Shall Obtain Mercy. (Matt. 5:7; 3 Ne. 12:7.)</span><br /> The word “merciful” comes from the word eleemon, meaning to be compassionate. The “merciful” are those who show forth pure charity, compassion and forgiveness to their brothers, just as compassion and forgiveness were extended to them through the grace of Christ. We are taught that “The Lord is merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and plenteous in mercy.” (Ps. 103:8.) As disciples of Christ, we are to follow His example as Luke records: “Be ye therefore merciful, as your Father also is merciful.” (Luke 6:36.)<br /><br /> Those who are merciful and show compassion shall, in like manner, obtain “mercy,” even grace from Christ for the grace they extend to others—even grace for grace.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;font-size:130%;" >Blessed Are the Pure in Heart: for They Shall See God. (Matt. 5:8; 3 Ne. 12:8.)</span><br /> Through the atonement and the pure love of Christ, the merciful become clean, sanctified, and unspotted from sin. The merciful are those whose hearts have been cleansed through the blood of their redeemer, Jesus the Christ, who purges out the old and refines the new through the fires of refining adversity. Only those who have clean hands and are purified shall see God. It is written: “Who shall ascend unto the hill of the Lord? or who shall stand in his holy place? He that hath clean hands, and a pure heart; who hath not lifted up his soul unto vanity, nor sworn deceitfully.” (Ps. 24:3-4.)<br /><br /> In these latter days the Lord encourages us when He says that the “pure in heart” shall “build up the waste places of Zion” (D&C 101:18), “shall see the kingdom of God coming in power and great glory unto their deliverance; for the fatness of the earth shall be theirs” (D&C 56:18), and that they “shall see God.” (D&C 97:16.)<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;font-size:130%;" >Blessed Are the Peacemakers: for They Shall Be Called the Children of God. (Matt. 5:9; 3 Ne. 12:9.)</span><br /> The “peacemakers” are the peaceable ones of the earth. Those that preach the words of redeeming love, help bring peace to the souls of those that are “poor in spirit.” They publish peace to the world and the message of sanctifying grace. From Nephi we read, “... whoso shall publish peace, yea, tidings of great joy, how beautiful upon the mountains shall they be.” (1 Ne. 13:37.) “And again, how beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of those who shall hereafter publish peace, yea, from this time henceforth and forever!” (Mosiah 15:15-17.)<br /><br /> At the birth of Jesus, the angels sang, “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men” (Luke 2:14), and Jesus gave us security when He said, “Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you; not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.” (John 14:27.) Matthew recorded the words of the Master: “Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light. (Matt. 11:28-30.)<br /><br /> Peace comes through the assurance of eternal life because of the atonement and grace of Christ. Total peace and assurance come only to the clean and sanctified, those that are “born of God.” When they receive that assurance, they truly become the “children of God.”<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;font-size:130%;" >Blessed Are They Which Are Persecuted for Righteousness’ Sake: for Theirs Is the Kingdom of Heaven. (Matt. 5:10; 3 Ne. 12:10.)</span><br /> History tells us that those who totally consecrate and fully turn their lives over to Christ, who strive with all they have to follow Him at all cost, will be greatly plagued, abused, and persecutions—even by members of their own faith who claim to profess Christ.<br /><br /> Why is this so? It may be because very few have their eyes single to the glory of God, and His glory only. Instead, they seek their own glory and the applause of the world. Or, it may be because many are not obedient as they know they could be. There could be a subconscious guilt, and because of this guilt, they are inspired by the adversary, “for he seeketh that all men might be miserable like unto himself.” (2 Ne. 2:27.) If they cannot be happy, they feel no one else has a right to be happy. This is what some call “spiritual jealousy.” Instead of reordering their lives, spiritually speaking, the false accusers inflict the righteous with their jealous envy.<br /><br /> Why will true disciples of Christ be persecuted, even by their own brethren? Perhaps the answer for this persecution comes from the Lord when He taught, “For intelligence cleaveth unto intelligence; wisdom receiveth wisdom; truth embraceth truth; virtue loveth virtue; light cleaveth unto light....” (D&C 88:40.)<br /><br /> For those who, in fact, understand Lehi’s dream (1 Ne. 8), they understand the meaning of the great and spacious building. (1 Ne. 8:26, 11:35,-36, 12:18.) This great building represented the world and its wisdom, vain imaginations, and the pride of the world. Nephi’s account tells us that many of those who partook of the desirable fruit of the tree became ashamed because of others who mocked them, and they fell away into forbidden paths and were lost.<br /><br /> This is a warning prophecy for us today, and that is one reason it was included in the Book of Mormon. The forbidden paths lead to the great and spacious building. Many of those who partake of the fruit of the tree, and become ashamed, are members of the Church. They gather in the great and spacious building and join others in mocking and pointing fingers at others who partake of the fruit of the tree. Nephi records: “And the multitude of the earth was gathered together; and I beheld that they were in a large and spacious building, like unto the building which my father saw. And the angel of the Lord spake unto me again, saying: Behold the world and the wisdom thereof; yea, behold the house of Israel hath gathered together to fight against the twelve apostles of the Lamb.” (1 Ne. 11:35.)<br /><br /> Nephi said it is Israel who does the mocking, and we know that we are modern Israel. The twelve apostles of the Lamb, as mentioned here, are the real Apostles who have given their lives for the gospel’s sake; those who personally beheld the resurrected Christ. Many of modern Israel, those who have partaken of the fruit, have become persecutors of others who desire to partake of the fruit themselves. Although it is tough to say, the great and spacious building represents the latter-day restored Church and its prideful members.<br /><br /> When one truly and wholeheartedly seeks repentance, desiring to follow the Lord, having turned his heart over to Christ at all cost, he will be oppressed and “persecuted for [His] name’s sake.” For suffering that which shall be inflicted upon the true disciple of Christ—to the very end—he shall be rewarded with the “kingdom of heaven,” or in other words, a Kingdom in Heaven.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;font-size:130%;" >Blessed Are Ye, When Men Shall Revile You, and Persecute You, and Shall Say All Manner of Evil Against You Falsely, for My Sake. (Matt. 5:11; Luke 6:22; 3 Ne. 12:11.)</span><br /> As mentioned above, when one becomes a true follower of Christ, willing to endure all things unto the end, others will berate, oppress, and speak all manner of lies against him. Many will be betrayed by family, friends, and brethren; being cast out of the synagogue or church, cast into prison, and even put to death for the testimony of Jesus. (Matt. 5:10-11; Luke 21: 12-17.) This will happen both in and out of the Church of God because false accusers are blind to truth, knowing only how to follow the word of man instead of the Spirit of God.<br /><br /> While teaching His disciples about the signs to precede His Second Coming, Jesus mentioned what would befall His followers during that time: “But before all these, they shall lay their hands on you, and persecute you, delivering you up to the synagogues, and into prisons, being brought before kings and rulers for my name's sake. And it shall turn to you for a testimony.... And ye shall be betrayed both by parents, and brethren, and kinsfolks, and friends; and some of you shall they cause to be put to death. And ye shall be hated of all men for my name's sake.” (Luke 21:12-17.)<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;font-size:130%;" >Rejoice, and Be Exceeding Glad: for Great Is Your Reward in Heaven: for So Persecuted They the Prophets Which Were Before You. (Matt. 5:12; Luke 6:23; 3 Ne. 12:12.)</span><br /> Those who are thus persecuted and damaged by others shall have “their rewards in heaven,” along with the former Prophets who were also persecuted and martyred. After Peter and John were arrested and delivered by an angel from prison, they testified of the privilege to have been persecuted: “And they departed from the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for his name. (Acts 5:41.) It is difficult for many to “Rejoice, and be exceeding glad” for the persecutions that are unjustly heaped upon them, especially from those they consider friends. Yet, we are commanded to “have great joy and be exceedingly glad.”<br /><br /> The persecution that the righteous are to endure is compared to the persecution that the prophets have suffered. John wrote, “... for the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy.” (Rev. 19:10.) What, then, constitutes a prophet? Joseph Smith gave us that answer when he said, “No man is a minister of Jesus Christ without being a Prophet. No man can be a minister of Jesus Christ except he has the testimony of Jesus; and this is the spirit of prophecy.” (TPJS, p. 160.) And again he said, “If any person should ask me if I were a prophet, I should not deny it, as that would give me the lie; for, according to John, the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy; therefore, if I profess to be a witness or teacher, and have not the spirit of prophecy, which is the testimony of Jesus, I must be a false witness; but if I be a true teacher and witness, I must possess the spirit of prophecy, and that constitutes a prophet; and any man who says he is a teacher or a preacher of righteousness, and denies the spirit of prophecy, is a liar, and the truth is not in him; and by this key false teachers and impostors may be detected.” (TPJS, p. 269.)<br /><br /> What did Joseph Smith say constituted a prophet? Simply that one must have a testimony of, and be a teacher and witness of Jesus Christ; as Joseph Smith said, “... the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy ... if I be a true teacher and witness, I must possess the spirit of prophecy, and that constitutes a prophet.” Thus, a prophet can be someone who has a testimony of Jesus, although he may not hold a position of importance in the Church of God. Yet, when someone has a witness and boldly proclaims it over the pulpit, or in public, he is often criticized by those who would be his friends, even from some who profess faith in Jesus.<br /><br /> While recounting the history of Israel and the many abuses that the holy prophets encountered, Stephen, just before being stoned, gave a rebuke: “Ye stiffnecked and uncircumcised in heart and ears, ye do always resist the Holy Ghost: as your fathers did, so do ye. Which of the prophets have not your fathers persecuted? and they have slain them which showed before of the coming of the Just One; of whom ye have been now the betrayers and murderers.” (Acts 7:51-52.)<br /><br /> On page 198 of his book, <span style="font-style: italic;">Isaiah Decoded</span>: Ascending the Ladder to Heaven, Avraham Gileadi addressed this subject, and wrote: “In his Sermon on the Mount, Jesus warns that we must expect persecutions as we develop spiritually, though one might suppose the opposite would be the case. ... Jesus addresses those who are singled out for mistreatment for being different for God’s sake: ‘blessed are you when people revile you and persecute you and speak all manner of evil against you falsely for my sake.’ Jesus puts such persons on the level of prophets: ‘for in like manner persecuted they the prophets who were before you.’”(Matthew 5:3-12.)<br /><br /> Great calamities await those who persecute the prophets—those who have a testimony of Jesus and witness for His name. Samuel the Lamanite prophesied the destruction of those who persecute the righteous. He said, “... But behold, the time cometh, saith the Lord, that when ye shall cast out the righteous from among you, then shall ye be ripe for destruction ...” (Hel. 13:14.) Amulek warned the unrighteous persecutors in these words: “... if ye will cast out the righteous from among you then will not the Lord stay his hand; but in his fierce anger he will come out against you; then ye shall be smitten by famine, and by pestilence, and by the sword; and the time is soon at hand except ye repent.” (Alma 10:23; see also 3 Ne. 9:10-11.)<br /><br /> Here is what Nephi had to say: “But, behold, the righteous, the saints of the Holy One of Israel, they who have believed in the Holy One of Israel, they who have endured the crosses of the world, and despised the shame of it, they shall inherit the kingdom of God, which was prepared for them from the foundation of the world, and their joy shall be full forever.” (2 Ne. 9:18.)<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;font-size:130%;" >The Pattern</span><br /> The Beatitudes are not just a random sampling of promises or blessings. They present to us a pattern of conversion and discipleship, which can help the true follower of Christ understand what is expected and required of him because of his devotion.<br /><br /> This pattern is simply outlined as follows, and is taken from the verses found in Chapter 5 of the Matthew account: (1) v3—Poor: They feel as common as beggars, even as the dust of the earth, being distressed with the recognition of all of their sins, realizing that they have nothing without Jesus; (2) v4—Mourn: This distress brings sadness, and they grieve with remorse for their sins and the sins of the world that caused Jesus to suffer; (3) v5—Meek: True remorse helps develop mild and humbled hearts, allowing the Spirit to touch them; (4) v6—Hunger and thirst after righteousness: Now humble and teachable, they become famished for that which is just and right, craving to be taught truth and receive light; (5) v7—Merciful: Having received new light and knowledge, their new understanding helps develop compassion, learning to forgive and extend Christlike charity and love; (6 )v8—Pure: Because of the charity and compassionate grace shown toward others, they become clean and sanctified through the atonement and pure love of Christ—they receive grace for grace; (7) v9—Peacemakers: Sanctification brings peace to the soul and a desire to share their new faith with others, helping to establish peace among the children of God through faith in Christ; (8) vs10-11—Persecuted and Reviled: These righteous will most likely be persecuted, cast out, and perhaps martyred for His name’s sake; and (9) v12—Rejoice: The persecuted rejoice for they shall be found faithful as the Prophets, and receive their great reward in Heaven.<br /><br /> Not only does there seem to be a pattern in the presentation of the Beatitudes, but in Christian discipleship as well; for it appears inevitable that he who gives his life to Christ will be persecuted by those who are supposed to be his friends. From the scriptures, it appears that all true followers of Christ will be persecuted in one way or another; for Paul said, “Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution.” (2 Tim. 3:12.) I have heard it said, “You are not totally accepted until you have been totally rejected.” There may be some truth in these words.<br /><br /> Now the Lord doesn’t want us to go out looking for persecution, pretending to be a righteous martyr. Jesus came to bring peace, not contention, but if persecution should rear its ugly head, we embrace it with gladness for Jesus’ name, and rejoice. If persecution arises before us, that is of no consequence to the faithful follower of Christ. Scars received in battle will not count against His disciple, but only add to the glory of both Christ and His people—scars become stars in our crowns of glory.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: justify;"> There seems to be a pattern, and it might be good for all of us to examine how we interact with those that appear strong in the Lord, allowing them freedom of expression and the privilege of worshiping God according to the dictates of their own consciences. The cost of discipleship requires not only one hundred percent commitment, and the opportunity and privilege to be persecuted for the name of Jesus Christ, but it also requires us to be tolerant of the religious beliefs and habits of others, lest we become as the Pharisees.<br /></div></div>Joseph Warren Grammerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05795589798825424327noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2062486484005186955.post-19564774318110288242009-11-02T10:56:00.000-08:002009-11-02T10:59:32.455-08:00<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(51, 153, 153);font-size:180%;" >Doing the Works of Abraham</span><br />by Joseph Warren Grammer<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size:180%;">O</span>ur great patriarchal father, Abraham, is the preeminent example of our Judo-Christian heritage, next to Jesus Christ, Himself. When some of the Jews were contending with Jesus, they claimed Abraham as their father. To this Jesus replied, “...If ye were Abraham's children, ye would do the works of Abraham.” (John 8:39.) And when He was speaking to the Latter-day Saints about receiving the same blessings and inheritance as Abraham, the Lord said, “Go ye, therefore, and do the works of Abraham; enter ye into my law and ye shall be saved. (D&C 132:32.) So, the question is, “What are the works of Abraham”?<br /><br /> Before we get to the real meat of this subject, let’s review a little of chapter one of Abraham. In the first chapter he tells of the wickedness of his father and those in his land as they offered human sacrifices to false Gods. At one time, even Abraham was about to be sacrificed.<br /><br /> 15. And as they lifted up their hands upon me, that they might offer me up and take away my life, behold, I lifted up my voice unto the Lord my God, and the Lord hearkened and heard, and he filled me with the vision of the Almighty, and the angel of his presence stood by me, and immediately unloosed my bands;<br /> 16. And his voice was unto me: Abraham, Abraham, behold, my name is Jehovah, and I have heard thee, and have come down to deliver thee, and to take thee away from thy father's house, and from all thy kinsfolk, into a strange land which thou knowest not of;... (Abr. 1:15-16.)<br /><br /> In the second chapter, Abraham tell that the Lord appeared unto him (v. 6), that the Lord’s name is Jehovah and that Abraham was know by Him from the beginning (v. 8), that Abraham shall become a great nation, he shall be blessed above measure, from his seed bear the ministry and Priesthood unto all nations (v. 9), as many as will receive the gospel shall be called after the name of Abraham and counted as his seed, and they shall rise up and bless the name of Abraham (v. 10). The Lord goes on to say that he will bless those that bless Abraham and curse them that curse him, that the Priesthood shall continue through the literal seed of Abraham, and that it shall be a blessing to all the families of the earth unto salvation and life eternal (v. 11).<br /><br /> After Abraham received these promises from the Lord, the Lord withdraws from speaking to him, and withdraws “his face” from Abraham . And then Abraham continued: “I said in my heart: Thy servant has sought thee earnestly; now I have found thee;...” (v. 12) “Thou didst send thine angel to deliver me from the gods of Elkenah, and I will do well to hearken unto thy voice, therefore let thy servant rise up and depart in peace” (v. 13).<br /><br /> There is some confusion in the mind of many when reading verse 15 and 16 of chapter one. The impression is that the angel of his presence, mentioned in verse 15, is the same one speaking to Abraham in verse 16. Remember, Abraham was first filled with the vision of the Almighty, who apparently sent the angel of His presence to save Abraham. Look again at verse 13 of the second chapter where Abraham said, “Thou didst send thine angel to deliver me...”<br /><br /> From the forgoing, we find that Abraham was filled with the “vision of the Almighty,” the Lord “appeared” unto him, and the Lord’s “face” was before Abraham. What did Abraham do that the Lord blessed him so, and even appeared before him? To get that answer we need to go back to the first four verses of chapter one.<br /><br /> Closely examine the first four verses of that Chapter with the spirit of discernment, and the spirit of personal revelation. In them you just might find the keys to the gospel of salvation.<br /><br /> 1. In the land of the Chaldeans, at the residence of my fathers, I, Abraham, saw that it was needful for me to obtain another place of residence;<br /> 2. And, finding there was greater happiness and peace and rest for me, I sought for the blessings of the fathers, and the right whereunto I should be ordained to administer the same; having been myself a follower of righteousness, desiring also to be one who possessed great knowledge, and to be a greater follower of righteousness, and to possess a greater knowledge, and to be a father of many nations, a prince of peace, and desiring to receive instructions, and to keep the commandments of God, I became a rightful heir, a High Priest, holding the right belonging to the fathers.<br /> 3. It was conferred upon me from the fathers; it came down from the fathers, from the beginning of time, yea, even from the beginning, or before the foundation of the earth, down to the present time, even the right of the firstborn, or the first man, who is Adam, or first father, through the fathers unto me.<br /> 4. I sought for mine appointment unto the Priesthood according to the appointment of God unto the fathers concerning the seed. (Abraham 1:1-4.)<br /><br /> As I usually do, I started to italicize the important parts of the scripture just presented. However, having found that I had highlighted all except a few words, I decided to just leave it alone for ease of reading. Even though I just presented these verses as a unit, I will now present them with commentary.() To help us study and understand these verses a little better, I will present a verse, or part of a verse, followed by a commentary to that verse, or part of verse.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;font-size:130%;" >Abraham 1:1-4 with Commentary</span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">ABRAHAM, Verse 1:</span><br />1: In the land of the Chaldeans, at the residence of my fathers, I, Abraham, saw that it was needful for me to obtain another place of residence;<br /><br />COMMENTARY, Verse 1:<br />1: Chaldea was the same as Babylon in ancient times. Abraham wanted to get out of Babylon. “Flee out of the midst of Babylon” (Jer. 51:6); “Go ye out from Babylon” (D&C 133:5, 7); “Come out of her, my people, that ye be not partakers of her sins” (Rev. 18:4). To get out of Babylon is not a new commandment. Abraham was not fleeing for his life, for he stayed around Chaldea for a while as a close reading of his words clearly points out. Abraham was following a command to get out of Babylon.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">ABRAHAM, Verse 2(a):</span><br />2(a): And, finding there was greater happiness and peace and rest for me,<br /><br />COMMENTARY, Verse 2(a):<br />2(a): Abraham sought for the blessings of the fathers because he knew there was greater happiness, peace and rest in being righteous. The “rest” of the Lord is being in His presence (D&C 84:23-24).<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">ABRAHAM, Verse 2(b):</span><br />2(b): I sought for the blessings of the fathers, and the right whereunto I should be ordained to administer the same;<br /><br />COMMENTARY, Verse 2(b):<br />2(b): He also sought to be ordained to the blessings of the fathers, and administer the same to others. The blessings of the fathers is the blessing of entering into the Church of the Firstborn, which is the fulness of the gospel. Now, who will bring the righteous into the Church of the Firstborn? It will be the 144,000 high priests (D&C 77:11). So Abraham wanted to do what the 144,000 high priests will be eventually doing.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">ABRAHAM, Verse 2(c):</span><br />2(c): having been myself a follower of righteousness, desiring also to be one who possessed great knowledge, and to be a greater follower of righteousness, and to possess a greater knowledge,<br /><br />COMMENTARY, Verse 2(c):<br />2(c): Not only was Abraham a follower of righteousness, but he wanted to be even a “greater” follower of righteousness through sanctification. Not only did He seek to possess great knowledge, as very few in this telestial world do, but he sought to possess even a “greater” and more personal knowledge of God, as does those who enter into the rest of the Lord, behold His face, and receive the fulness of the Father’s Glory.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">ABRAHAM, Verse 2(d):</span><br />2(d): and to be a father of many nations, a prince of peace,<br /><br />COMMENTARY, Verse 2(d):<br />2(d): Abraham sought to receive the same promise that Adam and Noah received, that of being the father of many nations. He also desired the title of “Prince of Peace,” which Melchizedek and Jesus the Christ received (Isa. 9:6; Alma 13:18; JST Gen. 14:33).<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">ABRAHAM, Verse 2(e):</span><br />2(e): and desiring to receive instructions, and to keep the commandments of God,<br /><br />COMMENTARY, Verse 2(e):<br />2(e): Abraham sought to personally receive instruction from God and His messengers; that is, the further light and knowledge promised by the father. And he sought to obey all of God laws.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">ABRAHAM, Verse 2(f):</span><br />2(f): I became a rightful heir, a High Priest,<br /><br />COMMENTARY, Verse 2(f):<br />2(f): Abraham became a rightful heir to all that the Father has (D&C 84:38-39), and a High Priest unto the Most High God.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">ABRAHAM, Verse 2(g):</span><br />2(g): holding the right belonging to the fathers.<br /><br />COMMENTARY, Verse 2(g):<br />2(g): Abraham received the right which belonged to the fathers, that of the right of the Church of the First Born, to enter into the rest of the Lord, and administer the ordinances thereof.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">ABRAHAM, Verse 3(a):</span><br />3(a): It was conferred upon me from the fathers; it came down from the fathers, from the beginning of time, yea, even from the beginning, or before the foundation of the earth, down to the present time,<br /><br />COMMENTARY, Verse 3(a):<br />3(a): Abraham realized where his line of Priesthood authority originated. It originated in the counsel in heaven (Abr. 3:22-24). He also new his Priesthood lineage back through the line of righteous men, back to Adam.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">ABRAHAM, Verse 3(b):</span><br />3(b): even the right of the firstborn, or the first man, who is Adam, or first father, through the fathers unto me.<br /><br />COMMENTARY, Verse 3(b):<br />3(b): Abraham received the right of the Firstborn. The First Born is a title; it is a godly title, and Abraham received the right to that title by way of his righteousness. He could, therefore, speak for the Father in the absence of the Father. For the serious and knowing student, this part of verse three has other doctrinal implication which is not the purpose of this study.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">ABRAHAM, Verse 4:</span><br />4: I sought for mine appointment unto the Priesthood according to the appointment of God unto the fathers concerning the seed.<br /><br />COMMENTARY, Verse 4:<br />4: Abraham proved himself worthy of the right of the Firstborn and was personally appointed to that order of the Priesthood by God. He also received the promised blessing of the fathers concerning the continuation of seed, and he entered into that covenant and obeyed the law pertaining to that blessing.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;font-size:130%;" >Points of Review</span><br /> Let’s now review some of the important points of that which we have just studied. As we do, we will be able to learn what the works — at least some of the works — of Abraham were; those works which placed him in a position to be filled with the vision of the Almighty, have the Lord appear to him and behold His face. The points under consideration are outlined as followed.<br /><br />1. Abraham fled Babylon under command of he Lord, desiring not to partake of her sins.<br />2. He sought to inter into the rest of the Lord and partake of His fulness, which is seeing the face of the Lord, and inter into the presence of the Father.<br />3. He sought to do the work of the fathers before him, that is to bring the righteous to the Church of the First Born — to do the same work as the 144,000 High Priests will be doing shortly.<br />4. He not only desired great knowledge, but he sought to possess the greatest knowledge, that of a more personal and intimate knowing of God<br />5. He not only desired great righteousness by keeping a few commandments, but he also sought greater righteousness my way of faithfully keeping covenants, thereby becoming sanctified — that of being clean enough to enter into God’s rest and behold His face.<br />6. He sought to receive the same promises and blessings as did Adam and Noah, that of being the father of many nations.<br />7. He sought to be endowed with the title of “Prince of Peace,” as Melchizedek and Jesus the Christ received.<br />8. He sought further light and knowledge, not only from the Spirt and from angels, but from the Lord Himself.<br />9. He keep all the commandments of God.<br />10. He became a rightful heir to all that the Father has.<br />11. He became a High Priest unto the Most High God.<br />12. He received the right which belonged to the fathers, that of the right as a member of the Church of the First Born.<br />13. He administer the ordinances pertaining to the Church of the Firstborn, as the 144.000 will do.<br />14. He received the godly title of “Firstborn,” being personally appointed to that order of the Priesthood by God.<br />15. He enter into the rest of the Lord by entering into His presence.<br />16. He knew from where his Priesthood authority originated — in the counsel in heaven — and he also new his Priesthood lineage back to Adam.<br />17. And Abraham also received the blessing of the fathers concerning the continuation of seed, and entered into that covenant and obey that law.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;font-size:130%;" >In Closing</span><br /> These are the works of Abraham. The works of Abraham are not that of only Celestial Plural Marriage, as some would suppose by their reading D&C 132. The verse in question in that section reads: “Go ye, therefore, and do the works of Abraham; enter ye into my law and ye shall be saved.” (v. 32.) Celestial Plural Marriage is only one of the many laws of God, and it is only one of the works of Abraham. We are commanded to do the “works” of Abraham, not the “work” of Abraham. If we keep only one of the works, and not all of them, little is realized.<br /><br /> Some become lopsided in their enthusiasm to practice the principle of plural marriage without keeping the other laws. And not only are they most likely practicing plural marriage without doing the other works of Abraham, but they are also, as modern polygamist have generally demonstrated, practicing it inappropriately and without divine priesthood appointment.<br /><br /> The Pharisees claimed to be of Abraham, but Jesus said to them, “If ye were Abraham’s children, ye would do the works of Abraham.” (John 8:39.) Jesus condemned the Pharisees as not being of Abraham because of their wickedness, saying that they “are of [their] father the devil.” The Savior was not speaking of plural wives at this time, he was referring to being righteous, as Abraham was righteous in all of his desires and works.<br /><br /> There is a another key to why Abraham received such blessings, and it is found in verse twelve of the second chapter of Abraham. Here Abraham said in his heart to the Lord, “Thy servant has sought thee earnestly; now I have found thee....” (Abr. 2:12.)<br /><br /> All that Abraham desired and sought after was done “earnestly.” He was earnest about what he was concerned about. Some synonyms for earnestly are: seriously, soberly, sincerely, determined, intent, eager, and resolute. Now, how serious and eager, determined and resolute is the reader in obtaining those same blessings?<br /></div>Joseph Warren Grammerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05795589798825424327noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2062486484005186955.post-39725001664864641682009-11-02T10:28:00.000-08:002009-11-02T10:52:37.224-08:00<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(0, 153, 0);font-size:180%;" >The Cost of Discipleship</span><br />by Joseph Warren Grammer<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size:180%;">J</span>esus Christ is our Savior, and part of our hope is the belief that He understands our problems and will be with us at all times. Jesus had all the frailties that we mortals have, but He conquered them. He was tempted, not just in some things, but, in all things. However, He did not yield to those temptations as we do. (Heb. 4:15.) He knows what temptation is, and He understands our problems. Jesus says to us, “Yes, I will forgive you and make you clean. Yes, I will heal you and make you whole. Yes, come unto me and I will bear your burdens. Yes, my yoke is easy.” Because of His grace, there is no heart so hard that He cannot soften it and no life so low He cannot lift it.<br /><br /> Jesus was left alone on the cross to finish His work, but we are not left alone. Many of the burdens we carry are various yokes placed upon us by differing people and establishments—businesses, schools, churches, governments, and so on. Feeling enslaved, and yearning to be free, we take these burdens upon ourselves, trying to carry them alone. But we don’t have to carry our burdens alone. Our hope comes when we allow Jesus to carry them for us. He wants us to seek Him and ask for relief. He wants us to trust Him.<br /><br /> As we contemplate His willing agony in the garden and sacrifice on the cross for the sins of mankind, we find the definitive example in devotion to the Father’s will. The love that Jesus bore for all of humanity knew no bounds. With Him there was no thought of quitting or turning back from the bitter affliction He knew He would have to suffer. Obedience to His Father’s plan, and the salvation for His Father’s children, were His only concerns and only desires. His compassion, because of the frailties of mankind, was without parallel. In like manner, we are commanded to follow Him. We are to follow His example, follow His willingness to sacrifice for the good of all mankind, and endure to the end as He endured for the sake of all.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;font-size:130%;" >Persecution Is A Cost</span><br /> In previous chapters we touched on the issue of disciples being persecuted in the name of Jesus Christ. In praying to the Father, Jesus said, “I have given them thy word; and the world hath hated them, because they are not of the world, even as I am not of the world.” (John 17:14.) When one becomes spiritually changed into a new spiritual creature, the natural man will not be able to understand it and the natural man will begin the process of persecution. Paul said, “But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned.” (1 Cor. 2:14.) And to the Galatians he said, “But as then he that was born after the flesh persecuted him that was born after the Spirit, even so it is now.” (Gal. 4:29.) Such persecution is real, and it is one of the costs of true Christian discipleship.<br /><br /> For the true disciple, persecution can come from those who do mighty works in His Church and in His name. Jesus addressed this very issue during His Sermon on the Mount: “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.)<br /><br /> The persecuted must remember and understand the Savior’s message when He said, “... Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you.” (Matt. 5:44) Judgment is not ours, but God’s. Speaking to ancient Israel, Moses wrote, “And the Lord thy God will put all these curses upon thine enemies, and on them that hate thee, which persecuted thee.” (Deut. 30:7.) In another place the Lord said it this way: “Leave judgment alone with me, for it is mine and I will repay. Peace be with you; my blessings continue with you.” (D&C 82:23.) And Moroni declared, “Behold what the scripture says—man shall not smite, neither shall he judge; for judgment is mine, saith the Lord, and vengeance is mine also, and I will repay.” (Morm. 8:20.)<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;font-size:130%;" >Gratitude for Suffering</span><br /> Isaiah spoke comforting words from the Lord to those oppressed for His name’s sake: “Hear the word of the LORD, ye that tremble at his word; Your brethren that hated you, that cast you out for my name’s sake, said, Let the Lord be glorified: but he shall appear to your joy, and they shall be ashamed.” (Isa. 66:5.) The Savior taught, “Rejoice, and Be Exceeding Glad: for Great Is Your Reward in Heaven: for So Persecuted They the Prophets Which Were Before You.” (Matt. 5:12; Luke 6:23; 3 Ne. 12:12.)<br /><br /> Are any disciples of Christ better than Joseph who was sold into Egypt, Stephen who was stoned to death, Peter, Paul, Abinadi, or the Savior Himself? Though it may be difficult for many to rejoice and be glad in such abuse, yet we must have the faith that Paul displayed when he wrote to the Corinthians: “... I am exceeding joyful in all our tribulations.” (1 Cor. 6:4.) From the Apostle Peter we also get these words of encouragement:<br /><br /> “And who is he that will harm you, if ye be followers of that which is good? But and if ye suffer for righteousness’ sake, happy are ye: and be not afraid of their terror, neither be troubled; But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear: Having a good conscience; that, whereas they speak evil of you, as of evildoers, they may be ashamed that falsely accuse your good conversation in Christ. For it is better, if the will of God be so, that ye suffer for well doing, than for evil doing.” (1 Pet. 3:13-17.)<br /><br />Speaking of the trials the early saints endured in Missouri, the Prophet Joseph Smith said:<br /><br /> “The trials they have had to pass through, shall work together for their good, and prepare them for the society of those, who have come up out of great tribulation; and have washed their robes, and made them white in the blood of the Lamb. Marvel not then if you are persecuted, but remember the words of the Savior, ‘The servant is not above his Lord, if they have persecuted me, they will persecute you also’ and that all the afflictions through which the saints have to pass, are in fulfillment of the words of the prophets, which have spoken since the world began. We shall therefore do well to discern the signs of the times, as we pass along, that the day of the Lord may not ‘overtake us as a thief in the night.’ Afflictions, persecutions, imprisonments and deaths, we must expect according to the scriptures, which tell us, that the blood of those whose souls were under the altar, could not be avenged on them that dwell on the earth, until their brethren should be slain, as they were.” (<span style="font-style: italic;">Times and Seasons</span>, Vol.1, p. 8-9.)<br /><br /> Many, it appears, often forget, or fail to acknowledge, all of God’s handiwork. The Children of Israel often sinned against their God. Because of this He withdrew His blessings from them, only to have them return again when great tribulation came upon them. Do we not also have those same traits of turning against our God, forgetting His gracious gifts and commandments, only to plead for His favor again, and again, when life becomes too unbearable?<br /><br /> After Zacharias was struck dumb, and then healed from his affliction, did he say, “Boy, I’m glad that’s over”? No, he didn’t. Luke records, “... his mouth was opened immediately, and his tongue loosed, and he spake, and praised God.” (Luke 1:64.) Most of us are not cursed like Zacharias, but do we use our tongues to praise God?<br /><br /> We believe in God, but do we really believe that He’s in charge and controlling everything—every little detail? We need the faith that He works out everything that happens for good. “And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God ...” (Rom. 8:28.)<br /><br /> God is not off on some other more important business. He’s here, now. He’s concerned with us, and is in charge of every little thing that happens in our daily lives. That doesn’t mean that we will not experience pain or suffer in one way or another. He knows that too, but His wisdom allows us to suffer that we might glorify God in that suffering. Our pain is given to bless us with the lessons of patience, tolerance, and an increased understanding of what our Savior has done for us. If we do not learn this through our suffering, perhaps, then, we have suffered in vain.<br /><br /> We are to rejoice in songs of praise as Paul and Silas did after they were thrust into prison and had their feet locked in stocks. (Acts 16:19-27.) In a book by Kenneth E. Hagin, the author discusses this subject of worshiping through praise during times of adversity. In so doing he discusses, in his own unique way, the imprisonment of Paul and his companion Silas:<br /><br /> “A Bible example of this is found in the 16th chapter of Acts. Paul and Silas were arrested in Philippi, where they had gone to preach the Gospel. They were beaten with many stripes and cast into prison. The jailer was charged to keep them safely, ‘Who, having received such a charge, thrust them into the inner prison, and made their feet fast in the stock.’<br /> “Notice particularly the 25th verse, ‘And at midnight Paul and Silas prayed, and sang praises unto God: and the prisoners heard them.’<br /> “They certainly couldn’t have been singing some of the songs we sing, because many of our songs don’t praise God. Too often our songs are more of a complaint than a praise ... If we do sing anything about heaven, it’s about when we all get there. That still doesn’t give God any praise.<br /> “But Paul and Silas sang praises to God. Notice, too, the prisoners heard them. They weren’t quiet about this!<br /> “If Paul and Silas had been like a lot of people today, instead of praying and singing praises at midnight, they would’ve been griping and complaining. And the Scripture might have read something like this: About midnight Paul and Silas griped and complained and Silas nudged Paul and said, ‘Paul, are you still there?’<br /> “It’s very dark, so Paul says, ‘Where else could I be?’<br /> “Silas would have said, ‘You know, Paul, you really missed God, didn’t you?’<br /> “While Paul is trying to figure out where he missed it, Silas says, ‘I’ll tell you one thing, when I was serving the devil, I never got thrown in jail. I don’t know why God let this happen to us. Why, if I ever get out of here—and I doubt I will—I’ll be ashamed to go home, because they’ll call me an old jailbird. I tell you, Paul, I got hooked up with the wrong fellow—that’s all there is to it.’<br /> “‘Yeah—we missed it somewhere,’ Paul says. ‘And I tell you, my poor back is really hurting me bad. You know, I really thought God was speaking to me in that vision, but if God were in it, we’d have been a success.’<br /> “Paul and Silas really were in trouble, weren’t they? They were thrust into the inner prison. They had been whipped with many stripes until their backs were bleeding. Their feet were in stocks. I’m sure they were in great physical pain.<br /> “It was a dark hour for them, but although Paul and Silas were in jail, they didn’t let the jail get in them. That’s the reason a lot of people are defeated.” (<span style="font-style: italic;">Praying To Get Results</span>, pp. 9-11.)<br /><br /> That’s an interesting scenario Kenneth Hagin came up with concerning Paul and Silas. Those two disciples were faced with choices to make, whether to praise God or complain. Many overlook blessings that come from the challenges of choice. Indeed, it can be a challenge during moments of adversity to find the faith and courage to thank God for His goodness, even when we recognize His divine will in that adversity. Jesus said to Peter that in His death God would be glorified. (John 21:19.) If we are called to suffer or die for the sake of Jesus, do we have the faith to believe that God would be glorified in that thing? Could we be thankful and praise Him? The Apostle Peter said, “Yet if any man suffer as a Christian, let him not be ashamed; but let him glorify God on this behalf.” (1 Pet. 4:16.)<br /><br /> In his book, Prison to Praise, Merlin Carothers has the following insights to share: “The very act of praise releases the power of God into a set of circumstances and enables God to change them if this is His design. Very often it is our attitudes that hinder the solution of a problem. God is sovereign and could certainly cut across our wrong thought patterns and attitudes, but His perfect plan is to bring each of us into fellowship and communion with Him, and so He allows circumstances and incidents which will bring our wrong attitudes to our attention.” (<span style="font-style: italic;">Prison to Praise</span>, pp. 91-92.) In another one of his books Carothers wrote,<br /><br /> “Many ... were astounded to learn what can happen when one does what the Bible commands in Ephesians 5:20, ... praising and thanking God for the very situation which is causing so much grief or bitterness or despair. It seems impossible that this act of blind, grit-your-teeth-and-do-it obedience could be responsible for miracles, but the act of praising does two things simultaneously: it softens the heart, and it enables the divine machinery to be set into motion in our behalf, machinery that is awesomely powerful, just waiting for the deep change of heart true praise invariably produces.” (<span style="font-style: italic;">Walking & Leaping</span>, pp. 12-13.)<br /><br /> In all of our trials we are to glorify and praise God. Not only are we to thank Him for the suffering we endure to glorify Him, but we are to praise and thank Him in advance for the salvation that is coming. From the Bible we read, “I will call upon the Lord, who is worthy to be praised: so shall I be saved from mine enemies.” (Ps. 18:3; 2 Sam. 22:4.) Though we may have been suffering, salvation is already complete. It’s already a “done deal,” so to speak, but it just hasn’t been manifested. The Lord hasn’t promised to change conditions, but He has promised greater peace when we learn to believe that He is actually master of all things.<br /><br /> In his book, Isaiah Decoded: Ascending the Ladder to Heaven, Avraham Gileadi, wrote: “Typically, God reveals himself to his sons/servants after he tries their trust in him during the course of such tribulation.... Isaiah answers the ‘suffering’ and ‘humiliation’ of God’s sons/servants with promises of ‘salvation’ and ‘exaltation’: ‘Because their shame was twofold, and shouted insults were their lot, therefore in their land will their inheritance be twofold and everlasting joy be theirs.’ (Isaiah 61:7.) After their humbling, God will ‘endow those who mourn in Zion, bestowing upon them a priestly headpiece in place of ashes, the festal anointing in place of mourning, a resplendent robe in place of a downcast spirit.’ (Isaiah 61:3.) When the full weight of God’s judgments comes on the wicked, God will ‘charge [his] holy ones’ and ‘call out [his] valiant ones’ and reverse their adverse circumstances. (Isaiah 13:3.)” (<span style="font-style: italic;">Isaiah Decoded</span>, pp. 199, 200.)<br /><br /> The truly meek and lowly of heart recognize their dependency upon God in all things. They acknowledge His hand in all of His gracious giving by expressing gratitude, extolling His virtues, and praising His wonderful name. We are to praise God FOR all of our situations. We don’t praise Him in spite of them.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;font-size:130%;" >Beware of Mediocrity</span><br /> Not long ago, someone was asked, “Why don’t you keep your thinking in the mainstream, like most everyone else, like the average person?” Now let’s consider that kind of attitude for a moment.<br /><br /> To be average is to be just as close to the bottom as it is to the top—just as close to hell as heaven. We should not forget that the average—the mainstream—did not board the Ark with Noah and his family. Latter-day Saints know that it was not the majority or the average that entered into the promised land. Only Jared and his people were spared the confounding of tongues of Babylon. Only Lehi and his family survived the destruction and captivity of Jerusalem. And it was only Moroni and a handful who escaped the wrath of the Lamanites at the end of the Nephite era. None of these were of the majority, nor average.<br /><br /> To be in the mainstream, in the middle of the road with every one else, is average. It is mediocrity at its best. It requires a mediocre mind and a mediocre spirit. Jesus was not mediocre, neither was the Apostle Paul, Nephi of Old, Abinadi, Captain Moroni, Samuel the Lamanite, Joseph Smith, nor any of our Lord’s faithful disciples. The cost of discipleship is to rise above mediocrity, becoming truly a peculiar people.<br /><br /> The Lord was very clear on this matter when He said, “Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat: Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it.”(Matt. 7:13-14.) Derek Sharpe wrote: “This scripture does not give much hope to the majority. As a matter of fact, it does not give ANY hope to the majority. The Bible clearly and plainly teaches that a few, that means the minority, will be those who receive eternal life. Then why do we follow the majority so much?” (<span style="font-style: italic;">The Refreshing Times</span>, Sept., 2001, p. 14.)<br /><br /> Take a look at Olympic athletes, are they average or mediocre? Not by a long shot. They are far above mediocrity, and the world gives them great honor. But when we try and rise above mediocrity in Christ, the world ridicules, scoffs, and taunts with accusing and pointing finger, saying: “You’re out of step with reality, get in line with the rest of the world.” Those who receive the baptism of Fire, and are born again, will not be your mediocre or average Church member or Christian. They will be different. And as such, they will be seldom understood by those of the world, if understood at all, for those of the new birth are not of the world.<br /><br /> Being in the mediocre mainstream of a cause shows the most blatant form of permissiveness and cowardliness. Mediocrity and neutrality do no good except allowing the wicked more freedom to continue their wickedness. It allows the oppressor the freedom to take away everyone else’s liberty. It allows falsehoods to be perpetuated on a safe road. Such is Satan’s great deception, for he would have us all mediocre.<br /><br /> God apparently does not like the middle of the roaders, for he would have us take a stand for something, be it right or wrong. I am certain of one thing, there will be no mediocre spirits, no neutralists, no middle of the roaders, and no average intelligences in the Celestial Kingdom of God. Those who inherit that kingdom will have a backbone. The Lord said, “... I would thou were cold or hot. So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spew thee out of my mouth.” (Rev. 3:15-16.)<br /><br /> In Section 76 we find a comparison between those who inherit the Terrestrial Kingdom and those who inherit the Celestial Kingdom. It states that they receive not a fulness of the Father but the presence of the Son, through the administration of the celestial order (vv. 77, 87), and that their physical bodies are of a terrestrial order and not that of a celestial (v. 78;1 Cor. 15:35-42).<br /><br /> Who are the heirs of the terrestrial glory? They are those who died without law; those spirits kept in prison to whom Jesus preached; those who did not receive a testimony of Jesus while in the flesh (although they had a chance), but afterwards received that testimony; the honorable people of the earth who were blinded by the craftiness of men; those who received of the Glory of Christ, but not a fulness of His glory (perhaps due to selfishness, slothfulness, pride, etc.); and those who, having a testimony of Jesus, but were not valiant in that testimony (D&C 76:72-79).<br /><br /> I believe that very few people have seriously considered what these verses really mean. To me, many appear to take too much for granted. Some of the things that I feel are taken for granted are that if we are baptized by someone with authority, and confirmed members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, we are better off than the rest of the world; that we are pretty much assured a place in the celestial kingdom after we take out our endowments; that if we are married and sealed in the temple we are assured exaltation in that kingdom; and that if we just attend to our church duties, live the word of wisdom, pay our tithes, and keep our noses clean and stay in the mainstream, all will be well.<br /><br /> We must remember the parable of the ten virgins. The use of the term “virgins” means that the followers of Christ were all good saints. However, five were not valiant in their testimony of Christ, as D&C 76:79 points out. They were mediocre or mainstream.<br /><br /> The Prophet Joseph once censured those who depended upon him instead of gathering their own spiritual light. Those who depended upon the light of their ecclesiastical leaders often became jealous of others who seemed to have a stronger spiritual endowment. He called this envious persecution, “shafts of envy.” The Prophet said, “if the people departed from the Lord, they must fall—that they were depending on the Prophet, hence were darkened in their minds, in consequence of neglecting the duties devolving upon themselves, envious towards the innocent, while they afflict the virtuous with their shafts of envy.” (TPJS, pp. 237-38.) Often the pride of some ecclesiastical leaders questions the spirituality of those under their authority with such feelings as: “Why should they have such spiritual endowments and not me. Am I not their leader and deserving of the same or better spiritual gifts?” However, the way others may view our spiritual endowment is of no consequence, only God is the Judge and giver of eternal life.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;font-size:130%;" >The Daily Cost</span><br /> As stated earlier, Jesus did not say only to confess His name. He plainly taught, “If ye love me, keep my commandments.” (John 14:15.) The two greatest commandments are: “Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself.” (Matt. 22:35-39.) The words, “like unto it,” means: the same. The second of the two greatest commandments is the same, or as important, as the first; for Jesus also said, “Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me.” (Matt. 25:35-40.)<br /><br /> You cannot worship, praise, and serve God without serving your neighbor. It cannot be done. Our neighbor consists of everyone, regardless of race, economic status, or church affiliation. We can devote all of our time to a church and church callings, but that is serving a church, it is not necessarily loving our neighbor as ourselves; nor is it necessarily serving God. Service in a church can often be selfishly motivated.<br /><br /> King Benjamin said, “... when ye are in the service of your fellow beings ye are only in the service of your god.” He further stated, “I say unto you, my brethren, that if you should render all the thanks and praise ... to that God who has created you,... I say, if ye should serve him with all your whole souls yet ye would be unprofitable servants.” (Mosiah 2:17, 20-21) Trying to keep only one of the two commandments, without keeping the second, is futile. Neglecting one of the two, at the expense of the other, makes them both incomplete. They are both to be considered as one, and staying in Babylon prevents us from keeping these two commandments.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;font-size:130%;" >Coming Out of Babylon</span><br /> “... Go ye out of Babylon; gather ye out from among the nations.” (D&C 133:7.) And anciently He said, “... come out of her, my people, that ye be not partakers of her sins, and that ye receive not of her plagues.” (Rev. 18:4.) We have previously read these scriptures, but what does it mean to come out of Babylon? What IS Babylon, anyway? Babylon was the epitome of wickedness, in every sense of the word. The people were rebellious to the only true and living God. We know Babylon as the place where the people tried to build a tower to reach heaven. They tried to get there themselves—their way instead of God’s way. They were morally depraved, and it was from old Babylon that many of our modern business practices came: the creation and use of money as a means of exchange instead of real goods; the loaning money on usury, or interest, a thing the early Christians were forbidden to do on pain of excommunication and loss of property. Babylon was a place where one person took unfair advantage of another.<br /><br /> Coming out of Babylon means to: put God first before any other interest, not seek the praise of the world, and to truly keep the Sabbath day holy; it means stop seeking inequality between ourselves and our neighbor, coveting his goods, bearing false witness and lying against him, and start treating him as we treat ourselves and want to be treated; it means to forgive others in every respect, including the forgiving of debts (Keeping someone in debt is keeping them in bondage, which is slavery); it means to be of one mind and heart, instead of desiring to be different, higher, or better; and it means not upholding secret combinations, or supporting those who do uphold secret combinations, which combinations are designed to get gain and power through theft, murder, and enslavement (see Ether 8).<br /><br /> Coming out of Babylon: is not walking in the pride of our hearts or promoting envying and strifes; it is not persecuting or looking for iniquity in others; it is not loving money, our substance, and our fine apparel; it is not adorning our homes and our churches more than we love the needy, the sick and the afflicted; it is not being a hypocrite, nor polluting the holy Church of God; and it is not being ashamed to take upon us the name of Christ (see Morm. 8:34-41).<br /><br /> Ancient Israel was in bondage to Egypt, and although they were physically in bondage, they were still expected to keep God’s statutes. When Jerusalem was destroyed by Nebuchadnezzar and the people taken into slavery, the Jews were still required to live the laws of God—Daniel being one such example. Although we now live in a world that has us enslaved and controlled in many ways, yet we are also expected to live God’s laws and keep His commandments. Although we are in the world, we do not have to be OF the world. It may be difficult to come out of Babylon physically or temporally, but as we keep the statutes of God there are things we can do to spiritually come out of Babylon.<br /><br /> One thing we can do is, practice only that which is compatible with the Holy Spirit. When we go places, participate in activities, associate with certain types of personalities, and have unsavory thought patterns that are not conducive to the Spirit and God’s presence, His Spirit may withdraw from us. We should consider that Jesus is with us at all times—for in reality He is—and conduct ourselves accordingly.<br /><br /> Along this line, there is a wonderful book that I highly recommend reading entitled, In His Steps, by Charles M. Sheldon, published by Zondervan Books. There have been well over thirty-million copies sold, and it has been published in almost as many languages as the Holy Bible. The book tells the story of a group of people who pledged to follow Jesus, “in His steps,” for a complete year, asking themselves everyday, before each action, “What would Jesus do?” Could we not also choose to do the same?<br /><br /> Another thing we can do is keep only those things that are essential to our spiritual and temporal growth and needs, and eliminate from our lives those things that are not conducive to the Spirit and God’s presence. Exclude those things from our lives that tend to glorify us or another in pride and boasting, but include those things that bring glory, honor, and praise to the Lord. The Sixth Lecture on Faith sheds some light on this subject. From it we learn that a person must have a knowledge that:<br /><br /> “. ... the course of life which they pursue is according to the will of God, in order that they may be enabled to exercise faith in him unto life and salvation. ...” (<span style="font-style: italic;">Lectures on Faith,</span> 6:1.)<br /> “An actual knowledge to any person, that the course of life which he pursues is according to the will of God, is essentially necessary to enable him to have that confidence in God without which no person can obtain eternal life.” (<span style="font-style: italic;">Lectures on Faith,</span> 6:2.)<br /> “... and it is through the medium of the sacrifice of all earthly things that men do actually know that they are doing the things that are well pleasing in the sight of God. When a man has offered in sacrifice all that he has for the truth’s sake, not even withholding his life, and believing before God that he has been called to make this sacrifice because he seeks to do his will, he does know, most assuredly, that God does and will accept his sacrifice and offering, and that he has not, nor will not seek his face in vain. Under these circumstances, then, he can obtain the faith necessary for him to lay hold on eternal life.” (<span style="font-style: italic;">Lectures on Faith</span>, 6:7.)<br /> “It is in vain for persons to fancy to themselves that they are heirs with those, or can be heirs with them, who have offered their all in sacrifice, and by this means obtain faith in God and favor with him so as to obtain eternal life, unless they, in like manner, offer unto him the same sacrifice, and through that offering obtain the knowledge that they are accepted of him.” (<span style="font-style: italic;">Lectures on Faith</span>, 6:8.)<br /> “And in the last days, before the Lord comes, He is to gather together His saints who have made a covenant with him by sacrifice.” (<span style="font-style: italic;">Lectures on Faith</span>, 6:9.)<br /><br /> In considering these things, I realize that it is no easy matter; for the world has great influence, and we have been conditioned to bend in that direction and partake of Babylon’s enticements. We are a conditioned people. However, that downward Babylonian cycle needs to be broken if we ever expect to obtain celestial glory.<br /><br /> Real Christ-like discipleship is not attending a church meeting once a week, listening to someone preach a sermon, stuffing a little money into a tithing envelope or dropping a few coins in the offering plate, reading the scriptures now and again, teaching Sunday school, singing in the choir, serving on a foreign mission, or even going to the temple. To be a true follower of Christ, in the full sense of its meaning, is a twenty-four hour a day, 365-day a year commitment. Anything less than this is not true Christianity. It is only perfunctory church going and lip service. In the eternal scheme of things, if we do not come out of Babylon, and if what we do does not glorify God or bless our neighbors as ourselves, it makes little difference what we do.<br /><br /> Because we are IN the world, and try not to be OF the world, there will be great persecutions from those weak and timid souls who bow and submit to every unrighteousness along the way. Coming out of Babylon is probably the toughest cost of discipleship. But the Lord did not say “try,” He said DO it. There is hope, however, for Jesus said, “... In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33.)<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;font-size:130%;" >The Time Is Now</span><br /> The cost of discipleship is something many of us do not consider as we contemplate devoting our lives to Christ. In following our Master, we need to count that high cost. When “a certain scribe came, and said unto him, Master, I will follow thee whithersoever thou goest,” we must understand the Savior’s answer when He said, “... The foxes have holes, and the birds of the air have nests; but the Son of man hath not where to lay his head.” (Matt. 8:19-20.) He was trying to tell the scribe that life would not be easy if he chose to follow Him. Commitments will have to be made and some things sacrificed. In following Him, we may not have a life of ease but a life filled with deprivation and sacrifice. It will require a life of humility, charity toward all, and an unselfish eye single to God’s glory. It will require a life of true and total consecration of all we have, or all we will ever have.<br /><br /> I like to consider God as being the Great Chess Player, while we are nothing but His pawns. This is His game, and our job is to help in winning. He moves us to the square where He can best use us at the moment. He may leave us there for the duration of the game, or He may move us to another square where we can best minister in His cause. We must always remember that this is His game, and our blessing is to be willing and able to move from square to square as His wisdom sees fit for our own eternal good. Such willingness is also part of the cost of being a follower of Christ.<br /><br /> Alma says that condemnation comes because of hardened hearts. He taught Zeezrom by saying: “Then if our hearts have been hardened, yea, if we have hardened our hearts against the word, insomuch that it has not been found in us, then will our state be awful, for then we shall be condemned.” (Alma 12:13.) This is in harmony with what we learned about the children of Israel during the time of Moses. As we read from D&C 84, in a previous chapter, we learned: “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 fulness of his glory.” (D&C 84:23-27.)<br /><br /> Now is the time to seek the Lord’s fulness. The scriptures say that the Lord “... will gather his people even as a hen gathereth her chickens under her wings.” This is qualified, however, as He continues, “... even as many as will hearken to my voice and humble themselves before me, and call upon me in mighty prayer.” (D&C 29:2; Matt. 23:37; 3 Ne. 10:6.) A hen doesn’t scurry around to find all her chicks, but, instead, spreads her wings so they can come under her loving and protective care. So it is with the Lord. He bids us to come unto Him.<br /><br /> Some of the words just quoted, “even as many as will hearken to my voice and humble themselves before me, and call upon me in mighty prayer,” are similar in nature to those previously quoted from D&C 93:1. We will read it again for convenience: “Verily, thus saith the Lord: It shall come to pass that every soul who forsaketh his sins and cometh unto me, and calleth on my name, and obeyeth my voice, and keepeth my commandments, shall see my face and know that I am.” He is talking about the fulness.<br /><br /> Let’s refer now to a couple of statements made by Elder Bruce R. McConkie. The first is taken from his book, The Promised Messiah, and the second from a general conference. He had these very important thoughts to share:<br /> <br /> “We seek to see the face of the Lord while we yet dwell in mortality, and we seek to dwell with him everlastingly in the eternal kingdoms that are prepared.<br /> “There are even those who neither believe nor know that it is possible to see the Lord in this day, and they therefore are without the personal incentive that would urge them onward in the pursuit of this consummation so devoutly desired by those with spiritual insight.” (<span style="font-style: italic;">The Promised Messiah</span>, pp. 579, 586.)<br /><br /> “It is his will that we gain testimonies, that we seek revelation, that we covet to prophesy, that we desire spiritual gifts, and that we seek the face of the Lord.<br /> “The Lord wants all his children to gain light and truth and knowledge from on high. It is his will that we pierce the veil and rend the heavens and see the visions of eternity.<br /> “Such is his promise to us here and now while we yet dwell as mortals in the world of sorrow and sin. It is our privilege even now—the privilege of all who hold the holy priesthood—if we will strip ourselves from jealousies and fears and humble ourselves before him, as he has said, to have the veil rent and see him and know that he is.” (<span style="font-style: italic;">Conference Report</span>, October 1978. p. 92.)<br /><br /> This principle of receiving the Lord’s fulness is intended for this mortal life. However, it is the result of much faith. In the book of Ether we learn that many before the time of Christ, like the brother of Jared, beheld His glory: “And there were many whose faith was so exceedingly strong, even before Christ came, who could not be kept from within the veil, but truly saw with their eyes the things which they had beheld with an eye of faith, and they were glad.” (Ether 12:19.)<br /><br /> The fulness of the gospel is the great and precious promise whereby we can partake of the divine nature of Christ by seeking His face, and being in His presence while still in THIS mortal life. It is the privilege and promise whereby the veil will be rent and we can see Him and know Him; it is to enter into His rest and partake of the fulness of His glory in THIS life. The fulness of the gospel of Jesus Christ IS to receive a fulness of His mysteries, and the fulness of His presence.<br /><br /> Considering the cost of discipleship, are we willing to pay the price of giving our lives to Jesus Christ? It is a matter of serious consideration, for Jesus said, “... No man, having put his hand to the plough, and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God.” (Luke 9:62.) Many early disciples of Jesus became disillusioned with what they heard, and the scriptures state, “From that time many of his disciples went back, and walked no more with him. Then said Jesus unto the twelve, Will ye also go away?” (John 6:66-67.) Being a Christian, in the real meaning of the word, requires a great commitment. After a choice is made to follow Him, there is a sobering question the individual needs to ask himself: Will I also go away?<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center; font-weight: bold; color: rgb(204, 0, 0);"><span style="font-size:85%;">“Though he slay me, yet will I trust in him.”<span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-weight: normal;"><br />(Job 13:15.)</span><br /></span></div>Joseph Warren Grammerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05795589798825424327noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2062486484005186955.post-56152367746400628472009-11-02T10:09:00.000-08:002009-11-02T10:27:51.811-08:00<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic; color: rgb(204, 0, 0);font-size:180%;" >Come Unto Christ</span><br />by Joseph Warren Grammer<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size:180%;">J</span>esus said, “Come Unto Me.” This is the most important and far-reaching invitation ever extended to man or woman. There are two purposes of the book you now hold in your hands. One is to help those who have not truly found Jesus Christ as their Savior to do so; becoming converted and totally turning their lives over to Him. The other is to help those who have, refine that relationship with their Savior. This may seem like a moot subject to many Latter-day Saints who assume that all members of the LDS Church accept Jesus as their Savior. All Mormons are expected to believe the Church to be the only true Church upon the earth, having been established by Jesus Christ through the Prophet Joseph Smith. All of them are expected to believe the Book of Mormon to be the revealed word of God. And all of them are expected to accept the President of the Church as Prophet, Seer and Revelator.<br /><br />Therefore, there is an assumption among most members of the Church that all Latter-day Saints believe that Jesus is the Christ. The unfortunate point here is that this last statement is all too true: many BELIEVE that Jesus is the Christ, but they lack the testimony to really KNOW. Merely saying so doesn’t make it so, as Jesus so aptly pointed out: “Not everyone that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; ...” (Matthew 7:21-23.) We can know when we have that testimony because our living example will reflect the life and teachings of the Master when we do. As Jesus said, “Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them.” (Matt. 7:20.)<br /><br /> One of those fruits is that we verbally confess Jesus as our Savior with a pure and innocent heart. The Apostle Paul said that Israel had a “... zeal for God, but not according to knowledge.” Knowledge means a personal testimony or witness. He said they were “... ignorant of God’s righteousness.” Righteousness, as used here, means holiness, justice, equity, and innocence. Israel had a zeal for God, but that zeal was based upon the law of commandments, policies, practices, and traditions. They did not submit themselves unto God’s holiness.<br /><br /> Paul continued by saying, “.... if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. For the scripture saith, Whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed.... For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.” (See Rom. 10:1-13.) As Paul pointed out, we are to confess with our mouths and call upon the Lord to be saved. This we are to do with a heart that is consecrated and innocent before God and man. Just the zeal of lip service based upon the law will not be sufficient. The pure Love of God must also be in the heart. We must totally place our lives in the care of Jesus Christ. In all of our affairs, we must trust Him in faith and without fear. We must fully give our lives to Jesus in every respect.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;font-size:130%;" >A Personal Witness</span><br /> I would like to begin this chapter by sharing my witness that Jesus is my Savior and only foundation of life. Many years ago, as a Southern Baptist, I sincerely and with deliberate purpose, committed myself to Jesus Christ and turned my life over to Him. At that time I was in the ninth grade of school, and I received a lot of ridicule from those whom I thought were my friends. I remember that I even went and hid in the boy’s washroom until the school halls cleared one day because of their chiding and pointing fingers at me when all could hear and see. However, I soon overcame that weakness, for it was God that I was trying to please, not those who could or would not understand.<br /><br /> I was very active in the Baptist Church. I went to both Sunday morning and evening services, sang in the choir, attended BTU (Baptist Training Union, similar to MIA or the Young Men’s and Young Women’s program in the LDS Church) every Wednesday night, taught Sunday School, and even contemplated going into the ministry after high school, having received a scholarship offer from a Baptist college in Richmond, Virginia.<br /><br /> During the years after committing my life to Christ, I considered Him my first responsibility and only hope for salvation, notwithstanding the many weaknesses I possessed and sinful pits into which I had sometimes slipped. Nevertheless, I knew He would forgive. My goal was to always try to do good and not be an embarrassment to Him, or be ashamed of being called a Christian. He was my Savior.<br /><br /> Three years after graduating from high school I started having some questions about religion, like: Why don’t we have prophets anymore? Why aren’t there other scriptures than only the Bible? Why are there so many modes of baptism? Could they all be right? Why are there so many Christian churches instead of only one as God established? Could they all be right, too? And I had many other important questions. It doesn’t take an LDS missionary long to figure out that these questions are “golden questions.”<br /><br /> With a little prayer concerning such things, I contacted a friend of mine that I knew was a Mormon. He happened to be a Stake Missionary, so he and his fiancé (who was also a Stake Missionary) taught me the gospel. I was ready for baptism two weeks from his first telling me the Joseph Smith story, and was then baptized by the authority of God and confirmed a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.<br /><br /> My conversion to the LDS Church did not affect my previous commitment to Christ. He was still the foundation of all my eternal hopes, and still my Lord and Savior. However, the Church was now also in my life to provide additional spiritual and intellectual enlightenment and truths, the blessings of the priesthood and essential ordinances, and an opportunity to share these truths and ordinances with others. Although I was to eventually serve eight missions in the LDS Church (six of which were proselyting), I still did not lose focus on the fact that Jesus Christ was and is my Redeemer and foundation to life, not the Church. I knew the Church was only here to help me return to Christ without standing in the way of that pursuit.<br /><br /> Just before I left for my full-time LDS mission, many of my friends in the Church had a farewell get-together in my behalf. At that time they insisted that I sing the hymn, “I’ll Go Where You Want Me to Go,” by myself, which I did. As I did so, the words rang in my heart as a renewing of my commitment to Christ. “I’ll go where you want me to go, dear Lord ... I’ll say what you want me to say ... I’ll be what you want me to be.” It was, indeed, a rededication to a previous covenant made to God when I was in the ninth grade—one I have never forgotten.<br /><br /> Having spent many years of service in the LDS Church, and as a committed Christian and follower of Jesus Christ, I have observed that many Mormons appear to be converted to the Church, the Prophet, and Church teachings and programs, but not to the Savior Himself. They appear to be more concerned with Church <span style="font-weight: bold;">form</span> than Gospel <span style="font-weight: bold;">truth - Church policies </span>than<span style="font-weight: bold;"> Gospel principles.</span> Jesus Christ is to be our foundation and the rock of our salvation. Nothing else is to take His place in that respect, not even the Church.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;font-size:130%;" >Being Converted</span><br /> As disciples of Jesus Christ, we need to have the faith and pay the price of conversion through consecration. In reality, there is no true conversion without consecration. We can become worthy because of obedience, but not be really converted. True conversion involves a sincere desire to consecrate all things, a desire to want to give everything to the Lord. It isn’t the shallowness of worthiness (which is usually determined by compliance) that’s important, it’s the depth of conversion which always involves a commitment to God. That commitment necessitates a covenant.<br /><br /> The result of our eternal reward depends upon the desires of our hearts. When we have a desire for something, we have a basic reason to develop a belief in that thing. Without an understanding of the purpose for the desire, the commitment will be feeble and short-lived. Our efforts will be hollow and crumble. Everything in life that is worth doing is something to which we should be committed. The Lord does not want us to be disciples of convenience, He wants us to have a commitment of purpose. He wants us to be converted, and covenant to valiantly take up the cross and follow Him.<br /><br /> When we desire something we often think of it in our minds, mentally intellectualizing that which we want. It is not enough just to think of it though, we must also feel that desire. We must emotionalize as well as intellectualize it—stirring up the emotions for the desired goal.<br /><br /> When a young man is in love with a lovely young lady, he not only intellectually thinks of her in his mind, but his feelings and emotions are attached to those thoughts. When one is hungry, and thinks that he wants to partake of a particularly savory dish, he can often taste that food before he starts to eat.<br /><br /> So it is with our desires in relation to spiritual things. We not only desire mentally, but also emotionally, feeling deeply and sincerely that desired thing. Such feelings, or emotions, are a powerful and necessary motivating force in helping us achieve our desired goal—that which we treasure most. We must remember, though, in doing the Lord’s work, we need to be spiritually motivated, not just emotionally charged.<br /><br /> When we commit ourselves, it means that we undertake to do something with a pledge, promise, oath or covenant. In this case, the covenant made is to be with God. A commitment is more than a belief or understanding, it is an attitude. President David O. McKay expressed some thoughts on dedicated commitment. In general conference he said, “Merely an appreciation of the social ethics of Jesus is not sufficient. Men’s hearts must be changed. Instead of selfishness, men must be willing to dedicate their ability, their possessions—if necessary, their lives, their fortunes, and their sacred honor for the alleviation of the ills of mankind.” (CR, October 1961, pp. 7-8.) And speaking of the Lord and the principle of dedication, Thomas S. Monson wrote, “He calls you and me to serve Him here below and sets us to the tasks He would have us fulfill. The commitment is total.” (<span style="font-style: italic;">Pathways to Perfection</span>, pp. 84-85.)<br /><br /> Simply an appreciation of the social ethics of Jesus is not enough, our hearts are to be changed. Instead of selfishness, we must be willing to dedicate our abilities, possessions, time, lives, and fortunes for the relief of the world’s afflictions and the glory of God. When converted, we will not have to be concerned about being worthy in God’s eyes—worthiness will come as the natural result of true discipleship. Being a disciple of Christ takes a pure desire to love Him, having a reckless faith in His all-enveloping grace and atoning blood. Thus, we become converted to Him, and consecrate to Him our entire lives.<br /><br /> One of the costs of being a disciple of Christ is to believe, trusting that He has all power, intelligence, and wisdom, and can solve our problems without our needing help from the world around us. It takes faith to trust that the grace of Christ will intercede, provide forgiveness, make up the difference, and supply something better than that which we have kept inside, hidden in sorrow and remorse.<br /><br /> Let me ask: Do you trust Jesus Christ? Have you been converted to Him? I don’t mean are you a Christian just because you go to a Christian church? Some Christians are only Christians in a general sense, only by the accident of birth, like a Jew may be a Jew just because he is born to Jewish parents. What I mean is, are you a Christian—a true follower of Jesus Christ—by choice, and not by tradition of family or society? Have you had a change of heart that merits you being called a “Christian,” in the real meaning of the word? Have you pledged your heart to Jesus? The Apostle Paul called this conversion circumcision of the heart.<br /><br /> To the Romans Paul wrote: “For he is not a Jew, which is one outwardly; neither is that circumcision, which is outward in the flesh: But he is a Jew, which is one inwardly; and circumcision is that of the heart, in the spirit, and not in the letter; whose praise is not of men, but of God.” (Rom. 2:28-29.) Circumcision was to be an outward sign of those who followed God in their hearts. However, as time passed, most of Israel only followed the letter of the law of circumcision, but became untrue to God in the spirit—becoming more like the world around them.<br /><br /> Paul said that a true Jew is not a Jew just because he was circumcised in the flesh, but that he must be a Jew in his heart. That is to say, a real Jew is a Jew by conscious choice based on his desire to live the spiritual, as well as the temporal laws. He is not a real Jew just because his parents went through the ritual of having him circumcised at birth.<br /><br /> Likewise, a true Christian must be circumcised in the heart. That is to say, he must make a conscious choice with full purpose of heart—a change of heart—to live spiritually as God would have him live. He is not just a Christian in name only because he was born into a Christian society and baptized out of tradition. As the practice of circumcision was to be an outward sign to the world that the one circumcised was a true follower of God, so being circumcised in the heart is to be an outward sign to the world—through his way of life—that the one so inwardly changed is a true disciple and follower of Jesus Christ, and is willing to so witness.<br /><br /> God loved us so much that He “... gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” (John 3:16.) We are to give our lives to Christ. We need to have a burning desire to be as Jesus would have us be. We have to be changed, or circumcised in the heart, as a witness that we will follow Christ at all costs, for the remainder of our lives. We must accept the Father’s gift.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;font-size:130%;" >Abiding in Christ</span><br /> As a disciple and servant of Christ, a person must ask himself some important questions. For example: Am I allowing my spiritual life to be squandered? Am I focusing it all into one center—that is, on the life, atonement, and glory of Christ? Is the Savior more dominant in my life than every other interest? Is the glorification of Jesus’ name the one thing I desire most?<br /><br /> Part of our abiding in Christ is the commitment of our time to His service. Many of us have heard someone say something about making time for this or that. In reality, we cannot make time, it can only be utilized as we live from day-to-day. We can’t make time, we only organize our lives to effectively use the time God has allotted to us. The following ideas concerning time were sent to me by a niece of my late wife, Kay, and I feel it’s of interest and might be good to consider:<br /><br /> “Imagine there is a bank which credits your account each morning with $86,400. It carries over no balance from day to day, allows you to keep no cash balance, and every evening cancels whatever part of the amount you had failed to use during the day. What would you do? Draw out every cent, of course!<br /> “Well, everyone has such a bank. Its name is TIME. Every morning, it credits you with 86,400 seconds. Every night it writes off, as lost, whatever of this you have failed to invest to good purpose. It carries over no balance. It allows no overdraft. Each day it opens a new account for you. Each night it burns the remains of the day. If you fail to use the day’s deposits, the loss is yours. There is no going back. There is no drawing against the "tomorrow.” You must live in the present on today’s deposits; so invest it so as to get from it the utmost in health, happiness and success! The clock is running. Make the most of today.<br /> “To realize the value of ONE YEAR, ask a student who has failed a grade. To realize the value of ONE MONTH, ask a mother who has given birth to a premature baby. To realize the value of ONE WEEK, ask an editor of a weekly newspaper. To realize the value of ONE DAY, ask a daily wage laborer who has kids to feed. To realize the value of ONE HOUR, ask the lovers who are waiting to meet. To realize the value of ONE MINUTE, ask a person who has missed the train. To realize the value of ONE SECOND, ask a person who has avoided an accident. To realize the value of ONE MILLI-SECOND, ask the person who has won a silver medal in the Olympics. Treasure every moment that you have! Remember: time waits for no one.<br /> “<span style="font-style: italic;">Yesterday is history—Tomorrow a mystery! Today is a gift—That's why it's called the present</span>.”<br /><br /> The Lord calls us to serve, and He provides a way and the time. Have we consecrated our time to that service? I know of some who believe that the covenant made in the temple about consecrating all things (including our time) to the Kingdom of God, and the establishment of Zion, is not to be taken seriously at this time in life. They feel it is for a later time. If this is true, then perhaps the covenant made in the temple concerning chastity is not to be taken seriously at this time either, but is for a future date. Such covenants as temple covenants, have no time stipulation.<br /><br /> When the one central point, the greatest exerting influence in our lives, is the Lord Jesus Christ, when His love is the central power in us, then every phase of our lives will bear fruit for Him. To bear good fruit, however, we must first take time to realize just what that central point of power is in our lives. In speaking to His disciples, Jesus said, “If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you. Herein is my Father glorified, that ye bear much fruit; so shall ye be my disciples.” (John 15:7-8.) There is personal power in the atonement, and in our Savior pleading our cause before the Father’s throne. It gives us the power of eternal lives when we accept it and abide in Him.<br /><br /> What does it mean to abide in Christ? To help answer this question, perhaps we could ask ourselves: What is the greatest factor or influence in our lives? Is it our personal work? Is it some of our physical possessions? Is it a special achievement? Is it our family or friends? Is it various personal concerns? Is it our service and sacrifice for others? Is it trying to do God’s work? As important as these things are, the thing that ought to exert the greatest power and influence in our lives is the realization of the atonement of Christ. To abide in Jesus simply means that we continue to think, act and work from that central point of influence; the influence Jesus has in our lives, and the meaning of His atoning sacrifice.<br /><br /> The thing that shapes us into what we will become is not the thing we spend most of our time working on. The greatest element that influences our being is the thing that exerts the most power. For the true disciple of Christ, that element is Jesus Christ. When we abide in Him, and He in us, then we become, and are, the will of God, and our free choices are the will of God. For this to take place, however, it might be necessary to free ourselves from the smooth and comfortable life.<br /><br /> Oswald Chambers wrote in his book, My Utmost for His Highest, “If you do not cut the moorings, God will have to break them by a storm and send you out.” He continued: “If you believe in Jesus, you are not to spend all your time in the smooth waters just inside the harbor bar, full of delight, but always moored; you have to get out through the harbor bar into the great deeps of God and begin to know for yourself, begin to have spiritual discernment.” (<span style="font-weight: bold;">My Utmost for His Highest</span>, p. 160.)<br /><br /> There are many great causes in the world. Many of them, though demanding, are safe and comfortable because they are well accepted. We can sacrifice ourselves to a great work, but we can also stifle our progression by not venturing into what some may feel is unpopular. In this case that venture is abiding in Christ, making Him the central point and focus of every part of our existence. Though we can be anxiously engaged in a great cause, we still have to abide in Him, and He in us.<br /><br /> Jesus is to be the main influence in every phase of our lives—the great power that motivates every aspect of our thinking. The reason that we can abide in Him, and He in us, is only due to the atonement. John said, “And now, little children, abide in him; that, when he shall appear, we may have confidence, and not be ashamed before him at his coming.” (1 Jn. 2:28.)<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;font-size:130%;" >Come With Oil in the Lamps</span><br /> We cannot come unto Christ without our own oil. In the parable of the ten virgins who went out to meet the bridegroom, five were wise and had oil for their lamps and five were foolish and had none. But when the cry came to arise and meet the bridegroom, the latter five could not trim their lamps because they had no oil. Those who had oil could not share it, and while the foolish virgins were out to obtain their own oil, the bridegroom came and the wise virgins went into the marriage feast; the door was shut, and it was too late for the foolish virgins who did not have their oil. (Matt. 25:1-13.)<br /><br /> The virgins here represent the members of the Church. They were not the general membership, but only the good, righteous, and pure ones, which are very few. However, even though a virgin might be pure in heart, it is still possible that they could be unwise.<br /><br /> Oil is used for our lamps to lighten our way. The metaphor for oil, as used here in this parable, represents that which is used to spiritually light our way. Thus, oil is the light of the Spirit of God who teaches, directs, testifies and purifies. We find the Lord commanding Israel to use pure oil in their vessels for light at the tabernacle. (Lev. 24:2.) The pure oil is symbolic of the purity of the Spirit of God which lightens the way before us. The oil we are to have in our lamps is the Spirit of God as personal revelation.<br /><br /> In Lehi’s dream of the tree and the rod of iron, the rod of iron is the word of God. As we have already studied, the rod of iron is personal revelation, it is NOT the scriptures nor the words of living prophets. The scriptures and prophets are only given to help us learn how to obtain the Spirit and receive divine light, not take the place of the Spirit. If we did not have the scriptures nor a living prophet, we would still have the Spirit as a guide through personal revelation when we are faithful and worthy.<br /><br /> The iron rod is the same as the oil we are to have in our own personal lamps. The iron rod helps those who grope through the mist of darkness. In like manner, our oil is our own personal testimony that lights the path before us so we can see the way. This can only be given by the Holy Ghost, it is not someone else’s testimony or spiritual light. Heber C. Kimball once said, “The time will come when no man nor woman will be able to endure on borrowed light. Each will have to be guided by the light within himself. If you do not have it, how can you stand?” (Life of Heber C. Kimball, pp. 449-450.) And the Prophet Joseph Smith taught, “Search the scriptures—search the revelations which we publish, and ask your Heavenly Father, in the name of His Son Jesus Christ, to manifest the truth unto you, and if you do it with an eye single to his glory nothing doubting, He will answer you by the power of His Holy Spirit. You will then know for yourselves and not for another. You will not then be dependent on man for the knowledge of God; nor will there be any room for speculation.” (TPJS, p. 11.) Again from his teachings we read:<br /><br /> “President Joseph Smith read the 14th chapter of Ezekiel—said the Lord had declared by the Prophet, that the people should each one stand for himself, and depend on no man or men in that state of corruption of the Jewish church—that righteous persons could only deliver their own souls—applied it to the present state of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints—said if the people departed from the Lord, they must fall—that they were depending on the Prophet, hence were darkened in their minds, in consequence of neglecting the duties devolving upon themselves, envious towards the innocent, while they afflict the virtuous with their shafts of envy.” (TPJS, pp. 237-38.)<br /><br /> The Prophet Joseph said that if the people departed from the Lord and depended upon the Prophet, which was him at the time, they would become “darkened in their minds.” Why would they become darkened? Because they lost the light that emanates from the Spirit of personal testimony. On this subject President John Taylor preached:<br /><br /> “One thing is clear, the Saints are being tried in a manner never before known among us. The faithful rejoice and are steadfast; the unfaithful fear and tremble. Those who have oil in their lamps and have kept them trimmed and burning now have a light for their feet and they do not stumble or fall; those who have neither light nor oil are in perplexity and doubt; they know not what to do.” (<span style="font-style: italic;">Messages of the First Presidency</span>, 3:36-37.)<br /><br /> “Those who have been careful to keep oil in their lamps, now have the needed light to guide them; and those who have been living in borrowed light, or in that furnished by others, may find themselves in perplexity and uncertain as to the path to pursue. For all these circumstances the Saints should be prepared. They have been faithfully taught and warned to not depend upon man or upon his strength to enable them to stand the trying day. They have been told, “Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him.” They have been told that no man can serve two masters; that we cannot serve God and mammon. Those who have observed these teachings, and have diligently kept the other commandments of the Lord, will find themselves in the possession of the needed strength and faith to enable them to bear every trial.” (<span style="font-style: italic;">Messages of the First Presidency</span>, 3:17.)<br /><br /> Saying we claim to follow the Spirit, but in reality depend upon man for our guidance, is serving two masters which is loving the world.<br /><br /> Going to a church meeting, paying tithing, attending the temple, or even serving a mission is not the oil spoken of. These are worldly—telestial—things. God provides the temporal necessities for us: manna for wandering Israel, a cruse of oil for the widow, seven loaves and a few fishes for the multitude of thousands, and so forth. But a testimony through personal revelation by the witness of the Spirit we must gather for ourselves. We cannot buy nor borrow it from another. We must seek it and purchase it ourselves before the Bridegroom comes and shuts the door. Leaning on others for our light and salvation will not fill our lamps with needed oil. Only the Spirit can do that.<br /><br /> At that day, many virgins will say, “Lord, have we not done many wonderful things in thy name”? And the Lord might say, “I don’t know you, because you do not know me; for you can only know me through the Spirit of prophecy, that of personal revelation, which is the testimony of Jesus.” (Matt. 7:21-23; Rev. 19:10; TPJS, p. 119.) When we come unto Christ, we must come with our own oil in our lamps.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;font-size:130%;" >Behold, He Knocks</span><br /> Many have seen the picture showing Jesus standing at a door and knocking. Those who are familiar with it will notice that there is no doorknob on the outside of the door where Jesus is standing. The reason is that the doorknob is on the inside. We are to open the door and let Him in.<br /><br /> Just before our resurrected Lord first appeared to the Nephites He spoke unto them from Heaven, and part of what He said was, “... Behold, mine arm of mercy is extended towards you, and whosoever will come, him will I receive; and blessed are those who come unto me.” (3 Ne. 9:14.) He desires to come into our lives, but cannot enter without our permission. Therefore, He said to John the Revelator, “Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me.” (Rev. 3:15-20.) Consequently, we must come unto Jesus.<br /><br /> Many are familiar with verses 15 and 16 where Christ says He would rather have us cold or hot than lukewarm. He would rather have us on one side of the fence or the other, than sitting on it. When we are cold or hot, we are taking a stand for something; we have made a commitment. Many, however, are afraid to make commitments because that lets other people know which side of the fence they are standing on, and that could produce displeasure from others if it’s not their side. For many, it’s a hard thing not to receive the pleasure of the world.<br /><br /> Jesus did not just come to the earth to tutor us with a few platitudes, perform a few miracles, and then go back to the Father leaving us here without hope, to wallow in our sins. He invites us to follow Him; trusting Him to provide a way for us to go back to the Father. Matthew records: “Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.” (Matt. 11:28-30.)<br /><br /> Because we have many of the good things of the world, we often feel that all is well. We do not realize that we have nothing without Jesus; that we are poor, blind, naked, wretched, and miserable individuals without Him. He pleads with us to spend our all on Him, He who has been tried by fire and found pure. When we do, we shall become rich in Him, being clothed in white raiment which signifies that His blood cleansed us from our sins. This brings to mind the words of Isaiah, when that prophet wrote, “... though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool. (Isa. 1:18.) This whiteness covers the nakedness of our sins, that we may not be ashamed, for all of our sins shall be revealed if they are not covered by His cleansing blood. Not only will He clothe us in purity, but He will apply a salve to our eyes that will take away our blindness. Then we shall see with more clarity the things of eternal life.<br /><br /> He loves us. Therefore, He earnestly, and even enthusiastically, chastises us, imploring us to repent that we might be washed clean and become sanctified in purity. However, before we can become sanctified and clothed in white, we need to first open the door and let Him into our lives. He offers the gift, but He cannot force it upon us. We must pledge our lives to Him. We must accept the offering through faith, receiving the joy of His hope and obtain the gift.<br /><br /> Long ago, the Lectures on Faith comprised the first part of the 1835 edition of the Doctrine and Covenants, and every edition since then until about 1920, when those lectures were removed. The Lectures on Faith WERE, at one time, the “doctrinal” part of the Doctrine and Covenants. They gave man information concerning how faith works in relation to becoming sanctified. For example, in the Seventh Lecture we learn how to become saved:<br /><br /> “When men begin to live by faith they begin to draw near to God; and when faith is perfected they are like him; and because he is saved they are saved also; for they will be in the same situation he is in, because they have COME TO HIM; and when he appears they shall be like him, for they will see him as he is. (<span style="font-style: italic;">Lecture on Faith</span> 7:8.)<br /> “.. And what constitutes the real difference between a saved person and one not saved is—the difference in the degree of their faith—one’s faith has become perfect enough to lay hold upon eternal life, and the other’s has not.” (<span style="font-style: italic;">Lecture on Faith</span> 7:9.)<br /><br /> Being saved, then, is based upon the degree of faith obtained. We must develop our faith to a point that we can claim—lay hold upon—eternal life for ourselves. And if we want to be like Him, we must “come to Him.”<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;font-size:130%;" >Give of Yourself to Receive of Him</span><br /> Jesus once said, “And the Father himself, which hath sent me, hath borne witness of me.... And ye have not his word abiding in you: for whom he hath sent, him ye believe not.” (John 5:37-38.) The Jews of Jerusalem had not the testimony of Jesus, even though the Father had born witness of Him. They did not have that Spirit within them, for they were people who believed in tradition and the written word rather than personal revelation. They had set those things up as being more important than the words of the living God through the whisperings of the Spirit. Thus, those things they favored became their false gods.<br /><br /> Jesus continued by saying to them, “Search the scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me. And ye will not come to me, that ye might have life.” (John 5:37-40.) The Jews thought they had eternal life by way of the scriptures. However, the scriptures only testify of Christ, they cannot provide salvation. Eternal life only comes by accepting and coming to Jesus, something the Jews would not do. Many of us think we have eternal life with our present knowledge of the scriptures. We must study to learn of Jesus Christ, but we cannot have eternal life unless we give all we have and come unto Him.<br /><br /> I heard a story a while back that was supposed to have come out of India. It helps illustrate a point, and it goes something like this:<br /><br /> A poor man was sitting by the roadside eating his last bowl of rice. As he was eating his rice, and wondering where his next meal was going to come from, he saw the Prince and his caravan coming down the road. “Ah,” thought the poor man, “I’ll beg food from the young Prince, he is a goodly man.”<br /><br /> But before the poor man could ask food of the Prince, the Prince said, “Poor man, give me some of your rice.”<br /><br /> The poor man, feeling rather imposed upon that the wealthy Prince should want what little he had left, grudgingly reached into his bowl and gave the Prince one grain of rice. After the Prince took the rice, he said to the poor man, “Give me some more.”<br /><br /> The poor man was really upset, but again he grudgingly reached into his bowl and, this time, gave the Prince two grains of rice; after which, the Prince and his caravan moved on.<br /><br /> Being very disappointed, the poor man sat back down, hanging his head with a heavy heart. As he looked down he saw three small bags of gold sitting at his feet—one for each grain of rice he gave the Prince. The poor man was saddened and ashamed as he thought, “If only I had ungrudgingly given more.”<br /><br /> Does Jesus have to beg us for our meager grains of rice, when He has so much more to give? Can we not offer all we have to the Prince of Peace, for the gift of eternal life?<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;font-size:130%;" >Come Unto Christ</span><br /> Our Savior, Jesus Christ, suffered all things for you and me. He was despised and rejected of men, and acquainted with grief. He was ridiculed, spat upon, scourged, nailed to a tree, fed bitter gall, and gave His life that you and I might have salvation in our Father’s kingdom.<br /><br /> In the garden, and while hanging on the cross, Jesus gave His blood so that you and I can live. He exercised His will in compliance with His Father’s wishes. At the end He had a final choice to make, and He made it for the sake of His Father’s children. Now you are to exercise your will and make a choice, if you haven’t already. After He gave all He had for you, are you willing to give all you have to Him in return? Can you express your appreciation to Him in that way? Are you willing to count the cost of discipleship and follow Him? Are you willing to pay the price in this life? And are you ready and willing to receive Him?<br /><br /> Jesus Christ is the only way to the Father. There is no other way. He invites you to come unto Him. Covenant and consecrate all you have, or ever hope to have, to Jesus Christ, and give your life to Him—all of it. There is no true joy without Him. Come unto the Master with a broken heart and a contrite spirit. Come hungering and thirsting. Come praising His holy name. Jesus simply invites all by saying, “Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.”<br /><br /> The fulness has been restored. Will we seek it, or expect it to seek us?<br /></div>Joseph Warren Grammerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05795589798825424327noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2062486484005186955.post-54041394404664891232009-11-02T10:02:00.000-08:002009-11-02T10:09:24.858-08:00<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(51, 51, 255);font-size:180%;" >The Baptismal Covenant</span><br />by Joseph Warren Grammer<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size:180%;">T</span>he Lord’s people are a covenant people. They always have been. Covenants are sacred, and God greatly blesses and gives special endowments to those who freely covenant with Him and unflinchingly keep those covenants. But what is the covenant of Baptism? Of what does it consist and when is it made? Hopefully, this chapter will help answer these questions.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;font-size:130%;" >Partaking of the Sacrament</span><br /> We are taught that we give approval to the sacramental prayer when we say “Amen” to that prayer, and that it is a renewal of our baptismal covenant. So, to start, let’s review the prayer offered upon the emblems of the sacrament as pertaining to members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The prayer offered upon the bread and wine can be found in both the Doctrine and Covenants and the Book of Mormon.<br /><br /> O God, the Eternal Father, we ask thee in the name of thy Son, Jesus Christ, to bless and sanctify this bread to the souls of all those who partake of it, that they may eat in remembrance of the body of thy Son, and witness unto thee, O God, the Eternal Father, that they are willing to take upon them the name of thy Son, and always remember him and keep his commandments which he has given them; that they may always have his Spirit to be with them. Amen. (D&C 20:77; Moro. 4:3.)<br /><br /> O God, the Eternal Father, we ask thee in the name of thy Son, Jesus Christ, to bless and sanctify this wine to the souls of all those who drink of it, that they may do it in remembrance of the blood of thy Son, which was shed for them; that they may witness unto thee, O God, the Eternal Father, that they do always remember him, that they may have his Spirit to be with them. Amen. (D&C 20:79; Moro. 5:2.)<br /><br /> These prayers are covenants when members of the Church respond to them by saying “Amen” at their conclusion. Such a response is a renewing of the baptismal covenant. That covenant, as witnessed by the sacramental prayer, contains the following points of commitment by baptized members of the Church. Those partaking of the sacrament promise to: (1) remember the body of the Son that was broken, and His blood that was shed; (2) witness unto God, the Eternal Father, that they are willing to take upon them the name of Jesus Christ; (3) promise to always remember what the Savior did; and (4) to keep the commandments of Christ. Our Father’s part of the covenant is that He promises those who live up to their end of the covenant that they will “always have His Spirit to be with them.”<br /><br /> Of course there are some things that are implied in this covenant, although not spelled out in their entirety. When we remember the body and blood of the Son, it is expected that we do so with reverence and gratitude, with a broken heart and contrite spirit, realizing that He suffered and did something for us that we could not do for ourselves. When we witness to the Father that we are willing to take upon us the name of Christ, we are promising the Father that we will live as Jesus would have us live so others will not have to question whether we are disciples of Jesus Christ or not—this is a promise to the Father. It is letting our light shine without hiding it under a bushel, being ashamed of the gospel of Christ. When we promise to always remember Him, it is expected that we never lose sight of His being involved in every aspect of our daily lives, and that whatever we have in life, He has given us. When we keep His commandments, we are expected to do just that, keep ALL of His commandments, which of course include the first and second greatest commandments. We are to keep Him foremost in our minds, knowing that where we go, He goes, and whatever we do, He is there with us.<br /><br /> Although we are supposed to be renewing the covenants of baptism when we partake of the sacrament, is that all there is to the covenant of baptism? Technically it could be considered so. When we consider the four points just mentioned in the sacramental prayers, they could be construed as containing everything else that might be mentioned elsewhere, for the first and second greatest commandments encompass all other commandments. However, a summation of the baptismal covenant, as contained in the prayers upon the emblems of the sacrament, is not the covenant of baptism itself. It is only the renewing of that covenant. If not the actual covenant of baptism, then what is the baptismal covenant?<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;font-size:130%;" >Covenant of Baptism—What Is It?</span><br /> There is no one place where we can find the terms of the covenant that is to be made at baptism. In fact, and regardless of what is taught in church, we partake of the sacrament NOT to renew any “baptism” covenant. We do it in “REMEMBRANCE” of His life and sacrifice. In Luke we read: “This is my body which is given for you: this do in remembrance of me. Likewise also the cup after supper, saying, This cup is the new testament in my blood, which is shed for you.” (Luke 22:19-20.) How can a covenant be renewed if no covenant was made in the first place. For example, how many eight-year olds make a covenant with the Lord before their baptism, other than to promise the Bishop they will obey their mommy and daddy, pay tithing, live the word of wisdom, etc.? Not very many!<br /><br /> Nowhere can we read something such as, “This is the baptismal covenant,” or any thing close to it, and then have the terms spelled out for us—except, perhaps, D&C 20:37 and Mosiah 18:7-17, which seem to come close (scriptures we will discuss shortly). Our commitment to the Lord is a personal thing, and a covenant with God MUST be on an individual and personal basis. Even those covenants made as a group in the temple are to be individual and personal in nature. However, ALL who are baptized SHOULD covenant with the Lord at baptism. And there are, however, a few basic things written down that all members are expected to include in such a covenant.<br /><br /> In reading through D&C 20 we run across some of these items in verse 37, before we get to verses 77 and 79 which contain the sacramental prayers. Verse 37 reads as follows: “And again, by way of commandment to the church concerning the manner of baptism—All those who humble themselves before God, and desire to be baptized, and come forth with broken hearts and contrite spirits, and witness before the church that they have truly repented of all their sins, and are willing to take upon them the name of Jesus Christ, having a determination to serve him to the end, and truly manifest by their works that they have received of the Spirit of Christ unto the remission of their sins, shall be received by baptism into his church.” (D&C 20:37.)<br /><br /> The first thing that we find contained in verse 37 is a commandment to the Church. Those desiring to be baptized are commanded to: (1) humble themselves before God; (2) desire to be baptized; (3) have a broken heart and contrite spirit; (4) witness before the Church that they have truly repented of all their sins; (5) be willing to take upon themselves the name of Jesus Christ; (6) be determined to serve Him to the end; and (7) truly manifest by their works that they have received of the Spirit of Christ unto the remission of their sins. It is only after the making of the baptismal covenant, which contains these elements, that one receives baptism and is admitted into the Church.<br /><br /> From Mosiah 21:32-35 we get a good indication of what the covenant of baptism consists. From the book of Mosiah we find that King Limhi, and many of his people, had entered into a covenant with God to serve him and keep his commandments, and that they were “desirous to be baptized as a witness and a testimony that they were willing to serve God with all their hearts.”<br /><br /> Let’s consider the people of Alma. Before King Limhi and his people accepted baptism, a covenant of baptism had already been established. After Alma fled from wicked King Noah into the wilderness, he taught his followers and set forth such a covenant. It is interesting that the heading to chapter 18 of Mosiah, in our current edition of the Book of Mormon, states that Alma “set forth the covenant of baptism.” Therefore, that which follows can be considered the covenant of baptism, or at least part of that covenant if not the whole of it.<br /><br /> Within the verses of Mosiah 18:7-17 we find the terms of the baptismal covenant. Those of us who desire baptism are to: (1) be desirous to enter the fold of God; (2) be called his people; (3) be willing to bear one another's burdens, that they may be light; (4) mourn with those that mourn; (5) comfort those that stand in need of comfort; (6) stand as witnesses of God at all times; (7) stand as a witness of God in all things; (8) stand as a witness of God in all places that we are in; (9) stand as a witness of God even until death. If we are willing to so covenant, then we are commanded to: (10) be baptized in the name of the Lord as a witness that we have “entered into a covenant with him”; and (11) serve Him and keep His commandments. And if we are willing to do these things, we may be “redeemed of God, be numbered with those of the first resurrection, that [we] may have eternal life,” and have His Spirit more abundantly upon us.<br /><br /> It is delightful to consider that when the people of Alma heard the terms of the covenant, they “clapped their hands for joy, and exclaimed: This is the desire of our hearts.” (Mosiah 18:11.) I wonder how many of us have been so moved by the Spirit that we did that—clapped our hands because of our joy, and exclaimed, “This is the desire of our hearts”?<br /><br /> In speaking to the people of Gideon Alma said, “ye must repent, and be born again,... therefore come and be baptized unto repentance, that ye may be washed from your sins.” He taught that we must “fear not, and lay aside every sin.” He also said, “show unto your God that ye are willing to repent of your sins and enter into a covenant with him to keep his commandments, and witness it unto him this day by going into the waters of baptism.” From Alma we learn that we are to: (1) repent; (2) be born again; (3) lay aside every sin; (4) enter into a covenant to keep His commandments; and (5) witness it by being baptized unto repentance. Alma said that when we are baptized unto repentance we are washed from our sins, that we may have faith on the Lamb of God, and that we can receive eternal life. (Alma 7:14-16.)<br /><br /> Verse 14 points out that we must be baptized unto repentance, and have our sins washed away, BEFORE we can have faith in Jesus Christ. This is so true. Without repentance and baptism, we cannot hope for salvation, for we have not covenanted with Him for such. But after such repentance and baptism we can hope and have faith that Christ will live up to His end of the covenant and apply His atoning blood in our behalf that we might be saved in His Father’s kingdom.<br /><br /> Let’s consider now, that which is found in Moroni 6:1-4. Within these four verses we find some of the same elements of the baptismal covenant as we found elsewhere. The verses emphasize the fact that before baptism the people had to meet certain qualifications: (1) They were not baptized save they brought forth fruit meet that they were worthy of it; (2) they first came forth with a broken heart and a contrite spirit; (3) they first witnessed unto the church that they truly repented of all their sins; (4) they first took upon them the name of Christ; and (5) none were received unto baptism unless they had a determination to serve him to the end. Moroni points out that after the people were received unto baptism (assuming they had entered into a covenant as prescribed) they were; (6) wrought upon and cleansed by the power of the Holy Ghost; (7) numbered among the people of the church of Christ; and (8) their names were taken that they might be remembered and nourished by the good word of God.<br /><br /> Let’s review the terms of the baptismal covenant that we have considered. To make it easy, here is a consolidated list taken from the scriptures we have read on the subject. I have taken the liberty of numbering them for the sake of reference, but the numbering does not necessarily indicate any particular rank of order or importance.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center; font-weight: bold;">SOME ELEMENTS OF A COVENANT OF BAPTISM<br /></div><br />1. Remember the body and blood of Jesus Christ. (D&C 20:77, 79.)<br />2. Be willing to take upon yourself the name of Jesus Christ (D&C 20:77; Moro. 6:3.)<br />3. Be willing to always remember Him. (D&C 20:77.)<br />4. Bear one another’s burdens, that they may be light. (Mosiah 18:8.)<br />5. Mourn with those that mourn. (Mosiah 18:9.)<br />6. Comfort those that stand in need of comfort. (Mosiah 18:9.)<br />7. Stand as a witness of God at all times. (Mosiah 18:9.)<br />8. Stand as a witness of God in all things. (Mosiah 18:9.)<br />9. Stand as a witness of God in all places that you may be in. (Mosiah 18:9.)<br />10. Stand as a witness of God even until death. (Mosiah 18:9.)<br />11. Be baptized in the name of the Lord, as a witness before Him that you have entered into a covenant with him to keep his commandments. (D&C 20:77; Mosiah 18:10; Alma 7:15.)<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;font-size:130%;" >Prerequisites of Baptism</span><br /> A prerequisite is something that must precede or go before that which is to take place. In the case of baptism, the Lord requires that the one to be baptized accomplish something BEFORE he or she is baptized. We read earlier, in another chapter, that W. W. Phelps was to have “an eye single to [God’s] glory” before he was to be baptized. (D&C 55:1.) Because of this, it will be included as another prerequisite for baptism.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center; font-weight: bold;">SOME PREREQUISITES TO BAPTISM<br /></div><br />1. Humble yourself before God. (D&C 20:37.)<br />2. Desire to come into the fold of God and be called his people. (Mosiah 18:8.)<br />3. Bring forth fruit to show that you are worthy of baptism. (Moro. 6:1.)<br />4. Come forth with a broken heart and a contrite spirit. (D&C 20:37; Moro. 6:2.)<br />5. Witness before the Church that you have laid aside every sin and truly repented of all your sins. (D&C 20:37; Alma 7:15; Moro. 6:2.)<br />6. Be willing to take upon yourself the name of Jesus Christ (D&C 20:37; Moro. 6:3.)<br />7. Be determined to serve Him to the end. (D&C 20:37; Mosiah 18:10; Moro. 6:3.)<br />8. Have an eye single to the glory of God. (D&C 55:1.)<br />9. Truly manifest by your works that you have received of the Spirit of Christ unto the remission of your sins. (D&C 20:37.)<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;font-size:130%;" >Blessings of Entering Into a Baptismal Covenant</span><br /> Our Father in Heaven has His part to play in the baptismal covenant, also. When we make our covenants with Him, and live up to our end of the bargain, He promises to live up to His end of the bargain. Some of His promises to us are that we may:<br /><br />1. Have faith on the Lamb of God. (Alma 7:14.)<br />2. Be numbered among the people of the Church of Christ. (Moro. 6:4.)<br />3. Be remembered and nourished by the good word of God. Moro. 6:4.)<br />4. Be washed from our sins by the power of the Holy Ghost (Alma 7:14; Moro. 6:4.)<br />5. Always have His Spirit to be with us. (D&C 20:77, 79; Mosiah 18:10.)<br />6. Be redeemed of God. (Mosiah 18:9.)<br />7. Be numbered with those of the first resurrection. (Mosiah 18:9.)<br />8. Have eternal life. (Alma 7:16.)<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;font-size:130%;" >This Do In Remembrance of Me</span><br /> The sacrament, communion, or the Lord’s supper, was first instituted on the day of the Passover meal, a meal commemorating the Lord’s delivering of Israel from Egyptian bondage. This was no coincidence, for it was also to be the day the Lord delivered all of mankind from the bondage of sin. It was the day He was to suffer and shed great drops of blood in the garden to pay the price for sin. It was a time when His flesh was to be broken and He would experience great anguish.<br /><br /> Matthew records the event as follows: “And as they were eating, Jesus took bread, and blessed it, and brake it, and gave it to the disciples, and said, Take, eat; this is my body. And he took the cup, and gave thanks, and gave it to them, saying, Drink ye all of it; For this is my blood of the new testament, which is shed for many for the remission of sins.” (Matt. 26:26-28.) Luke’s account reads: “And he took bread, and gave thanks, and brake it, and gave unto them, saying, This is my body which is given for you: this do in remembrance of me. Likewise also the cup after supper, saying, This cup is the new testament in my blood, which is shed for you.” (Luke 22:19-20.) And Mark gave a similar account.<br /><br /> Part of the real significance of partaking of the sacrament is often overlooked. Jesus had His flesh torn and bones broken for us, because He was willing to suffer all things for His Father’s children. He spilled His precious blood upon the ground to pay the price for sin so that we may not have to pay that horrible price. When we partake of the emblems of the sacrament, we are to <span style="color: rgb(204, 0, 0); font-weight: bold;">REMEMBER HIM</span>: we do it in <span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(204, 0, 0);">“REMEMBRANCE”</span> of what He suffered for us. But that is not all we are to do.<br /><br /> As true disciples of Jesus Christ, we are to be like Him. When we partake of the sacrament we are renewing a covenant we should have made at the time of our baptism—a covenant to be like Him and do as He did. We are to also be willing to have our flesh torn and body broken for truth’s sake and the testimony of Jesus, and be willing to have our blood shed, if need be, for the salvation of our Father’s children. When He said, “Drink ye all of it,” He was telling us: if we accept the cup of commitment, we are to accept the whole cup and not just a few sips from it.<br /><br /> At one time Jesus said, “He that eateth my flesh, and drinketh my blood, dwelleth in me, and I in him.” (John 6:56.) To make such a covenant with full purpose of heart, means that we can have Him dwell in us, and have His Spirit to be with us. Have we made such a covenant?<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;font-size:130%;" >Self-examination</span><br /> Now, let’s do a little self-examination. Making a covenant with God is a prerequisite for baptism. Did you—you who have been baptized—actually make a covenant with God, or was the act of being baptized assumed to be the covenant in itself? Did you really—mentally, spiritually, physically, knowingly, purposefully—go through the act of making a covenant with the Lord when you were baptized? Did you really hear the terms of the covenant in the first place? Hopefully all who are baptized are humble and desire baptism, but did you truly have a broken heart and contrite spirit? Did you witness before the Church—not just before an authority, but the Church—that you have truly repented of all your sins? Have you recognized, in the first place, that you are a sinner? And have you personally asked Jesus, with all the humility of your soul, to forgive you and take away your sins? Did you really take the name of Christ upon yourself, which means you behave as one of His children in ways that bring glory and honor to His name at all times, in all places, and in all things? Did you witness to the Father to this effect? Do you keep your promises, especially to the Father?<br /><br /> By saying “Amen” to the sacrament prayer, you promise to always remember Him and keep His commandments. Is He always in your conscious awareness, and do you keep all the commandments in the ways He expects you to? Did you actually make a covenant to serve Him at all times, in all places, and at all costs to the end of your days? Did you have an eye single to God’s glory at the time of your baptism? And did you manifest by your works before baptism that you have received a remission of your sins through the Spirit? If so, unto whom did you manifest that blessing, and how did you do it?<br /><br /> Before children are baptized, those who have at least reached the age of accountability, are they encouraged to make such a covenant at baptism and bring forth the prerequisite fruits before baptism? I am generalizing here of course, but I have not seen any evidence of that being so. The scriptures make no provision for their exemption from these requirements just because they are eight years of age. Yet, we are commanded to teach and prepare the children for such a covenant, which covenant goes far beyond just being a good boy or girl, and wanting to be baptized just because they turn eight years of age. (D&C 20:25-28.)<br /><br /> All are to experience at least a perfunctory interview before baptism by one having authority to do so. But how many have literally and deliberately covenanted with God, turning their lives over to Him with a broken heart and contrite spirit, determined to serve Him until the end of their days with all they have, and at all costs? How many of those baptized are truly converted to Jesus Christ? How many are not ashamed to be called a “Christian.”<br /><br /> Now I realize these are hard questions to consider, but if all of these things are commanded, have we been totally obedient to the Lord’s will? Have we received some into the Church without them making such covenants? Have there been those that have been baptized who have not met the prerequisites for baptism? And if there are those in the Church that did not meet the prerequisites, or make such covenants, how can they renew a covenant which was not made in the first place? These are sobering thoughts I’m sure. And I guess if we could all be honest about it, there’s no wonder then that the day will come when the Lord will have to cleanse His House by separating the wheat from the tares, and the sheep from the goats.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;font-size:130%;" >Our Personal Desire</span><br /> It may take some deep self-analysis to see how we measure up to this commandment of making baptismal covenants. However, we cannot have a reason to believe that there are far-reaching and eternal benefits for such covenants unless we first desire something. We need to desire to serve the Lord above all else. If we have not entered into a covenant with Him to that effect at baptism, should we be entitled to the blessings of baptism? It appears to me, as I read the scriptures considered, that we should not even be baptized unless we have committed our lives to Him and brought forth fruits worthy of baptism. If we have not lived up to the terms of the covenant agreement, can we expect God to bestow His greatest blessings upon us? Remember, the Lord said through the Prophet Joseph Smith, “I, the Lord, am bound when ye do what I say; but when ye do not what I say, ye have no promise.” (D&C 82:10.) Not taking seriously all the elements of the baptismal covenant and living up to them, we have essentially rejected the fulness of the gospel. Consequently the Father has no obligation to live up to His end of the bargain.<br /><br /> Thanks to the grace and forgiving nature of Jesus Christ, all is not lost. Those who have not covenanted as the Lord required can still repent and totally give their lives over to Him. They can still purposefully—with sincerity and real intent, with a broken heart and contrite spirit, recognizing their total dependency upon him and none else—dedicate their entire lives to Him. They can still covenant to serve and be a witness of Him at all times, in all places, and at all costs until the end of their days. And they can still be numbered among His people. He will be not only just their God, but their friend.<br /><br /> Perhaps this discussion can be brought to a close by offering a few more introspective questions you can ask yourselves. Have I truly been spiritually born again of God—not just baptized, but born again? Have I experienced a mighty change in my heart? Can others see His image in my countenance? Have I consciously, purposely, knowingly, and with full intent accepted Christ into my life as my Savior and only way back to the Father? Am I willing to give everything I have, and ever hope to have, to Him, to bring glory and honor to His name? Am I willing to follow the promptings of the Spirit above all other influences? Would my actions and way of life provide enough evidence in a court of law to condemn me as being a true Christian and disciple of Jesus Christ? If there is not that evidence, there can be no hope regardless of your church affiliation or claim of belief.<br /><br /> The Lord taught that “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 heaven.” (Matt. 7:21; 3 Ne. 14:21.) We will not be able to abide the Kingdom of Heaven just because we profess or claim that Jesus is the Christ, for the devils also believe He is. We will only achieve that Kingdom if we DO the Father’s will, which is much more than a simple verbal utterance. Jesus did not say only to confess His name, but He taught, “If ye love me, keep my commandments.” (John 14:15.) This simple commandment encompasses all the others. And when we obey the commandment to covenant with the Lord at the time of baptism, and live up to that covenant, we will have our sins washed away. We shall be numbered with His people, have His Spirit to be with us, be redeemed of God, receive of His fulness, and receive eternal life in the Father’s Kingdom.<br /></div>Joseph Warren Grammerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05795589798825424327noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2062486484005186955.post-60894762319112191482009-11-02T09:55:00.000-08:002009-11-02T10:02:16.538-08:00<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(153, 102, 51);font-size:180%;" >Denial:<br />Satan’s Seductive Tool</span><br />by Joseph Warren Grammer<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size:180%;">T</span>here is an attitude that Satan tries to instill in all of us, and that is the attitude of denying our own responsibility in our lives—a stance called denial. Denial is the desire or ability to occasionally shift responsibility for our problems and ills to someone else, or to some “thing” that has no power in itself. The desire to deny responsibility is so seductive, and so deep-rooted in some of us, that we sometimes cannot see ourselves involved in its process. This is often true even after some of us have been confronted with the truth of a situation and our responsibility related to that particular situation.<br /><br /> Having been granted the right of free will, that of agency, we are answerable to God for how we exercise that right and how we accept responsibility for the choices we make. With free will comes accountability. One major concern of our Heavenly Father is that we become personally responsible for our thoughts, our actions, and how we exercise our agency. Agency is such a critical principle in our eternal salvation that Satan uses all of the insidious means at his disposal to get us to deny our own accountability for the choices we make.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;font-size:130%;" >The Fear of Honesty</span><br /> There are many of us who will consciously say something like, “I know I am accountable,” or, “I’m not afraid of being responsible,” and then subconsciously switch the blame or responsibility of their actions or attitudes to someone else or some situation. Some are afraid of confronting themselves with truth, ending up living with unconscious guilt. Such a person might often be angry, have a tendency to blame, hold grudges, and generally be unhappy because every little thing seems to go wrong for them. They live in the torment of fear with an uncertain future, having very little faith and trust in others around them—sometimes not even trusting those in their own family that love them. Some of these people try to hide this negativity behind a facade of positive attitudes and congeniality, but inside suffer with the subtle torture of discontent.<br /><br /> Not only do we indulge ourselves in denial when it comes to our sins, attitudes, and those smaller things that we may not consider sins, but also in some of our feelings. Some of us often have feelings that we are not willing to admit exist. This is true when we believe those feelings could place us in a position that would be perceived as uncomfortable. Consequently, we become unwilling to accept those feelings; we fail to acknowledge them. Some of us can hide our feelings so well that we are really convinced those feelings do not exist at all. This type of denial only robs us of a more complete existence because we reject and refuse to recognize that which is honest, true, and capable of bringing a more fulfilling life.<br /><br /> Why do some live in such fear, afraid to confront themselves with truth? Is it because they are fearful of being wrong or being put in an uncomfortable or embarrassing position? Is it a threat to their justification for inappropriate behaviors and attitudes? Is it worry over not being what they think others expect them to be? Is it fear of being hurt? Is it concern of being rejected? Is it anxiety about the unknown? Is it pride? The answer could be a big YES to all of the above, and possibly more. Consequently and unfortunately, it is found that such people have very little love or respect for themselves, let alone love for others and love for God. The scriptures tell us: “<span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">There is NO FEAR IN LOVE; but perfect love casteth out fear: because fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love</span>.” (1 Jn. 4:18.)<br /><br /> It is important to be liked, respected, esteemed, supported, approved of, and generally accepted. It is ironic, however, that many who seek such recognition behave in ways that nullify their own intention. As many seek acceptance, they will often reject anything that others do or say that might reflect badly upon them. By rejection of that which might have been able to encourage growth in a positive way, they start toward the world of denial.<br /><br /> Through denial, or by not accepting the honest intentions of others, we send out a message that we ourselves are beset with a basic dishonesty. By not being willing to be honest with ourselves, and accepting truth, no matter how it hurts, we in turn fall short of the true love and respect we need for ourselves. And since we are to love others as we love ourselves (Matt. 22:35-39), then it follows that we have very little love for others. Without that love and respect for ourselves we cannot truly love others, let alone God.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;font-size:130%;" >A Vision of Lucifer’s Plan</span><br /> In his interesting book, Guardian Angels, Joseph Heinerman tells of Herr Pettersson, a Swede who had a divine dream concerning the life hereafter and of his guardian angel. In the dream he saw where the devils, those invisible and wicked beings among us here, were being taught their duty by Lucifer. Herr Pettersson’s guardian angel said that the spirits who followed Lucifer were, “... being trained for the final conflict between him and the Son of God, and also for missionary work among the children of men in mortality. Some of them are trained in journalism, some in statesmanship. Some are studying theology, and some are made proficient in all the arts and sciences of warfare ... All are being carefully trained in oratory—the devil’s oratory.”<br /><br /> Herr Pettersson asked, “What kind of oratory is that?”<br /><br /> His guardian angel answered: “That is a very difficult art, but one which is highly esteemed in the kingdom of Lucifer. He is the father of it. In its simplest form it is a denial of facts, and nothing more. Even a child can master that part of it. In a higher stage of the art, the devil’s oratory has the ability of proving that black is white, and white is black; that sin is virtue and virtue is sin, and that truth is lie and lie truth ... they prove, by some sort of logical conjurer’s trick, that their wicked deeds and follies were not committed by them, but by those who caught them in the very act. Lately, Lucifer has obtained a large contingent of mortals who have made a specialty of all kinds of lying before crossing the River into this world.” (<span style="font-style: italic;">Guardian Angels,</span> pp. 114-115.)<br /><br /> This brief experience shows an example of how we mortals can be taught to employ the “art” of lying to ourselves through denial (it is an art); by so doing we incorporate the evil of placing guilt upon others rather than accepting responsibility for our own attitudes and behaviors. Consequently, we can be falsely led to believe that all is going well with us when we try and blame others for all of our problems.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;font-size:130%;" >Scriptural Example</span><br /> The first example in history, of denial and of claiming no responsibility for one’s sins, can be found in the book of Genesis. After Adam and Eve partook of the forbidden fruit, God asked Adam, “Hast thou eaten of the tree, whereof I commanded thee that thou shouldest not eat?” It might appear that Adam was denying his responsibility in the matter when he answered, “The woman whom thou gavest to be with me, she gave me of the tree, and I did eat.” So, the Lord confronted Eve, saying, “What is this thou hast done?” Shifting her accountability, Eve responds, “The serpent beguiled me, and I did eat.” (See Gen. 3:1-13.)<br /><br /> Although the Lord cursed that old serpent for initially being responsible for the temptation, it did not relieve Adam and Eve of their complicity in the act of transgressing one of God’s laws. God didn’t buy their excuses and the shifting of blame. They were subsequently cast out of the garden of Eden. When one transgresses a law, temporal or spiritual, a penalty must be paid—denial or not. The demands of justice must be met because there are inherent penalties in breaking laws, no matter how justifiable.<br /><br /> Satan knows the power of denial, and he manipulated our first parents with this tool. This method of expressing fear has been a basic staple in the deceptive diet of mankind since man first partook of the forbidden fruit, until the present day.<br /><br /> In the Book of Mormon are found examples of denial. In Alma we find wicked Ammoron, king of the Lamanites, accusing Captain Moroni of wrongdoing. (Alma 54:15-17.) The sad thing about reading this story is that Ammoron really felt he was right, apparently believing that black was white, and white was black.<br /><br /> In Third Nephi we find a similar story. Giddianhi, governor of the band of Gadianton Robbers, wrote to Lachoneus, governor of the land, and told him how his robbers hated Lachoneus. Giddianhi then expresses the supposed virtues of the robbers.<br /><br /> 4. And I, knowing of their unconquerable spirit ... and knowing of their everlasting hatred towards you because of the many wrongs which ye have done unto them, therefore if they should come down against you they would visit you with utter destruction.<br /> 5. Therefore I have written this epistle ... feeling for your welfare, because of your firmness in that which ye believe to be right ...<br /> 6. Therefore I write unto you, desiring that ye would yield up unto this my people, your cities, your lands, and your possessions ...<br /> 7. Or in other words, yield yourselves up unto us, and unite with us and become acquainted with our secret works, and become our brethren that ye may be like unto us ...<br /> 8. And behold, I swear unto you, if ye will do this, with an oath, ye shall not be destroyed ...<br /> 9. And behold, I am Giddianhi; and I am the governor of this the secret society of Gadianton; which society and the works thereof I know to be good; and they are of ancient date and they have been handed down unto us. (See 3 Ne. 3:1-10.)<br /><br /> As before mentioned, Giddianhi extoled the supposed virtues of this band of criminals because his eyes had been blinded to the wickedness of their activities. He lived in such denial that he truly believed that sin was virtue and virtue was sin.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;font-size:130%;" >The Denial of Responsibility</span><br /> There are many other examples that can be found in scripture, but there are also numerous examples that can be found each day in our jobs, families, churches, governments, schools, and even ourselves as we often rationalize our decision making. A further illustration of such denial may be understood in the following little story:<br /><br /> We find a young lady walking home one dark night on a lonely street. A man comes up behind her, puts a knife to her throat and says, “Give me your purse or I’ll kill ya!” The terrified lady hands him her purse, after which he lets her go. She later tells her friends that the thief “made her” give him her purse.<br /><br /> Now, here is a situation that poses an interesting question: Did the thief make the young lady give him the purse? The answer is, No! He did not.<br /><br /> “But,” some might say, “He would have killed her if she didn’t hand it over. She was forced to do it, or else ...”<br /><br /> He may or may not have killed her; that is not the issue. His behavior is not our concern here, neither is the choice the victim made our concern. What is the issue then? The owning up to the responsibility of the decision made by the threatened young lady, that’s the issue.<br /><br /> If the assailant overpowered her, grabbed the purse and ran away with it, or if he killed the lady and took the purse, then she would not have had the opportunity to make a decision. But being overpowered is not the issue either. The issue is the fact that she did have the opportunity to make a decision.<br /><br /> What were her options? The thief did not make her give him her purse; that she decided for herself, probably after a very quick evaluation of the situation. Yes, she might have been killed, but that may also have been the result of her choice. The responsibility for the decision solely rested with her, not the thief. Besides, did she not make the foolish decision to walk alone on a dark street in the first place? Many problems come from decisions made way before the crisis.<br /><br /> Adam was given an option to partake of the forbidden fruit or not to partake of it. If he ate of the fruit, he would die. (Gen. 2:16-17; Moses 3:16-17.) In essence, the choice Adam had to make was similar to that which the assaulted young lady had to make. If both made one decision, they would die, and if they chose another, they would live. In Adam’s case he decided to eat of the fruit, which decision brought death into the world. The decision made by the lady confronted with danger, spared her life. We must realize that the “reason” for a decision is not important here. What is important, however, is to realize that we must be responsible for the decision we make whatever the ensuing consequences. God expects accountability, not excuses. And so it is in our personal lives. Other people, such as parents, teachers, supervisors, co-workers, various authorities over us, and even family and friends expect accountability, not excuses.<br /><br /> If the thief was responsible for making the young lady give him her purse then God would be responsible for making Adam partake of the forbidden fruit, which we know was not true.<br /><br /> Many may remember “The Fonz” from the TV series, “Happy Days.” When he made a mistake he never could admit it, or have the intestinal fortitude to say he was wrong. Upon being confronted with his blunders, he became unable to speak. When he finally did say something, he stuttered with, “I ... I ... I can’t say that.” Pride got in the way of his self-evaluation and personal integrity.<br /><br /> A few years before the “Happy Days” series, there was a TV comedian named Flip Wilson who had a popular saying when he did something wrong. He would say, “The devil made me do it.” Though comical in their settings, these statements too often reflect the attitudes of many people. They want to blame their troubles and sins on Satan or someone else. We cannot do that and get away with it. God sees all and knows all. He knows our inner feelings, even if we refuse to recognize them.<br /><br /> It is Lucifer’s evil design to shift blame. He teaches us to cheat ourselves. However, he has no power to force us to do anything. Such choices are ours alone. The Prophet Joseph Smith said, “Satan is generally blamed for the evils which we do, but if he was the cause of all our wickedness, men could not be condemned. The devil could not compel mankind to do evil; all was voluntary. ..God would not exert any compulsory means, and the devil could not ...” (TPJS, p. 187.)<br /><br /> From this we see that no one exerts compulsion, not even the devil. If he did, he would be responsible for our problems. But he is not. We are! So, through the closing of our minds and hearts, justifying our behaviors, lacking appropriate actions, and denying the Spirit of the Lord, we have relinquished our free will to the control of rationalization. As someone aptly put it: “To rationalize means only to make rational lies.”<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;font-size:130%;" >Draining the Energy of Others</span><br /> When we deny our responsibility in life, we have a tendency to continually seek help from others, they eventually become weary because nothing they do for us seems to help us. We don’t take their advice seriously, thinking that our problem is special, and we are the only one with it. Those from whom we seek help eventually become impatient and try to avoid us when they see us coming. Because of their seeming lack of caring for our “special” situations, we have a tendency to blame them for our chronic problems. But we really can’t blame them, for we are the ones that love to feel bad and want others to feel bad for us. We feel sorry for ourselves and seem to get a lot of mileage out of having others feel sorry for us. Because of this negative attention, we don’t take therapy seriously, and continue the “poor pity-me” program. Therefore, we have to blame someone else instead of accepting the responsibility ourselves. When we blame someone else we are trying not to feel guilt. If we do not feel guilt, we find no need to repent. And when there is no repentance there is no forgiveness, and, consequently, no blessing of eternal lives.<br /><br /> Now I don’t mean to be unkind, insensitive, or uncaring at this point; on the contrary, I believe and hope that my nature is to be quite understanding and compassionate. But perhaps, the reader is aware of those who are constantly ill, in need of financial help, attention, or something. They often appear to be distressed in one way or another; bad things continually seem to be happening to them. And no matter how you try to help them, it appears to do them little good. Their negativity eventually begins to drain the energy and resources of those around them. Soon, people begin to ignore them or try hiding from them. Though they may have legitimate problems at times, everyone considers them paranoid, incompetent, a hypochondriac, or just plain bothersome.<br /><br /> I have discovered, during my time as a Behavioral Therapist, that one of the possible problems with this type of individual is that they might be focusing too much upon themselves instead of upon God and those around them. Many of these people are sweet spirited, very kind, and can even be quite religious. But they often appear to be sucking from other people instead of giving. They tend to feel that their problem is unique; it’s theirs, they own it, and they have a right to keep it. It’s the I want—I need—you give approach to life instead of the you need—I have—I give. However, focusing upon others instead of self is not only a form of therapy, but also a form of repentance. It is exercising faith in Jesus who is the only one who can solve problems and heal wounds. It is not blaming others for our ills or draining their energy.<br /><br /> Yes, there are those who do spend a lot of time and energy being concerned about others. They care to the extent that sometimes they try to be too much to too many people at the expense of their own physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual health. This is where wisdom comes in handy. The Lord knows we cannot be everything to everyone, and He doesn’t expect us to be such. He wants to share the burdens we take upon ourselves, and we need to have the faith that He can and will handle them. There needs to be a balance. But all too often the balance is shifted towards selfishness.<br /><br /> The only remedy for such a lifestyle is to serve our God and others—the loss of self to advance the righteous cause of our neighbor, and the praise of our redeemer Jesus Christ. We need to focus outwardly, instead of inwardly. We need to give instead of always taking. Instead of always expecting others to bless us, we instead bless them. We give our time, our talents, our everything for the benefit of God’s children, especially those in need. It’s the Second Greatest Commandment all over again, isn’t it?<br /><br /> With such an approach, full of faith, that seemingly troublesome individual all of a sudden is transformed from a negative energy drainer to a positive influence that people love to be around. They will be sought out instead of being rejected. And when they have valid problems, others will be pleased to be of assistance because of their positive display of concern for those around them.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;font-size:130%;" >Self-examination Can Bring Positive Change</span><br /> We are discussing the principle of the agency, the free will of man, the right to choose, the right to be responsible for those choices, the right to make mistakes, the right to repent, the right to be judged, the right to be forgiven, the right to progress, and the right to be blessed. When we deny ourselves these rights through the means of denial, it is just as evil as if we were to deny another person these rights.<br /><br /> It is often so much easier and more convenient to lay the burden of responsibility on the shoulders of others than to accept it ourselves. When we blame others, we often leave that blame there and do no further self-evaluation. If we do not examine our inner-self, we will not find faults that might be hidden there. If we have undiscovered faults, we cannot work to change them. If we do not change faults through repentance we have not sufficiently repented. If we do not repent, we may not be worthy to have the Spirit of the Lord to be our constant companion. And without the Holy Spirit we cannot fulfill our righteous responsibilities here upon this earth; nor can we be full of light as God would have us.<br /><br /> When living in a state of denial we are actually betraying ourselves. And the pathetic thing about denial of responsibility is that those who embrace it often become blind to their predicament, believing that it is the other person or situation that is to be blamed.<br /><br /> By wearing such blinders as fear, pride, ignorance, apathy, anger, resentment, or vindictiveness, and not recognizing these weaknesses, we consent to Satan’s plan and help nullify the advantage of agency—the right to be responsible which brings further light and knowledge. The sad thing about those in denial is that they really believe someone or something else is responsible for their problems, always finding a scapegoat or an excuse. This being the case, how does one come to recognize that he or she is in denial, and what can be done about it?<br /><br /> To start, you must first tune in to the fact that you have blamed someone else or some inanimate object or situation. You need to think about what you have said, thought, or emotionally felt. It might be good to do some self-examination when you hear ourselves say something like, “It was your fault,” “If it wasn’t for you,” “If it wasn’t for that,” “They are the culprit,” and so on. Such statements of blame might just be signs of our denial.<br /><br /> There are numerous examples that many can use to help demonstrate what kind of people there are in the world. One example is that there are two kinds of people: the forgivers and the blamers. The forgivers tend to except responsibility and can forgive the frailties of others. The blamers, on the other hand, cannot handle being responsible. When the blamer has a problem, he or she tries to find fault and pin the guilt on someone else for that problem.<br /><br /> I know a number of people who live in denial; everything that goes wrong is ALWAYS someone else’s fault, and they cannot seem to see their own complicity in the problem. Even upon discussing the subject of how people live in denial with some of them, they say something like, “Yes, I know this guy who is always blaming someone else when he messes up.” But you know what? Most of these people I’ve talked to never seems to connect-the-dots when they messes up; it’s always someone else (or some thing) that caused the problem. Some people find it extremely difficult to accept responsibility, even for trivial mistakes.<br /><br /> However, if we can be honest without ourselves, and upon closer examination, we may find that we, and not someone else, are responsible for the situation. After we have come to the point of recognizing that we often find fault and place blame elsewhere, we need to ask ourselves if it is really true. In most instances the person without guile can see that it is not. But that involves total self-integrity which most of those in denial lack because of pride. As President Ezra Taft Benson stated: “Pride is the great stumbling block to Zion. I repeat: Pride is the great stumbling block to Zion.” (CR, April 1989, p. 7.) Basic honesty is vital to our relationship with Christ. Without it, we alienate the Spirit.<br /><br /> It may not be easy to abandon the inappropriate practice of denial, but it can be done. And it will bring peace and assurance into our lives which comes from accepting personal responsibility. This action allows the Savior to take charge. It is being honest with ourselves and knowing where we stand before our Heavenly Father. And, we must remember, when we put our own interests before that of the Savior we are building upon the wrong foundation.<br /><br /> All of this is important as we strive to become worthy disciples of Jesus Christ. We must be honest with ourselves, and with Him, if we plan on being worthy of His eternal reward. We must only build upon the rock of Christ, having faith that He is the only one who can forgive and who offers joy, peace, and contentment. He can set us free from ourselves. I often try to keep in mind what my late wife, Kay, meant when she said, “It isn’t who is right, but rather, what is right.”<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;font-size:130%;" >Accepting Responsibility Is God’s Plan</span><br /> Do you know what happens when you are honest with God and others, and where you are at with them? Love and forgiveness happens. You might think that you will only be loved by keeping things hidden, by holding a grudge, by trying to shift responsibility to others, or by trying to get even, but those are exactly what keeps you from receiving love. They create a barrier between you and God, and between you and other people.<br /><br /> Honest confession, sharing and forgiving can be the things that open the way to love and forgiveness. Love and forgiveness can come to people who are weak and sinful, and to people who are hurting and who have hurt others. Such grace comes to those who you feel do not deserve it. But it does not come to people who keep things hidden, who are not honest with themselves or with God, who keep themselves closed up with secrets, nor those who hold grudges and do not extend forgiveness. Love comes when you take a chance on being honest. Loves comes when you let go of hurts and forgive. It comes when you accept responsibility instead of trying to shift that responsibility. It comes when you trust God and risk trusting others.<br /><br /> Can we approach our Heavenly Father in love and faith and ask for a blessing of forgiveness when we are holding anger and blame toward another—a blame that might well be placed upon our own shoulders? No, we cannot! We cannot approach God in faith. We cannot because of guilt, even though that guilt is based in the subconscious and we do not consciously accept it. We cannot because of fear of what others may think instead of what God thinks.<br /><br /> Because of this fear, we gradually develop a feeling of unworthiness. Faith brings the power of the blessing sought for, but fear is a barrier to the blessing desired. Therefore, because of fear, we lack the power of faith. Also, without faith, there is no love. Mormon tells us that, “... perfect love casteth out all fear.” (Moro. 8:16.)<br /><br /> The Lord’s plan is that we are accountable for our own thoughts, attitudes and actions. We are responsible for our own salvation, no one else. By shifting blame, through denial, we see no need to repent. Because we see the blame in others, and not in ourselves, we feel no need for personal repentance. Thus, because of unrepentance, we cannot expect forgiveness for our own sins, no matter how major or minor they may be, or how unrelentingly we lie to ourselves and accuse others for those sins or troubles.<br /><br /> Denial is a tool of the devil. It is designed to have us blame others for our problems instead of accepting our own responsibilities for our own attitudes, behaviors, and conditions. Such are the teachings of Satan to our spirits. We fall into his trap if we tend to be dishonest with ourselves and others.<br /><br /> Acceptance of responsibility is the first step in the required principles of repentance and subsequent forgiveness. It is an indispensable step toward becoming a true disciple of Christ and receiving of His fulness.<br /></div>Joseph Warren Grammerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05795589798825424327noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2062486484005186955.post-15418138309800692232009-11-01T22:37:00.000-08:002009-11-02T10:56:09.012-08:00<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(255, 204, 51);font-size:180%;" >Gathering Our Own Light</span><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">by Joseph Warren Grammer<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size:180%;">T</span>he ultimate source of divine communication and direction personally comes from Jesus Christ and God the Father. To help us arrive at that important point in our spiritual progression we are given the Gift of the Holy Ghost to be our guide and companion, so long as we are true and faithful to the prompting of the Holy Spirit. John wrote, “.... the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, <span style="font-style: italic;">he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you</span>.” (John 14:26.) And Moroni said, “And by the power of the Holy Ghost ye may know the truth of all things.” (Moro. 10:5.) So it is the Holy Ghost that is the source of all truth.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;font-size:130%;" >The Value of True Prophets of God</span><br />The importance of receiving personal revelation from God, above all other sources of knowledge, cannot be overemphasized. This is an important concept as we seek the fulness of the Father and the Son, for without personal, one-on-one revelation from the divine source, there can be no fulness. However, because of man’s human weakness, the Lord sends living prophets to help teach, warn and point the way to Christ. But those prophets are not to stand in the way between man and his God. We are not told that anyone other than the Holy Ghost teaches the truth of all things, and a true prophet will teach all men to follow the Spirit that leads to Christ. As Latter-day Saints we believe that God ordains living prophets in these last days, such as the Prophet Joseph Smith, for this purpose. Therefore, the assumptive stance of this writing will be that all members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints understand and accept the necessity for real living prophets in these latter days.<br /><br />It is important to pay close attention to the words of real living prophets. All prophets of the past have known that they were prophets and affirmatively so stated. So it is today and in the future. A living prophet of God will testify to their calling with power, authority and the Spirit, such as did the Prophet Joseph Smith. Such real prophets receive prophetic revelation and testify to such, and they are not ambiguous about it. So any reference to prophets in this book refer to real prophets, not to those people who claim to be prophets.<br /><br />All things are spiritual to the Lord (D&C 29:34), and though a prophet’s counsel may be hard, that counsel should be considered as from the Lord and acted upon in faith as directed by the Spirit. On addressing this subject, Brigham Young once said, “I defy any man on earth to point out the path a Prophet of God should walk in, or point out his duty, and just how far he must go, in dictating temporal or spiritual things. Temporal and spiritual things are inseparably connected, and ever will be.” (JD 10:364.)<br /><br />The importance of prophets in the Church is related by Wilford Woodruff as he spoke of Brigham Young addressing a group in the presence of the Prophet Joseph Smith. It is recorded:<br /><br />“Brother Brigham took the stand, and he took the Bible and laid it down; he took the Book of Mormon, and laid it down; and he took the Book of Doctrine and Covenants, and laid it down before him, and he said, ‘There is the written word of God to us, concerning the work of God from the beginning of the world, almost, to our day. And now,’ said he, ‘when compared with the living oracles, those books are nothing to me; those books do not convey the word of God direct to us now, as do the words of a Prophet or a man bearing the Holy Priesthood in our day and generation. I would rather have the living oracles than all the writing in the books.’ That was the course he pursued. When he was through, Brother Joseph said to the congregation: ‘Brother Brigham has told you the word of the Lord, and he has told you the truth.’” (CR, October 1897, pp. 18-19; as quoted in God, Family, Country, p. 339.)<br /><br />Here Brigham Young stated that the words of a living prophet are more important than the scriptures. This statement is true when a REAL LIVING PROPHET speaks by the power and influence of the Holy Spirit. His words, then, ARE scripture. In fact, anyone who speaks by the influence of the Holy Ghost speaks the words of Christ, and their words thus spoken under divine influence can, in reality, be considered scripture. (2 Ne. 32:3.)<br /><br />It is a serious matter how we respect the prophets of God and consider their words. The scriptures tell us that we need to “beware how [we] receive the oracles of God ... Lest they are accounted as a light thing, and [we] are brought under condemnation thereby.” (D&C 90:5.) We know that the Prophet Mormon said that his “mouth was shut,” and that he was “forbidden” to preach unto the people; “for behold they had wilfully rebelled against their God; and the beloved disciples were taken away out of the land, because of their iniquity.” (Morm. 1:16.)<br /><br />During his last verbal address to the Saints in a general conference, President Ezra Taft Benson testified with a warning voice about our respect toward the living prophets: “I testify that throughout the ages God has spoken to His children through His prophets (see Amos 3:7, Helaman 8:13-20). Only when His children rejected the prophets were the prophets taken out of their midst, and then tragedy followed (see 1 Ne. 3:17-18, 7:14; Hel. 13:24-27).” (CR, October 1988, p. 102.) Even though president Benson lived a few more years, yet this was the last time he verbally spoke to us in general conference. Perhaps there is a message here.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;font-size:130%;" >The Infallibility Doctrine</span><br />We must understand what the Prophet Joseph Smith meant when he said that “<span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">a prophet was a prophet only when he was acting as such</span>.” (DHC 5:265; TPJS, p. 278.) This sounds as though there are times when a man called to be a prophet may not be acting as a prophet. And so it is true.<br /><br />In the back of the Doctrine and Covenants are found some words from President Wilford Woodruff, who stated: “The Lord will never permit me or any other man who stands as President of this Church to lead you astray.” (D&C, Declaration 1, p. 292, 1984 edition.) This is the oft-quoted statement that many Latter-day Saints will hang their obedient hats on in justification for their NOT DOING their duty before God. (Later we will learn what that duty is.)<br /><br />Because of this statement by President Woodruff, there are some who want us to believe that if we only listen to the prophets we do not have to listen to the Spirit. They claim there is never any conflict between what prophets say and what the Spirit says. Consequently, they feel we never need to pray about what the prophets say to find out whether or not they are speaking for God. This approach is akin to believing that the prophet is infallible—a doctrine analogous to the doctrine taught by the Catholic Church, that is, the “<span style="font-style: italic;">Infallibility of the Pope</span>.”<br /><br />From the beginning of the restoration of the Church, the “<span style="font-style: italic;">Infallibility of the Pope</span>” doctrine has been one that members of the LDS Church have never accepted. But in recent years it seems they have drawn closer to accepting that concept themselves. “The President of the Church will never lead you astray” doctrine is much like the infallibility doctrine found in the Catholic Church. This author has found this doctrine taught and believed in various wards and stakes of the Church—to the extreme. It has gone so far that some have even taught that we are to follow any Church leader, no matter what they say. By so doing, it is believed, we will be blessed, and the false leader will be IMMEDIATELY removed from his position of authority if he teaches or instructs wrongly.<br /><br />For example, this author knew one Elders’ quorum president who believed that all he taught was good, because if it wasn’t he would have been removed from his position. And since he was still the Elders’ quorum president, and had not been removed from his office at that point, he believed all he taught and demanded of his subjects must be of God. This is a false doctrine as we will soon discover. The Lord will deal with such pride and arrogance in His own due time, and not necessarily “immediately.”<br /><br />Instead of following “blindly,” we are to seek and follow the Holy Spirit, because he speaks the words of Christ. This has always been so. “<span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">Angels speak by the power of the Holy Ghost; wherefore, they speak the words of Christ. Wherefore, I said unto you, feast upon the words of Christ; for behold, the words of Christ will tell you all things what ye should do</span>.” (2 Ne. 32:3.) One thing we learn from this scripture is that the Holy Ghost speaks the words of Christ. We are to “<span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">feast upon the words of Christ</span>,” and respectfully, we have never been told to feast upon the words of any mortal no matter what position he may hold.<br /><br />In bringing this subject to light, President James E. Faust made a brief but pointed statement concerning this matter in “The First Presidency Message” of The Ensign. He said, “We make no claim of individual infallibility or perfection as the prophets, seers, and revelators.” ( <span style="font-style: italic;">The Ensign</span>, August 1996, p. 7.)<br /><br />The statement of Wilford Woodruff, quoted above, was not the total of what President Woodruff had to say on the subject. A year-and-a-half before the quote from which the prevailing incorrect doctrine was spun off, President Woodruff said, “God will not permit me, or any other President who holds the keys, to intentionally lead you astray.” (Deseret Evening News, April 13, 1889.) The operative word here is “intentionally,” meaning, on purpose. It therefore follows that “unintentional” false directive could occur. As we continue we will find what other authorities had to say which corroborates this thesis.<br /><br />There are also many statements from Brigham Young which relate to this subject. At one time President Young said, “<span style="font-style: italic;">The Lord Almighty leads this Church, and he will never suffer you to be led astray <span style="font-weight: bold;">if you are found doing your duty</span> ... for if they should try to do so the Lord would quickly sweep them from the earth</span>.” (JD 9:289.) What is the key to not being led astray, as this quotation suggests? It is “doing your duty.” As we continue our study, the reader will learn that “duty,” which is one of the keys of coming to Jesus Christ.<br /><br />The prophets are not to be treated as infallible. They are not intended to be. They are only prophets when they speak as a prophet. They are also as human as everyone else, and they can still have their own beliefs and opinions. They are still subject to the same feelings and emotions experienced by other people. Anyone who has studied the scriptures and Church history can attest to that.<br /><br />The word of God comes not only through the canonized scriptures, but from the words of a living prophet as that prophet is led by the Holy Ghost; then, and only then, is he speaking the words of Christ as a prophet and he will never lead the Church astray. Our responsibility is to do our duty and obtain a witness, through personal revelation, that the prophet is indeed speaking for God.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;font-size:130%;" >The “Arm of Flesh”</span><br />When speaking of following man, we are making reference to what the Lord calls, “the arm of flesh.” First, we find that Nephi, in expressing words of praise, conveys his confidence in the Lord instead of man when he said, “O Lord, I have trusted in thee, and I will trust in thee forever. <span style="font-style: italic;">I will not put my trust in the arm of flesh; for I know that cursed is he that putteth his trust in the arm of flesh. Yea, cursed is he that putteth his trust in man or maketh flesh his arm</span>.” (2 Ne. 4:34.)<br /><br />As Nephi teaches his brethren, he prophesies about the last days, saying, “<span style="font-style: italic;">Cursed is he that putteth his trust in man, or maketh flesh his arm, <span style="font-weight: bold;">or shall hearken unto the precepts of men</span>, save their precepts shall be given by the power of the Holy Ghost</span>.” (2 Ne. 28:31.)<br /><br />The Lord spoke in Doctrine and Covenants, Section 1, and said that, “The weak things of the world shall come forth and break down the mighty and strong ones, that <span style="font-style: italic;">man should not counsel his fellow man, neither trust in the arm of flesh</span>—” (D&C 1:19.)<br /><br />On May 10, 1966, President Benson was a member of the Quorum of the Twelve and sustained as a prophet, seer and a revelator. On that date he spoke to the studentbody at Brigham Young University. Concerning this subject he said,<br /><br />“Six of the original twelve apostles selected by Joseph Smith were excommunicated. The three witnesses of the Book of Mormon left the Church. Three of Joseph Smith’s counselors fell—one even helped plot his death.<br />“A natural question that might arise would be that if the Lord knew in advance that these men would fall, as he undoubtedly did, why did he have his prophet call them to such high office? The answer is, <span style="font-style: italic;">to <span style="font-weight: bold;">fill the Lord’s purposes</span></span>. For even the Master followed the will of the Father by selecting Judas. President George Q. Cannon suggested an explanation, too, when he stated, ‘<span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">Perhaps it is his own design that faults and weaknesses should appear in high places in order that his saints may learn to trust in him and not in any man or men</span>.’” (<span style="font-style: italic;">Millennial Star</span>, 53:658.) And this would parallel Nephi’s warning, put not your “trust in the arm of flesh.” (2 Nephi 4:34) (<span style="font-style: italic;">An Enemy Hath Done This</span>, p. 290.)<br /><br />Here we find that President Benson quotes President George Q. Cannon, formerly a member of the First Presidency, stating that there could be “weaknesses” appearing “in high places.” We have two apostles witnessing to this possibility, one of which was called to be the President of the Church and Prophet, Seer, and Revelator. From this quote, it should be obvious that President Benson is speaking about leaders within the Lord’s Church; and it will be noted that <span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">he equates the term, “arm of flesh,” with those who hold high office within the Church</span>. He says they are the same.<br /><br />Now if the doctrine that the prophet will not lead astray, then President Benson’s statement must be true. Right? Off course Not! President Benson’s statement, itself, refutes that false idea.<br /><br />Two years after the death of the Prophet Joseph Smith, there was a revelation given to Apostle Orson Hyde at Nauvoo, Illinois, in April of 1846. Among other things, the Spirit moved upon Elder Hyde and he wrote the following:<br /><br />3. <span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">Evil men, ambitious of power, must needs arise among you</span>, and they shall be led by their own self-will and not by me. Yet they are instruments in my hands, and are <span style="font-weight: bold;">p</span><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">ermitted to try my people, and to collect from among them those who are </span><span style="font-weight: bold;">NOT</span><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;"> the elect, and such as are </span><span style="font-weight: bold;">UNWORTHY</span><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;"> of eternal life</span>.<br />4. Grieve NOT after them, neither mourn nor be alarmed.<br />5. <span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">My people know my voice and also the voice of my spirit, and a stranger they will not follow</span>:<br />6. Therefore <span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">such as follow strangers are not my people</span>. (<span style="font-style: italic;">Millennial Star</span>, 7:10, May 15, 1846, pp. 157-58: <span style="font-style: italic;">Unpublished Revelations</span>, 1:65, pp. 104-05.)<br /><br />In this revelation to one of the Lord’s apostles we are told that there will be “evil men” in power that will be permitted to “try” God’s people; but, those who are truly of God will not follow after the wicked because God’s people know His voice and the voice of His Spirit. Jesus said, “<span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me</span>.” (John 10:27.) Speaking of trusting in man, the arm of flesh, the Lord had the Prophet Jeremiah prophetically write:<br /><br />5. Thus saith the LORD; Cursed be the man that trusteth in man, and maketh flesh his arm, and whose heart departeth from the LORD.<br />6. For he shall be like the heath in the desert, and shall not see when good cometh; but shall inhabit the parched places in the wilderness, in a salt land and not inhabited.<br />7. Blessed is the man that trusteth in the LORD, and whose hope the LORD is.” (Jer. 17:5-7.)<br /><br />In Section 45 of the Doctrine and Covenants the Lord points out one of the problems we Gentiles will have in the latter days. Now we must remember that the term “Gentile,” as used in the Book of Mormon, refers to we Latter-day Saints through whom the Book of Mormon came. The title page of that book says that it was to “come forth in due time by way of the Gentile.” That’s us! And in the Doctrine and Covenants we read, concerning the Book of Mormon, that it “contains ... the fulness of the gospel of Jesus Christ to the Gentiles...” (D&C 20:9.) So, we Latter-day Saints are considered to be Gentiles. Now let’s read a couple of verses from Section 45:<br /><br />28. And when the times of the Gentiles is come in, a light shall break forth among them that sit in darkness, and it shall be the fulness of my gospel;<br />29. But they receive it not; for they perceive not the light, and they turn their hearts from me because of the precepts of men. (D&C 45:28-29.)<br /><br />These verses very plainly point out that when the times of the Gentiles (that us) comes in (which is now), a great light will “break forth” unto us. That light will be the “fulness” of the Gospel.<br /><br />What is the fulness? That subject is covered quite thoroughly in my study entitled, the “Fulness of the Gospel.” Briefly put, that fulness is: 1) beholding the face of God, 2) enduring His presence, and 3) entering into His rest. (See 93:1.)<br /><br />But verse 29 goes on to say that “they (we the Gentiles) receive it (the light or fulness) not.” Why have we, the Gentiles, not received the light of the fulness? It is because we will not “perceive,” or comprehend that light. And why don’t we perceive the light? Because we turn our hearts from Him “because of the precepts of men.” And what is the “precepts of men”? It is the decree or edict that we follow the voices of men — the “arm of flesh” — instead of the Spirit of the Living God.<br /><br />Like most young couples, there was a time many years ago when my wife and I were in financial difficulty. During that stressful period the bishop counseled us to not pay our tithing, but instead, use the money to clear up a few bills. My wife said, “If we do that, we wouldn’t be worthy of a temple recommend!” To this the bishop replied, “Maybe you can’t afford a temple recommend.” He tried to justify his advice by saying that he and his wife did this when they were getting started, and it would be okay for us to do the same. It didn’t take long to spiritually consider the matter and determine that the bishop did not have the right to try and override one of the Lord’s basic commandments—only God could do that. The paying of tithes was continued.<br /><br />At this point it might be fitting to reread a statement from Brigham Young: <span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">“If a bishop or any other officer in this Church shall counsel the people to violate any of the laws of God, and to sustain and build up the kingdoms of this world, I will justify them, and the Lord will justify them in refusing to obey that counsel.”</span> (JD 12:161.)<br /><br />That is, the Lord would justify a person who refuses to obey false counsel that comes from any officer in the Church. Brigham’s statement seems to refute the idea that if we follow bad counsel we will be blessed for so doing. If anyone truly believes that a President of the Church will not lead anyone astray, then they will have to believe these words of President Brigham Young.<br /><br />Is there any doubt what is meant by the term, “arm of flesh”? It is important to be in tune with the Spirit instead of man, whoever that man may be. It is so important that we follow God, rather than man, that he relegates those who follow man to the Telestial Kingdom, not the Celestial. In the following the Lord puts it this way:<br /><br />98. And <span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">the glory of the telestial</span> is one, even as the glory of the stars is one; for as one star differs from another star in glory, even so differs one from another in glory in the <span style="font-style: italic;">telestial world</span>;<br />99. <span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">For these are they who are of Paul, and of Apollos, and of Cephas</span>.<br />100. These are they who say they are some of one and some of another—some of Christ and some of John, and some of Moses, and some of Elias, and some of Isaiah, and some of Enoch;<br />101. But <span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">received not the gospel, neither the testimony of Jesus</span>, neither the prophets, neither the everlasting covenant. (D&C 76:98-101.)<br /><br />The heirs of the Telestial Kingdom are those who follow man and the influence of man, instead of God and His influence. The Holy Ghost gives a testimony of Jesus, and without that testimony we cannot even qualify for the second sphere of glory, the Terrestrial Kingdom. It is by the Spirit of God that a testimony of Jesus comes; therefore, we must have a witness of the Spirit, not just of man. If all we do is rely on man, the arm of flesh, we are worthy of no more than the lowest kingdom. We must trust in God above all else.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;font-size:130%;" >No Real Contradiction</span><br />Because of the teaching, “The Prophet will never lead us astray,” some of us may be neglecting our duty in receiving our own revelation concerning what our authorities say is from God—some call this following blindly. George Q. Cannon spoke on this theme when he said, “... <span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">do not, brethren, put your trust in a man though he be a Bishop, an Apostle, or a President; if you do, they will fail you at some time or place</span> ...” (<span style="font-style: italic;">Millennial Star</span>, 53:674.) Again, if we truly believe the Brethren will not lead anyone astray, then we will have to believe these words also.<br /><br />The scriptures tell us that in the last days false and vain doctrines will be taught, and that apostasy will abound because of false teachers. Nephi tells us that, <span style="font-style: italic;">“... they have all gone astray <span style="font-weight: bold;">save it be a few, who are the humble followers of Christ</span>; nevertheless, they are led, that in many instances they do err because they are taught by the precepts of men.”</span> (2 Ne. 28:24.) From this we learn that even some of the humble may be falsely led away. President Brigham Young warned all of us to obtain our own revelations so we will not have to depend on man. He taught this when he said,<br /><br />“What a pity it would be if we were led by one man to utter destruction! Are you afraid of this? I am more afraid that this people have so much confidence in their leaders t<span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">hat they will not inquire for themselves of God</span> whether they are led by Him. I am fearful they settle down in a state of blind self-security, trusting their eternal destiny in the hands of their leaders with a reckless confidence that in itself would thwart the purpose of God in their salvation, and weaken that influence they could give to their leaders, <span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">did they know for themselves, by the revelations of Jesus, that they are led in the right way. Let every man and woman know, by the whispering of the Spirit of God to themselves, whether their leaders are walking in the path the Lord dictates, or not</span>.” (JD 9:150.)<br /><br />“... you and I must have the testimony of Jesus within us, or it is of but little use for us to pretend to be servants of God. <span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">We must have that living witness within us. We need the light of the Holy Spirit continually, day by day</span>, as you have been told hundreds of times. <span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">How easy it would be for your leaders to lead you to destruction, unless you actually knew the mind and will of the Spirit yourselves. That is your privilege</span>”. (JD 4:368.)<br /><br />Of the two quotes above, the first was also quoted by President Faust in the “First Presidency Message,” found on page seven of the August 1996 issue of <span style="font-style: italic;">The Ensign</span>. That article is highly recommended. It contains good counsel on the subject of “Continuing Revelation,” which happens to be the title of the article.<br /><br />What we are considering here is the difference between general counsel and specific counsel. Specific counsel, as used here, refers to specific or personal revelation. When we receive general counsel concerning Church matters, that counsel is expected to be followed, because the general authority giving the counsel is responsible for the Church in general. The Prophet Joseph Smith said, “It is also the privilege of any officer in this Church to obtain revelations, so far as [it] relates to his particular calling and duty in the Church.” (TPJS, p. 111.) Thus, revelation and counsel from the general Church leaders are for the Church in general. But as President Brigham Young said, we have the privilege to receive personal direction from the Holy Spirit.<br /><br />Some may believe that what we have been considering is contradictory in nature: the opposing thoughts being that (1) we should follow the prophet and Church leaders in all things, and (2) we should rely on the Spirit and not put our trust in man, there being times when we might be justified in “refusing to obey their counsel.” There is no conflict, however, when we realize that we are to sustain the prophet and president of the Church, general authorities, and other Church leaders, by the Spirit of revelation. That is, we are not to take a prophet for granted, but we are to have our own witness from the Holy Ghost that he is, indeed, speaking for the Lord. When he speaks, we should obtain that testimony from the Holy Ghost that his message is from the Divine source. That is one of the reasons we were given the gift of the Holy Ghost at the time of confirmation, to help us discern such things.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;font-size:130%;" >Brethren Have Their Own Opinions</span><br />Let’s try to get a better understanding of what we have been discussing. There are two sides to the discussion: (1) Some believe that Church authorities, though they may be led by the Spirit much of the time, nevertheless are human and may make decisions not based upon the Spirit; thus, those members feel that they ought to be free to pray and receive a witness of their leader’s Divine direction; and (2) others believe that our Church leaders will never lead us astray and that we should follow them no matter what they say.<br /><br />Earlier we quoted the Prophet Joseph as saying that “a prophet was a prophet only when he was acting as such.” (DHC 5:265; TPJS, p. 278.) This is important to always keep in mind.<br /><br />From that oft-quoted general authority, Elder Bruce R. McConkie, we find that prophets are mortal men with their own imperfections: “With all their inspiration and greatness, prophets are yet mortal men with imperfections common to mankind in general. They have their opinions and prejudices and are left to work out their own problems without inspiration in many instances.... Thus the opinions and views even of prophets may contain error unless those opinions and views are inspired by the Spirit.” (<span style="font-style: italic;">Mormon Doctrine</span>, 1958 Edition, p. 547.)<br /><br />President Harold B. Lee lets us know that not all words from the General Authorities are inspired, which could deliver a real blow to some in our Mormon culture.<br /><br />“<span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">It is not to be thought that every word spoken by the General Authorities is inspired, or that they are moved upon by the Holy Ghost in everything they write</span>. I don’t care what his position is, if he writes something or speaks something that goes beyond anything that you can find in the standard church works, unless that one be the prophet, seer, and revelator—please note that one exception—you may immediately say, ‘<span style="font-style: italic;">Well, that is his own idea</span>.’ And if he says something that contradicts what is found in the standard church works, you may know by that same token that it is false, regardless of the position of the man who says it. We can know or have the assurance that they are speaking under inspiration if we so live that we can have a witness that what they are speaking is the word of the Lord. There is only one safety, and that is that we shall live to have the witness to know. President Brigham Young said something to the effect that ‘the greatest fear I have is that the people of this Church will accept what we say as the will of the Lord without first PRAYING ABOUT IT and GETTING THE WITNESS WITHIN THEIR OWN HEARTS that what we say is the word of the Lord.’” (<span style="font-style: italic;">Stand Ye In Holy Places</span>, pp. 162-63.)<br /><br />Let’s return to Joseph Smith who makes a startling statement that the Twelve could err, and make mistakes. The Prophet wrote in his history: “I decided that the High Council had nothing to do with the Twelve, or the decisions of the Twelve. But if the Twelve erred they were accountable only to the General Council of the authorities of the whole Church, according to the revelations.” (DHC 2:285; TPJS, pp. 91-92.) This being true, wouldn’t it be possible for bishops, stake presidents, and other officers in the Church to falter in their stewardship?<br /><br />With these thoughts in mind, let’s consider a statement made by President Spencer W. Kimball in General Conference, October 1976: “We warn you against the dissemination of doctrine which are not according to the scriptures and which are alleged to have been taught by some of the general authorities of past generations. Such for instance, is the Adam/God theory. We denounce that theory and hope that everyone will be cautioned against this and other kinds of false doctrine.” (<span style="font-style: italic;">The Ensign</span>, November 1976, p. 77.)<br /><br />When studying about the Adam-God doctrine, we will find, with just a little investigation, that Brigham Young definitely and often preached affirmatively on the subject, and at length, along with others of the brethren in his day. (JD 1:50-51; 10:231; 13:311; <span style="font-style: italic;">Manuscript Addresses of Brigham Young</span>, Feb. 19 & Oct. 8, 1854; Oct. 8, 1861;<span style="font-style: italic;">Wilford Woodruff Journal</span>, Oct. 8, 1854; Dec. 16, 1867; etc.)<br /><br />Elder Francis M. Lyman, President of the Quorum of the Twelve (1903), once made this interesting observation: “I have heard of a man who was cut off [excommunicated] because he would not believe that Adam was our Father and God.” Today, many are condemned by the Church for believing in the Adam-God doctrine, but apparently there was a time when people were cut off for NOT believing in that doctrine. Elder Lyman continued: “How ironic that a man was excommunicated for NOT believing that Adam was God—and then a hundred years later some were excommunicated FOR believing that he was.” (<span style="font-style: italic;">Millennial Star</span>, 24:99, Feb. 15, 1862; Kraut, <span style="font-style: italic;">Michael/Adam</span>, pp. 157-58.)<br /><br />First, it should be noted that this author is not trying to promote the Adam-God doctrine . The Adam-God doctrine is not the point of this discussion. The point of this discussion is that Church authorities can have differing opinions on a particular subject.<br /><br />Now, if President Kimball was right, then President Brigham Young must have been wrong. If Brigham Young was right, then Spencer W. Kimball must have been wrong. Can both be right, or can one of them be wrong? The first point to be made here is not who was right or wrong, it is that each of the general authorities can have his own opinions about something. The next point to be made is that it’s up to the members to receive personal revelation concerning what those authorities say on a particular issue—to learn for themselves if something is the will or doctrine of the Lord.<br /><br />This may be a good time to present another statement by Brigham Young on the subject: “Do you know why some men give counsel different one from another? Because they undertake to give counsel without the Spirit of the Lord to dictate them. But when the Spirit dictates, then each one knows what to do, and their counsel will be the same. Adam, Seth, Enoch, Noah, all the Patriarchs and Prophets, Jesus and the Apostles, and every man that has ever written the word of the Lord, have written the same doctrine upon the same subject; and you never can find that Prophets and Apostles clashed in their doctrines IN ANCIENT DAYS: neither will they now, IF all would at all times be led by the Spirit of salvation.” (JD 5:328-29; 1857.)<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;font-size:130%;" >Our Covenant to Sustain</span><br />When we sustain any of our Church leaders, we take upon ourselves a very serious obligation, one that the Lord expects us to uphold. President John Taylor spoke of this subject as he said,<br /><br />“We have been voting for our officers and for those holding places in the church and kingdom of God in this stake of Zion. And it is well for us sometimes to understand what we do in relation to these matters. We hold up our right hand when voting in token before God that we will sustain those for whom we vote; and if we cannot feel to sustain them, we ought not to hold up our hands, because to do this, would be to act the part of hypocrites. And the question naturally arises, how far shall we sustain them? Or in other words, how far are we at liberty to depart from this covenant which we make before each other and before our God? For when we lift up our hands in this way, it is in token to God that we are sincere in what we do, and that we will sustain the parties we vote for. This is the way I look at these things. How far then should we sustain them, and how far should we not? This is a matter of serious importance to us; if we agree to do a thing and do not do it, we become covenant breakers and violators of our obligations, which are, perhaps, as solemn and binding as anything we can enter into.” (JD 21:207.)<br /><br />He continued, “When we vote for men in the solemn way in which we do, shall we abide by our covenants? or shall we violate them? If we violate them, we become covenant-breakers. We break our faith before God and our brethren, in regard to the acts of men whom we have covenanted to sustain.” (JD 21:208.)<br /><br />However, there is another responsibility that rests upon the shoulders of those that sustain a leader. President Taylor further stated:<br /><br />“But supposing he should do something wrong, supposing he should be found lying or cheating, or defrauding somebody; or stealing or anything else, or even become impure in his habits, would you still sustain him? It would be my duty then to talk with him as I would with anybody else, and tell him that I had understood that things were thus and so, and that under these circumstances I could not sustain him; and if I found that I had been misinformed, I would withdraw the charge; but if not, it would then be my duty to see that justice was administered to him, that he was brought before the proper tribunal to answer for the things he had done; and in the absence of that I would have no business to talk about him.” (JD 21:208.)<br /><br />We see that there can be a remedy afforded the faithful follower of leaders; that is, he can approach that leader with his suspicions. And if those suspicions are founded, it would be his “duty to see that justice was administered to him, that he was brought before the proper tribunal.” Sometimes this tribunal may not be one of this world, in that the devil has power over his own dominion. Therefore, some issues will have to be turned over to God. He will deal with them in His own time and in His own manner, for justice will be served.<br /><br />The president of the Church is not infallible but very fallible. He is so fallible, or human, that the Lord even provided that he be disciplined if he comes up short in his duties and faithfulness. From D&C 107 we read:<br /><br />81. There is not any person belonging to the church who is exempt from this council of the church.<br />82. And inasmuch as a President of the High Priesthood shall transgress, he shall be had in remembrance before the common council of the church, who shall be assisted by twelve counselors of the High Priesthood;<br />83. And their decision upon his head shall be an end of controversy concerning him.<br />84. Thus, none shall be exempted from the justice and the laws of God, that all things may be done in order and in solemnity before him, according to truth and righteousness. (D&C 107:81-84)<br /><br />The “council of the church” referred to was instituted as a “permanent” High Council (D&C 102:8; provisions for filling vacancies) that was organized in Kirtland, Ohio, on February 7, 1834. It was a council for the whole Church (D&C 102:9) and not for any particular organized Stake of the Church. It was to be separate from the Quorum of the Twelve, and was to function at the “seat of the First Presidency.” (D&C 102:26-27.) The purpose of this general High Council is stated in D&C 102:2, 13-26. Though the President of the Church was to preside over that council, nevertheless, all members of the Church, including the President and members of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles were subject to that council’s decisions; hence the statement in verse 84, <span style="color: rgb(204, 0, 0); font-weight: bold;">“NONE shall be exempted from the justice and the laws of God.”</span> This is in harmony with what the Lord said to the Prophet Joseph Smith: “... because of transgression, if you art not aware thou wilt fall. ... repent of that which thou hast done which is contrary to the commandment which I gave you,... Except thou do this, thou shalt be delivered up and become as other men, and have no more gift.” (D&C 3:9-11.)<br /><br />Concerning this High Council and the Quorum of the Twelve, in September of 1835 the Prophet Joseph said, “I decided that the High Council had nothing to do with the Twelve, or the decisions of the Twelve. But if the Twelve erred they were accountable only to the General Council of the authorities of the whole Church, according to the revelations.” (DHC 2:285, TPJS, p. 92.)<br /><br />Now if the President of the “High Priesthood,” which is the President of the Church in this instance, can “transgress,” and if members of the Twelve can make mistakes, then is it not possible for a bishop, a stake president, or any other Church official to transgress, thereby becoming subject to disciplinary action? The Lord said, <span style="font-weight: bold;">“none shall be exempted from the justice and the laws of God.”</span><br /><br />In retranslating the New Testament, through the inspiration of God, the Prophet Joseph Smith gave us new insights into what is written in Mark 9:43-48. We can find his translation of this scripture in the appendix of the LDS edition of the Holy Bible. The italicized words are the Prophet’s own additions, and they appear below as they are found in the Joseph Smith translation. It would be good for the reader to contemplate them, for isn’t that the reason the Lord gave them to us? And isn’t that why our current general authorities thought it important to include them in the new edition of our scriptures?<br /><br />40. Therefore, if thy hand offend thee, cut it off; or if thy brother offend thee and confess it not and forsake not, he shall be cut off. It is better for thee to enter into life maimed, than having two hands, to go into hell.<br />41. For it is better for thee to enter into life without thy brother, than for thee and thy brother to be cast into hell; into the fire that never shall be quenched, where their worm dieth not, and the fire is not quenched.<br />42. And again, if thy foot offend thee, cut it off; for he that is thy standard, by whom thou walkest, if he become a transgressor, he shall be cut off.<br />43. It is better for thee, to enter halt into life, than having two feet to be cast into hell; into the fire that never shall be quenched.<br />44. Therefore, let every man stand or fall, by himself, and not for another; or not trusting another.<br />45. Seek unto my Father, and it shall be done in that very moment what ye shall ask, if ye ask in faith, believing that ye shall receive.<br />46. And if thine eye which seeth for thee, him that is appointed to watch over thee to show thee light, become a transgressor and offend thee, pluck him out.<br />47. It is better for thee to enter into the kingdom of God, with one eye, than having two eyes to be cast into hell fire.<br />48. For it is better that thyself should be saved, than to be cast into hell with thy brother, where their worm dieth not, and the fire is not quenched. (JST Mark 9:40-48.)<br /><br />Upon reading this scripture, it might be well to ponder: Who is our foot, the one who is to be our standard by whom we walk, or the one we follow? Who is our eye, the one who is appointed to see for us, watch over us, show us the light, and be a seer? Joseph Smith understood the importance of personal revelation very well, as indicated by other quotes cited by him in this and the next chapter. Joseph Smith pointed out in his translation that it is possible for authorities to transgress, and that if those who are to be our example and show us the way transgress, they are to be cut off; pointing out the importance of us receiving our own witness concerning the Lord’s will, regardless from what source it comes. At this point it might be fitting to reread a statement from Brigham Young:<br /><br />“If a bishop counsels the people of his ward to swear shall they swear? <span style="font-weight: bold;">No</span>. If he counsels them to steal shall they steal? <span style="font-weight: bold;">No</span>. If he counsels them to lie and bear false witness shall they do these wrongs? <span style="font-weight: bold;">No</span>. If he teaches them to break the Sabbath shall they break the Sabbath? <span style="font-weight: bold;">No</span>. <span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic; color: rgb(204, 0, 0);">If a bishop or any other officer in this Church shall counsel the people to violate any of the laws of God, and to sustain and build up the kingdoms of this world, I will justify them, and the Lord will justify them in REFUSING to obey that counsel</span>.” (JD 12:161.)<br /><br />Let’s referring back to the“infallibility” or “never lead you astray” doctrine of the current LDS Church, which includes following church authorities even if they are wrong. How does the doctrine square with Brigham Young’s statement we just read? I<span style="font-style: italic;">f the “never lead you astray” doctrine is correct, then President Brigham Young must have been wrong. If Brigham Young was right, then the doctrine must be wrong.</span> It’s either one or the other. <span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold; color: rgb(204, 0, 0);">The situation, itself, nullifies the doctrine.</span> Both views cannot be true.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;font-size:130%;" >Everyone Entitled to Their Own Opinion</span><br />President Joseph F. Smith testified before the U. S. Congress that a Latter-day Saint can reject messages from the Church president, possess his own opinion, and not accept all that’s revealed—so long as he remains moral. And this he can do without Church action against him. He said,<br /><br />“[Church members] ... are given the largest possible latitude of their convictions, and if a man rejects a message that I may give to him but is still moral and believes in the main principles of the gospel and desires to continue in his membership in the Church, he is permitted to remain.<br />“ ... members of the Mormon church are not all united on every principle. <span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">Every man is entitled to his own opinion and his own views and his own conceptions of right and wrong</span> so long as they do not come in conflict with the standard principles of the Church. If a man assumes to deny God and to become an infidel we withdraw fellowship from him. But so long as a man believes in God and has a little faith in the Church organization, we nurture and aid that person to continue faithfully as a member of the Church <span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">though he may not believe all that is revealed</span>.” (<span style="font-style: italic;">The Reed Smoot Hearings</span>, pp. 97-98; as quoted in the <span style="font-style: italic;">AMCAP JOURNAL</span>, January 1984, p. 14.)<br /><br />President Smith said, “... members of the Mormon church are not all united on every principle. <span style="font-style: italic;">Every man is entitled to his own opinion and his own views and his own conceptions of right and wrong so long as they do not come in conflict with the standard principles of the Church</span>.” This is a basic principle that must be observed if Church members are to maintain their personal and separate identities and their right to agency. The Prophet Joseph Smith had to deal with this problem in Kirtland. The Prophet records that the High Council took action against a Brother Pelatiah Brown which reveals our right to believe what we like without censorship.<br /><br />“Elder Pelatiah Brown, one of the wisest old heads we have among us, and whom I now see before me, has been preaching concerning the beast which was full of eyes before and behind; and for this he was hauled up for trial before the High Council.<br />“<span style="font-style: italic;">I did not like the old man being called up for erring in doctrine</span>. It looks too much like the Methodists, and not like the Latter-day Saints. Methodists have creeds which a man must believe or be asked out of their church. <span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">I want the liberty of thinking and believing as I please</span>. <span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">It feels so good not to be trammeled. It does not prove that a man is not a good man because he errs in doctrine</span>.<br />“The High Council undertook to censure and correct Elder Brown, because of his teachings in relation to the beasts. Whether they actually corrected him or not, I am a little doubtful, but don’t care. Father Brown came to me to know what he should do about it.” (<span style="font-style: italic;">Documentary History of the Church</span>, 5:340.)<br /><br />The result of the Prophet’s intervention in Brother Brown’s behalf resulted in Brother Brown’s reinstatement. It might be good to remember the Eleventh Article of Faith, which reads, <span style="font-style: italic;">“We claim the privilege of worshiping Almighty God according to the dictates of our own conscience, and allow all men the same privilege, let them worship how, where, or what they may.”</span><br /><br />The word <span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">“claim”</span> is a very important word. It means to maintain, profess, declare, or assert that privilege. The privilege doesn’t just happen; we must claim that privilege. We have a responsibility to see that this privilege stays viable. When we do not stand up for that which is rightfully ours, others will try and take it away. Therefore, we must CLAIM that which is rightfully ours.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;font-size:130%;" >Obtaining Our Own Witness</span><br />The principle of gaining our own spiritual witness is so important that Heber C. Kimball said that if we do not have the Spirit for ourselves in the last days, we cannot stand the persecution and other difficulties which will come.<br /><br />“Let me say to you, that many of you will see the time when you will have all the trouble, trial and persecution that you can stand, and plenty of opportunities to show that you are true to God and his work. This Church has before it many close places through which it will have to pass before the work of God is crowned with victory. <span style="font-style: italic;">To meet the difficulties that are coming it will be necessary for you to have a knowledge of the truth of this work for yourselves.</span> The difficulties will be of such a character that <span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">the man or woman who does not possess this personal knowledge or witness will fall.</span> If you have not got the testimony, live right and call upon the Lord and cease not till you obtain it.<span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;"> If you do not you will not stand.</span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">“The time will come when no man nor woman will be able to endure on borrowed light. Each will have to be guided by the light within himself. If you do not have it, how can you stand?”</span> (<span style="font-style: italic;">Life of Heber C. Kimball</span>, pp. 449-450.)<br /><br />Because of these critical times, we must rely on the Holy Spirit to be our guide. In addressing the subject of the Holy Ghost, Wilford Woodruff related an incident that happened to Brigham Young. While President Young was in Winter Quarters, Elder Woodruff said that the Prophet Joseph Smith appeared to Brigham and said, <span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">“Brother Young, you exhort this people to obtain the Holy Spirit; with it they can do anything that is necessary; without it they cannot build up the kingdom of God.”</span> (JD 23:329.)<br /><br />The Prophet Joseph not only appeared to Brigham Young in a dream, but the deceased Brigham Young appeared to President Wilford Woodruff, while President Woodruff was in Arizona. President Woodruff asked Brigham, “Can you speak to us?” Brigham’s admonition to President Woodruff was similar to that of Joseph Smith:<br /><br />“‘No,’ he replied, ‘I have done bearing my testimony in the flesh ... <span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">I want you to teach the Latter-day Saints to labor to obtain the Holy Spirit. It is one of the most important gifts that the Saints of the living God can possess. You all need this ... in order to build Zion. If you have not this Spirit—the Spirit of the Holy Ghost, the testimony of Jesus, the testimony of the Father and Son you cannot get along. But if you are in possession of this Spirit, your minds will be open to comprehend the things of God.’</span> This is true. There is not a man in this Church and kingdom today, who, if he is in possession of this spirit, will set his heart upon the things of this world. Any man that loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him ...<br /><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">“Then, we should labor to obtain this Spirit while we are upon the earth that we may overcome every evil.”</span> (JD 23:329.)<br /><br />Brigham Young made an interesting statement concerning the trial of Sidney Rigdon. On that occasion William Marks, one of the local Church leaders, claimed that he had written documentation in Sidney Rigdon’s defense. About this claim Brigham Young pointedly said, “I have known that Brother Marks had no evidence but the written word;” But if this people have no evidence but the written word, it is quite time to go to the river and be baptized for the remission of their sins.” (<span style="font-style: italic;">Times and Seasons</span> 5:666.)<br /><br />The “written word” is not sufficient when it comes to spiritual matters. The evidence that matters comes from the Lord through personal revelation. And as Brigham appeared to mean by his statement, if people can’t get personal revelation, and all they have to rely on is the printed page, they need to repent of that sin and be re-baptized.<br /><br />We are to put our trust in the Spirit, for the Lord plainly taught us when He said, “And now, verily, verily, I say unto thee, put your trust in that Spirit which leadeth to do good—yea, to do justly, to walk humbly, to judge righteously; and this is my Spirit.” (D&C 11:12.)<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;font-size:130%;" >Being in Tune with the Spirit</span><br />There are some guides that help us know if counsel is from the Lord through his leaders. Let’s read what Moroni has to say about recognizing instruction which comes from the Spirit.<br /><br />12. Wherefore, <span style="font-style: italic;">all things which are good cometh of God</span>; and that which is evil cometh of the devil; for the devil is an enemy unto God, and fighteth against him continually, and inviteth and enticeth to sin, and to do that which is evil continually.<br />13. But behold, <span style="font-style: italic;">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</span>. (Moro. 7:12-13.)<br /><br />We may know if something is of God as it ALWAYS encourages us to do good and to come unto Christ. The devil cannot encourage us to do good, unless that good is fraught with deception; then even the good can be considered fraud because it is for the purpose of deceiving.<br /><br />We are to gain our own testimonies of a prophet’s divine inspiration, but if you or I do not get that testimony it does not mean that he is not speaking for the Lord. Many have prayed to know if Joseph Smith was a prophet or if the Book of Mormon was from God, but they didn’t gain the relevant witness. That, in itself, does not mean that Joseph Smith was not a prophet or that the Book of Mormon is not true. It only means something was lacking in that person’s spiritual motivation.<br /><br />There are those who have their own agenda and strong, determined beliefs. They search the scriptures for justification of those beliefs and resulting behaviors. Such a determined belief, if founded on false principles, can thwart the influence of the Lord’s Spirit, resulting in no witness, or a false witness. Our testimony of living prophets must be built upon the knowledge and rock of personal revelation, not upon the sandy faith of someone else’s testimony.<br /><br />What then is the key? WE need to be in tune with the agenda of the Holy Spirit. Only in that way can we know for ourselves if our Church leaders are guiding us righteously. Let’s return again to Brigham Young. He had a few more words to say about how not to be led astray. He simply said that we must have the Holy Ghost if we are to know if we are being led properly: “<span style="font-style: italic;">How can you know whether we lead you correctly or not? Can you know by any other power than that of the Holy Ghost? </span><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">I have uniformly exhorted the people to obtain this living witness, each for themselves; then no man on earth can lead them astray</span><span style="font-style: italic;">.”</span> (JD 6:100.)<br /><br />We must keep in mind: although we may get a witness that a particular person may be called to be a prophet, yet he is only a prophet when he speaks as a prophet, as Joseph Smith said. The way we can tell if our leaders are speaking by the power of the Spirit is when the listener is moved upon by the Holy Ghost. President J. Reuben Clark, former member of the First Presidency, taught: <span style="font-style: italic;">“We can tell when the speakers are moved upon by the Holy Ghost only when we, ourselves, are moved upon by the Holy Ghost. In a way, <span style="font-weight: bold;">this completely shifts the responsibility from them to US</span> to determine when they so speak ... Church members will know by the testimony of the Holy Ghost in the body of the members whether the brethren in voicing their views are moved upon by the Holy Ghost; and in due time that knowledge will be made manifest.”</span> (<span style="font-style: italic;">Church News</span>, July 31, 1954.) President Faust used part of this quote on page 7 of the 1996 <span style="font-style: italic;">Ensign</span> article previously mentioned; and President Benson referred to it in his book, <span style="font-style: italic;">An Enemy Hath Done This</span>, p. 295. And this supports Brigham Young’s words who said:<br /><br />“I have often said to the Latter-day Saints—<span style="font-style: italic;">'Live so that you will know whether I teach you truth or not.'</span> Suppose you are careless and unconcerned, and give way to the spirit of the world, and I am led, likewise, to preach the things of this world and to accept things that are not of God, <span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">how easy it would be for me to lead you astray!</span> But I say to you, <span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">live so that YOU will know for YOURSELVES</span> whether I tell the truth or not. That is the way we want all Saints to live.” (JD 18:248.)<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;font-size:130%;" >Darkened Minds</span><br />In a previous chapter we considered ancient Israel as they rejected God in favor of following a man. The Lord wanted Moses to sanctify the people that they might behold His face. The people rejected that offer and chose to follow the arm of flesh where they were more comfortable. Consequently, they were given a lesser gospel, a preparatory gospel. Section 84 gives us some information concerning this event.<br /><br />23. 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;<br />24. 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 fulness of his glory.<br />25. Therefore, he took Moses out of their midst, and the Holy Priesthood also;<br />26. And the lesser priesthood continued, which priesthood holdeth the key of the ministering of angels and the preparatory gospel;<br />27. Which gospel is the gospel of repentance and of baptism, and the remission of sin, and the law of carnal commandments.... (D&C 84:23-27.)<br /><br />We find here that our ancient forbears neglected their duty to God because of their hardened hearts, or pride. It was easier for them to go to Moses, the arm of flesh, than to repent and prepare to be presented before God and receive the fulness of the glory of the Lord. This rejection of God, in favor of Moses, caused the Lord to take away the precious and Holy Priesthood, and give them a lesser law, even that of a preparatory gospel. It was an introductory gospel, if you will. (See the study entitled, “The Fulness of the Gospel,” for a fuller discussion on the fulness.)<br /><br />The Apostle Paul wrote to the Galatians and said, “Wherefore the law was our schoolmaster to bring us unto Christ, that we might be justified by faith. But after that faith is come, we are no longer under a schoolmaster.” (Gal. 3:24-25.)<br /><br />Paul explains here that Israel had the “schoolmaster,” or the preparatory gospel, to show them the way unto Christ. Why? It was because they were not ready for the meat of the gospel, as Paul so pointedly preached to the Hebrews:<br /><br />11. Of whom we have many things to say, and hard to be uttered, seeing ye are dull of hearing.<br />12. For when for the time ye ought to be teachers, ye have need that one teach you again which be the first principles of the oracles of God; and are become such as have need of milk, and not of strong meat.<br />13. For every one that useth milk is unskilful in the word of righteousness: for he is a babe.<br />14. But strong meat belongeth to them that are of full age, even those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil. (Heb. 5:11-14.)<br /><br />Paul told the Hebrews that they were dull of hearing, and that they needed to still be taught the first principles of God. Isn’t this what the Lord said was the preparatory gospel, as we read in D&C 84:27? The people needed to still be sucking on the milk of the gospel, instead of enjoying the fulness of the meat of the presence of the Lord, which can only come from personal revelation.<br /><br />If we go a little further into the 84th section, we find that the Lord explains why the Church is still under condemnation.<br /><br />54. And <span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">your minds</span> in times past <span style="font-weight: bold;">have been darkened</span> because of unbelief, and because you have treated lightly the things you have received</span>—<br />55. Which vanity and unbelief have brought the whole church under condemnation.<br />56. And this condemnation resteth upon the children of Zion, even all.<br />57. And they shall remain under this condemnation until they repent and remember the new covenant, even the Book of Mormon <span style="font-style: italic;">and the former commandments</span> which I have given them, not only to say, but to do according to that which I have written— (D&C 84:54-57.)<br /><br />One might wonder why the Lord placed the reference to the ancient children of Israel rejecting his fulness with the statement that the Church is still under condemnation. Could they be related? In verses 54 through 57 we find that the minds of the people were darkened because of unbelief, and they treated lightly what they received from the Lord.<br /><br />We know that treating lightly the Book of Mormon is part of that condemnation, but what are the former commandments the Lord mentions in the 57th verse? If we go back in Church history, and through the earlier sections of the Doctrine and Covenants, we find that the Lord gave modern Israel the same opportunity that He gave their forebears over three thousand years ago. Modern Israel had an opportunity to repent, sanctify themselves, and receive the fulness and glory of the Lord’s presence, which only comes through personal revelation. But did they? No, they did not. They wanted to rely on Joseph Smith, their arm of flesh. Therefore, they received a condemnation as in ancient times.<br /><br />In an unpublished manuscript, noted gospel scholar Hugh Nibley wrote: “Many have noted the strong tendency of Latter-day Saints to avoid making waves. They seem strangely touchy on controversial issues. This begets an extreme lack of candor among the saints, which in turn is supported by A NEW DOCTRINE according to which <span style="font-style: italic;">we have A PROPHET at our head who relieves us of all responsibility for seeking knowledge beyond a certain point</span>, making decisions or taking action on our own. From this it follows that one must never question a Manual or Lesson Book, <span style="font-style: italic;">even though it may swarm with errors and evasions</span>. But obedience, the first step in enlightenment, is not the last.” (<span style="font-style: italic;">Endowment History</span>, June 1986, p. 75.)<br /><br />Once when the Prophet Joseph addressed the Relief Society, he spoke of the Saints having their minds darkened, and the cause of that darkness. Concerning this Joseph Fielding Smith relates: “President Joseph Smith read the 14th chapter of Ezekiel—said the Lord had declared by the Prophet, that <span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">the people should each one stand for himself, and depend on no man or men</span> in that state of corruption of the Jewish church—that <span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">righteous persons could only deliver their own souls</span>—<span style="font-style: italic;">applied it to the present state of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints</span>—<span style="font-style: italic;">said if the people departed from the Lord, they must fall</span>—that <span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;"><span style="color: rgb(204, 0, 0);">they were depending on the Prophet</span>, hence were <span style="color: rgb(204, 0, 0);">darkened in their minds</span>, in consequence of neglecting the duties devolving upon themselves</span>, envious towards the innocent, while they afflict the virtuous with their shafts of envy.” (TPJS, pp. 237-238.)<br /><br />What did he say causes a darkening in the minds of the people? It was because they were depending on the Prophet. He said that they should not depend on any man or men, and that no one could deliver his own soul but himself. And what duties were they neglecting? It was their duty to receive their own personal revelations and witnesses of the Savior, instead of depending on their leader which, in this case, was the Prophet Joseph Smith, himself.<br /><br />From what the Prophet said here, it also seems that those who would not, or could not, gain their own witnesses were envious of those that could get their own witnesses, namely the innocent. Consequently, the innocent are afflicted by the others.<br /><br />As we referred to the “never lead you astray” doctrine of the current LDS Church, regarding Brigham Young's statement, above, we do the same with Joseph Smith statement we just read, that if we depend upon the “prophet” we shall have “darkened minds.” <span style="font-style: italic;">If the “never lead you astray” doctrine is correct —</span><span style="font-style: italic;"> that the Prophet will never lead us astray </span><span style="font-style: italic;">— then Joseph Smith must have been wrong. If Joseph Smith was right, then the doctrine must be wrong.</span> Again, it’s either one way or the other. <span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold; color: rgb(204, 0, 0);">The statements, themselves, nullifies the doctrine.</span> Both views cannot be true.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;font-size:130%;" >Worldly Cares Can Prevent Personal Revelation</span><br />We often worry about the cares of the world around us, causing us to fear. Worry, thereby, thwarts personal revelation because worry is based on fear, not love. The Lord has given us the Holy Ghost as a guide, to teach us and testify to us of Christ. But we must take time to listen. Worry, or fear, makes it difficult to hear and understand what God is saying because it blocks the Spirit.<br /><br />On this note let us turn our attention to the Prophet Lehi. Apparently, even being a prophet of God is no guarantee of understanding revelation. We read in the Book of Mormon that Lehi did not discern the meaning of a revelation he received through a dream concerning the tree of life, a river of filthy water, a great and spacious building, and so forth. (1 Ne. 8:1-35.) Lehi seemed to understand the meanings of most of the elements of the dream, but it was only Nephi who understood what the river of filthy water represented. After being questioned by his brothers, note what Nephi says about his father Lehi in regard to the fountain of filthy water: “And they said unto me: What meaneth the river of water which our father saw? And I said unto them that the water which my father saw was filthiness; and so much was his mind swallowed up in other things that he beheld not the filthiness of the water.” (1 Ne. 15:26-27.)<br /><br />Now, here was a prophet of God who did not understand what he was beholding due to apparent heavy involvement in “other things.” If a prophet of the Living God can be so taken with other things that he misses what the Lord intended in a vision, is it any wonder that we sometimes miss what the Lord has attempted to teach us? Can we not be so “swallowed up” with our own things in life—pride, vanity, stubbornness, selfishness, busyness, anger, vindictiveness, fault-finding, greed, fears, and the like—that we “behold not the filthiness” around us? Do we totally miss what the Lord is trying to tell us, what He is warning us about, and what He is also encouraging us to do? That is, if such a thing could happen to a prophet such as Lehi, could it not happen to our top Church authorities today?<br /><br />We must let go of the things of the world, no matter how important they might seem, and take time to listen to that Still Small Voice (which does not shout) as we make our choices in getting our lives spiritually right with God. That Still Small Voice is the “word of God” through personal revelation, as represented by the rod of iron in Lehi’s dream. (1 Ne. 11:25.) That Still Small Voice, which is as strong and sure as iron is our conscience. It is what helps lead us along our individual paths to the tree of life. To get it right with God, we must first let go of fear and trust Him in love, holding on to that iron rod, trusting that Still Small Voice. After we have been found true and faithful to that Still Small Voice, we may then receive the baptism of fire and have the constant companionship of the Holy Ghost which leads to all truth and seals all blessings.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;font-size:130%;" >Our Personal Accountability</span><br />In the quote cited earlier by the Prophet Joseph Smith, he said that each of us is to stand for himself, and depend on no man, and that those who depend on the Prophet instead of the Lord for their spiritual direction are darkened in their minds. And remember he also said,“a prophet was a prophet only when he was acting as such.” (DHC 5:265; TPJS, p. 278.) Turning again to some of his authoritative words, the Prophet Joseph said,<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">“We have heard men who hold the priesthood remark that <span style="font-weight: bold;">they would do anything they were told to do by those who preside over them even if they knew it was wrong</span>; but such obedience as this is worse than folly to us; <span style="color: rgb(204, 0, 0); font-weight: bold;">IT IS SLAVERY IN THE EXTREME</span>; and the man who would thus willingly degrade himself, should not claim a rank among intelligent beings, until he turns from his folly. <span style="color: rgb(204, 0, 0); font-weight: bold;">A MAN OF GOD WOULD DESPISE THE IDEA</span><span style="font-weight: bold;">.</span> Others, in the extreme exercise of their almighty authority have taught that such obedience was necessary, and that no matter what the saints were told to do by their presidents, they should do it without any questions. When Elders of Israel will so far indulge in these extreme notions of obedience as to teach them to the people, it is generally because they have it in their hearts to do wrong themselves.”</span> (<span style="font-style: italic;">Millennial Star</span>, Volume 14, Number 38, pages 593-595 [393-395].)<br /><br />Joseph Smith said that it is not correct to follow those who preside over us if that presiding officer is wrong. He says that, “<span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">A man of God would despise the idea</span>.” He also said, <span style="font-style: italic;">“The object with me is to obey and teach others to obey God in just what He tells us to do. It mattereth not whether the principle is popular or unpopular, I will always maintain a true principle, even if I stand alone in it.”</span> (TPJS, p. 332.) And remember what Brigham Young said: “I<span style="font-style: italic;">f a bishop or any other officer in this Church shall counsel the people to violate any of the laws of God, and to sustain and build up the kingdoms of this world, <span style="font-weight: bold;">I will justify them, and the Lord will justify them in refusing to obey that counsel</span></span>.” (JD 12:161.)<br /><br />Now, how does Joseph Smith's statement square with the <span style="font-style: italic;">“</span>never lead you astray” doctrine? It has to be either one way or the other. <span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold; color: rgb(204, 0, 0);">The statements, themselves, annul the doctrine.</span> Both cannot be correct. And to stress this point even more, let's reread President Young's statement which we quoted toward the beginning of our study: “... <span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">do not, brethren, put your trust in a man though he be a Bishop, an Apostle, or a President; if you do, <span style="color: rgb(204, 0, 0);">they will fail you</span> at some time or place</span> ...” (<span style="font-style: italic;">Millennial Star</span>, 53:674.) And again: “I have often said to the Latter-day Saints —' <span style="font-style: italic;">Live so that you will know whether I teach you truth or not'... <span style="font-weight: bold;">how easy it would be for me to <span style="color: rgb(204, 0, 0);">lead you astray</span>!</span></span> ... <span style="font-style: italic;">live so that YOU will know for YOURSELVES whether I tell the truth or not</span>...” (JD 18:248.) So, if we truly believe the Brethren will not lead us astray, then we MUST believe these words as well. The problem is, the words of Joseph Smith and Brigham Young contradict the current "infallibility" doctrine.<span style="font-style: italic; color: rgb(204, 0, 0);"><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"> Therefore, again, </span></span><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold; color: rgb(204, 0, 0);">the situation annuls the doctrine.</span> It cannot be both ways. The Savior said, "...<span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">if a house be divided against itself, that house cannot stand</span>. (Mark 3:25.)<br /><br />Jesus said of Himself: “Listen to the voice of the Lord your God, even Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end, whose course is one eternal round, the same today as yesterday, and forever.” (D&C 35:1; see also 1 Ne. 10:10, Moro. 9:9.) Considering what the Lord said, and since both Joseph Smith and Brigham Young were prophets of the living God, the same message is true today; there is no variableness in God’s teachings, no matter who claims to speak otherwise.<br /><br />Here is another statement from President Young relevant to the subject. The second paragraph was quoted in, <span style="font-style: italic;">Teachings of Presidents of the Church: Brigham Young</span>, page 288, which was used as the priesthood manual for 1998—1999, while the first one which preceded it was not:<br /><br /> “<span style="font-style: italic;">Salvation is an individual operation. I am the only person that can possibly save myself</span>.... There are those among this people who are influenced, controlled, and biased in their thoughts, actions, and feelings by some other individual or family, on whom they place their dependence for spiritual and temporal instruction, and for salvation in the end. <span style="font-style: italic;">These persons do not depend upon themselves for salvation, but upon another of their poor, weak, fellow mortals</span>. ‘I do not depend upon any inherent goodness of my own,’ say they, ‘to introduce me into the kingdom of glory, but I depend upon you, brother Joseph, upon you, brother Brigham, upon you, brother Heber, or upon you, brother James; I believe your judgment is superior to mine, and consequently I let you judge for me; your spirit is better than mine, therefore you can do good for me; I will submit myself wholly to you, and place in you all my confidence for life and salvation; where you go I will go, and where you tarry there I will stay; expecting that you will introduce me through the gates into the heavenly Jerusalem.’ (JD 1:312.)<br />“We read in the Bible that there is one glory of the sun, another glory of the moon, and another glory of the stars. In the book of Doctrine and Covenants, these glories are called telestial, terrestrial and celestial, which is the highest. These are worlds, different departments, or mansions, in our Father’s house. <span style="font-style: italic;">Now those men, or those women, who know no more about the power of God, and the influences of the Holy Spirit, than to be led entirely by another person, suspending their own understanding, and pinning their faith upon another’s sleeve, will never be capable of entering into the celestial glory, to be crowned as they anticipate; <span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(204, 0, 0);">THEY WILL NEVER BE CAPABLE OF BECOMING GODS.</span> They cannot rule themselves, to say nothing of ruling others, but they must be dictated to in every trifle, like a child. They cannot control themselves in the least, but James, Peter, or somebody else must control them</span>. <span style="font-style: italic; color: rgb(204, 0, 0); font-weight: bold;">They never can become Gods, nor be crowned as rulers with glory, immortality, and eternal lives.</span> They never can hold scepters of glory, majesty, and power in the celestial kingdom. <span style="font-weight: bold;">Who will? </span><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;"><span style="color: rgb(204, 0, 0);">Those who are valiant and inspired with the true INDEPENDENCE OF HEAVEN</span>, who will go forth boldly in the service of their God, leaving others to do as they please, determined to do right, though all mankind besides should take the opposite course.</span>” (<span style="font-style: italic;">Discourses of Brigham Young</span>, pp. 382-383; JD 1:312-313.)<br /><br />President Hugh B. Brown, of the First Presidency, once alluded to the fact that it is possible for any Church authority, even the General Authorities, to fail in their assignment: “If I by reason of sins of commission or omission lose what I might have had in the hereafter, I myself must suffer and, doubtless, my loved ones with me. But <span style="font-style: italic;">if I fail in my assignment as a bishop, a stake president, a mission president, or one of the General Authorities of the Church—if any of us FAIL to teach, lead, direct, and help to save those under our direction and within our jurisdiction</span>, then the Lord will hold us responsible if they are lost as the result of our failure.” (CR, Oct. 1962, p. 84.)<br /><br />As stated in a former example, it isn’t a matter of who is right, it’s a matter of WHAT is right. And the only way to get that witness is through personal revelation from God. The doctrine that the president of the Church will never lead us astray can only be justified if we follow President Young’s addition to that statement; at least, that is as this author sees it. For convenience, that statement will again be quoted: “The Lord Almighty leads this Church, and he will never suffer you to be led astray <span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic; color: rgb(204, 0, 0);">if you are found doing your duty</span> ... for if they should try to do so the Lord would quickly sweep them from the earth.” (JD 9:289.) As can be seen here, the key to not being led astray is that we are to be <span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(204, 0, 0);">doing our duty</span>. And what is that duty? I<span style="font-style: italic;">t is following the Spirit. It is Satan who inspires man to make laws that are contrary to God’s laws. And when we choose to follow the laws of man, instead of the Spirit of God, then we are following Satan</span>.<br /><br />At this time I would like to string together three more statements from President Brigham Young, for he had much to say about gathering our own testimony and following the Spirit instead of man:<br /><br />“<span style="font-style: italic;">I cannot be satisfied with myself, neither can I be satisfied with this people, unless they live in the enjoyment of the Spirit of the Lord Jesus Christ, having the testimony of Jesus within them</span>. When they live in that manner, they are prepared to judge of all matters that come before them; they are then capable of discerning between truth and error, light and darkness. They can then readily discover the things that are not of God, and distinguish them from those that are. <span style="font-style: italic;">This is the only way for you to know that your leaders are leading you in the path that leads to heaven. <span style="color: rgb(204, 0, 0); font-weight: bold;">WITHOUT TAKING THIS COURSE, A PEOPLE OR NATION IS LIABLE TO BE LED ASTRAY BY THEIR LEADERS</span>, and thereby be prepared to be destroyed; but when the people understand for themselves—when they know and understand the things of God by the Spirit of revelation, they are not only satisfied but safe</span>.” (JD 5:2.)<br /><br />“Some may say, ‘Brethren, you who lead the Church, we have all confidence in you, we are not in the least afraid but what everything will go right under your superintendence; all the business matters will be transacted right; and if brother Brigham is satisfied with it, I am.’ <span style="font-style: italic;">I do not wish any Latter-day Saint in this world, nor in heaven, to be satisfied with anything I do, unless the Spirit of the Lord Jesus Christ, the spirit of revelation, makes them satisfied. </span>I wish them to know for themselves and understand for themselves, for this would strengthen the faith that is within them. Suppose that the people were heedless, that they manifested no concern with regard to the things of the kingdom of God, but threw the whole burden upon the leaders of the people, saying, ‘If the brethren who take charge of matters are satisfied, we are,’ <span style="color: rgb(204, 0, 0); font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">THIS IS NOT PLEASING IN THE SIGHT OF THE LORD.</span><br />“Every man and woman in this kingdom ought to be satisfied with what we do, <span style="font-style: italic;">but they never should be satisfied without asking the Father, in the name of Jesus Christ, whether what we do is right</span>. When you are inspired by the Holy Ghost you can understandingly say, that you are satisfied; and that is the only power that should cause you to exclaim that you are satisfied, for without that you do not know whether you should be satisfied or not. <span style="font-style: italic;">You may say that you are satisfied and believe that all is right, and your confidence may be almost unbounded in the authorities of the Church of Jesus Christ, but if you asked God, in the name of Jesus, and RECEIVE KNOWLEDGE FOR YOURSELF, through the Holy Spirit, would it not strengthen your faith? It would.</span>” (JD 3:45.)<br /><br />“I wish to impress upon the minds of the Saints the importance of so living that <span style="font-style: italic;">they will always know the voice of the Good Shepherd.</span> When they hear the voice of the Spirit of inspiration—the power of God, through any person, let the feelings and sensibilities of every one who professes to know anything of the things of God, be in a state to know and discern between that which is of God and that which is not.... How often has it been taught that <span style="font-style: italic;">if you depend entirely upon the voice, judgment, and sagacity of those appointed to lead you, and neglect to enjoy the Spirit for yourselves, <span style="color: rgb(204, 0, 0); font-weight: bold;">HOW EASILY YOU MAY BE LED INTO ERROR</span>, and finally be cast off to the left hand?</span>” (JD 8:59.)<br /><br />As mentioned before, the key to not being led astray is that we need to be found doing our duty. Which is receiving our own witness that we are being led by divine revelation. According to Joseph Smith, without that knowledge, our minds become darkened.<br /><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;font-size:130%;" ><br /></span><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;font-size:130%;" >Scriptural Examples</span><br />I have often heard the question: “Do we obey all counsel, the righteous and the unrighteous as well?” This question is of particular interest to the Latter-day Saints who love the agency with which God has endowed them, and it is a question that has basically been answered. But let’s pursue it a little more.<br /><br />Many feel if we obey all counsel, even that which is unjust and may infringe on our agency, God will bless us for that obedience. Yet some feel that only good advice is to be obeyed. There are, however, instances which indicate that the Lord honors those who obey His laws over the laws and poor advice of man. Although we have basically answered this question, let’s still refer to some scriptural examples.<br /><br />In the book of Daniel we find three young men, Shadrach, Meshach and Abed-nego, who refused to worship the golden image that King Nebuchadnezzar had set up. It was the law of the land, for all “people, nations, and languages,” were to worship it. This was quite an edict for those who worshiped the only true and living God. It must have taken a lot of faith to not comply with such an unjust decree. And as we might suspect, someone snitched on them. However, most of us know the rest of the story of how the Lord preserved them after they were thrown into the fiery furnace. (Dan. Chap. 3.)<br /><br />There is another such story in this book of Daniel. It was when the priests of King Darius convinced him “to establish a royal statute, and to make a firm decree, that whosoever shall ask a petition of any God or man for thirty days, save of [King Darius] shall be cast into the den of lions ... Wherefore King Darius signed the writing and the decree.” Daniel, of course, defied that law. We read that he, “... <span style="font-style: italic;">went into his house; and his windows being open in his chamber toward Jerusalem, he kneeled upon his knees three times a day, and prayed, and gave thanks before his God, as he did aforetime</span>.” Daniel followed his own conscience instead of the bad advice of those in position over him. The rest of the story is also well known. (Dan. 6:4-28.)<br /><br />Similar examples can be found at the time of the Apostle Peter. The high priest of the Sadducees, who cast Peter and the Apostles into prison, commanded them not to preach. “Saying, Did not we straitly command you that ye should not teach in this name? and, behold, ye have filled Jerusalem with your doctrine, and intend to bring this man’s blood upon us. Then Peter and the other apostles answered and said, <span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold; color: rgb(204, 0, 0);">We ought to obey God rather than men</span>.” (Acts 5:28-29.)<br /><br />What about the wise men who were searching for the baby Jesus, did they return to Herod with word about the baby Jesus when asked? No, they did not! They obeyed their inspired dream to return to their own country without doing so. Were the soldiers doing well by obeying Herod’s unrighteous command to slay the little children at the time of Jesus’ birth? Do we really believe those soldiers were blessed for obeying such an order? (Matt. 1:1-18.)<br /><br />Let’s consider the midwives in Egypt, during the captivity of Israel, when the midwives were commanded by Pharaoh to slay every man child born in Israel. the midwives refused, “Therefore God dealt well with the midwives ...” (Ex. 1:15-20.)<br /><br />And again, from Exodus, we find that both the mother and sister of Moses did not submit to Pharaoh’s law, but saved Moses. Would they have been righteous if they had submitted to the Pharaoh’s decree? (Ex. 2:1-10.)<br /><br />Nephi slew Laban, which was not only against the law of the land, but also against the law of God—“Thou shalt not kill.” Was Nephi right to have followed a personal revelation from the Spirit instead of the prevailing law of the land? (1 Ne. 4:1-18.) Those with the Spirit of the Lord know the right answer.<br /><br />Taking one more example, let’s consider Abraham’s willingness to offer his most beloved son, Isaac, as a sacrifice. From D&C 132, we find out that the Lord justified Abraham because of his obedience. “Abraham was commanded to offer his son Isaac; nevertheless, it was written: Thou shalt not kill. Abraham, however, did not refuse, and it was accounted unto him for righteousness.” (D&C 132:37.) For his obedience to God’s command, Abraham was blessed. “Thou shalt not kill,” was not only a law from God, but also the law of the land; yet, God overrode His own law and commanded Abraham to go against it. Why? For some it may be a hard question to answer. However, there is a transcending principle here. God’s ways are not our ways. (Isa. 55:8.) It is His prerogative to command what He will, and it is our duty to follow that command. For Abraham, God provided an escape (D&C 132:50), but for Nephi, in slaying Laban, He did not. Both Abraham and Nephi, however, obeyed the command and both were blessed.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;font-size:130%;" >Man Punished for His Own Sins</span><br />From the Articles of Faith we read, “We believe that men will be punished for their own sins, and not for Adam’s transgression.” (2nd Art. of Faith.)<br /><br />There is a moral character within each of us that innately teaches us right from wrong, regardless of what others say or do. If we are justified in spite of wrong leadership then, perhaps, taking a good look at the results of the Nuremberg trials, following World War II, could help dispel that belief. Those that know their history have found that German officers were NOT exonerated for their part in committing atrocities during the war just because their superiors gave the orders to do so; there were more far-reaching moral issues at stake than just following orders. The German officers on trial were held accountable for their own sins, and not for Hitler’s transgressions. Elder Orson F. Whitney once helped explain the nature of sin:<br /><br />“What is Sin?—Sin is the transgression of divine law. <span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">A man sins when he violates his conscience, going contrary to light and knowledge</span>—not the light and knowledge that has come to his neighbor, but that which has come to himself. <span style="font-style: italic; color: rgb(204, 0, 0); font-weight: bold;">HE SINS WHEN HE DOES THE OPPOSITE OF WHAT HE KNOWS TO BE RIGHT</span>.” (<span style="font-style: italic;">Saturday Night Thoughts</span>, p. 225; <span style="font-style: italic;">Cowley and Whitney on Doctrine</span>, pp. 435-36; TLDP: 631.)<br /><br />This great nation was founded upon certain eternal principles, among which is that of freedom and one’s accountability thereto. The Constitution of this nation was founded by God that “every man may act in doctrine and principle pertaining to futurity, according to the MORAL AGENCY which [God has] given unto him, <span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">that every man may be ACCOUNTABLE FOR HIS OWN SINS in the day of judgment</span>.” (D&C 88:78 [77-80].)<br /><br />It has become a common fallacy that we are to obey all counsel and commands, whatever they may be or from whomever they come. Our personal duty is to follow the promptings that come to us from the Spirit of God, which pricks our moral conscience, causing us to be accountable for the choices we make.<br /><br />Some people like the idea of blindly following others because it takes responsibility from them, and they think they won’t be held accountable for what any Church authority, or political leader, tells them to do or believe. That is a very comfortable way to live, but it is not God’s way. He would have us make our own decisions in life; it is only in that way that we can become responsible. That is the blessing and responsibility of free agency. However, some do not want to be responsible and they look for a scapegoat. They want a prophet or someone else to blame when things go wrong, like Israel blamed Moses for their sins. Unfortunately, most of us are not righteous enough to receive God’s word on a personal basis and act upon that word, so we want a scapegoat. Those people who advocate blindly following are not true followers of Christ but the followers of man, the arm of flesh.<br /><br />Charles W. Penrose, former member of the First Presidency, said this about the words of President Wilford Woodruff and our duty to seek the Lord’s will through personal prayer: “President Wilford Woodruff is a man of wisdom, but <span style="font-style: italic;">we do not believe his personal views or utterances are revelation from God</span>; and when ‘Thus saith the Lord’ comes from him, <span style="font-style: italic;">the Saints investigate it; they do not shut their eyes and take it down like a pill</span>.” (<span style="font-style: italic;">Millennial Star</span>, 54:191.)<br /><br />It is easy to be told what to do, and go blithely about doing it without any sure reason for it other than a man told us to, as taking a pill prescribed by a physician. That is a weak faith, but for some it may be all they can muster. However, our personal responsibility is to investigate it and pray as we have been counseled, and receive a sure testimony that what our leaders tell us is from God. Joseph Smith stated, <span style="font-style: italic;">“... Jesus in His teachings says, ‘Upon this rock I will build my Church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.’ <span style="font-weight: bold;">What rock? Revelation</span>.”</span> (TPJS, pp. 273-274.)<br /><br />While Moses and the children of Israel were in camp, he gathered the seventy elders around the tabernacle. The Lord came and spoke and gave the spirit to the seventy elders. “And the spirit rested upon [Eldad and Medad] ... and they prophesied in the camp.” Joshua went and asked Moses to “forbid them” from prophesying. “And Moses said unto him, Enviest thou for my sake? <span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">would God that all the Lord’s people were prophets</span><span style="font-style: italic;">, and that </span><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">the Lord would put his spirit upon them!</span>” (Num. 11:24-29.)<br /><br />What Moses was trying to tell Joshua here was that he wished all men could have the spirit of prophecy. Moses was basically saying, “If all of the Lord’s people were prophets, you would have no need of me. You would be receiving your own personal revelation straight from the Lord Himself, as it ought to be.” If they were prophets they could lead themselves as the Holy Spirit of God came upon them. In fact, Brother Joseph said that we cannot even minister the gospel unless we are prophets: “Salvation cannot come without revelation; it is in vain for anyone to minister without it. No man is a minister of Jesus Christ without being a Prophet. <span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">No man can be a minister of Jesus Christ except he has the testimony of Jesus; and this is the spirit of prophecy</span>.” (TPJS, p. 160.)<br /><br />Let us read again from the Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith: <span style="font-style: italic;">“... the people should each one stand for himself, and <span style="font-weight: bold;">depend on no man or men</span> in that state of corruption of the Jewish church — that <span style="font-weight: bold;">righteous persons could only deliver their own souls</span> — applied it to the present state of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints — said if the people departed from the Lord, they must fall—that <span style="font-weight: bold;">they were depending on the Prophet, hence were darkened in their minds</span>, in consequence of neglecting the duties devolving upon themselves, envious towards the innocent, while they afflict the virtuous with their shafts of envy.”</span> (TPJS, pp. 237-38.)<br /><br />The Prophet Joseph said that if the people departed from the Lord and depended upon the Prophet they would become “<span style="font-weight: bold;">darkened in their minds</span>.” He said that they should not depend on any man or men, and that no one could deliver his own soul but himself. Now what duties were they neglecting? It was their duty to receive their own personal revelations through the Holy Spirit; the same duty toward which Brigham Young said we had a responsibility. Instead, the people were depending on their leader which, in this case, was the Prophet Joseph Smith, himself. And from what the Prophet said here, it also seems that those who would not gain their own witnesses were envious of those who could, namely the innocent. Consequently, the innocent are enviously afflicted by those who have no personal witness.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;font-size:130%;" >The Only Way Unto Christ</span><br />There is no scripture that teaches us that we will be saved if we follow leaders that teach wrongly or lead unrighteously. If that were the case, then we would not need to send missionaries to preach repentance to the world. They would all be saved for believing false doctrine and following bad examples.<br /><br />In Section 76 we learn that no one is saved in the celestial kingdom by being deceived. Just read who will inherit the terrestrial kingdom. “These are they who are honorable men of the earth, who were <span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">blinded by the craftiness of men</span>.... Wherefore they are bodies terrestrial, and not bodies celestial,... These are <span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">they who are <span style="color: rgb(204, 0, 0);">NOT</span> valiant in the testimony of Jesus</span>; wherefore, they obtain not the crown over the kingdom of our God.” (D&C 76:75, 78-79.) Some of the terrestrial will be those who chose not to be valiant in following the promptings of the Holy Spirit when received, but chose to be deceived by the influences of man and the world around them.<br /><br />Have we ever been asked by any president of the Church to NOT follow the promptings we receive from the Spirit, but follow their teachings instead? Can that question be answered with a simple “Yes” or “No”? I believe it can, and I believe it is “No”! Others may teach that philosophy, but that is not the Lord’s doctrine. Some people like it because it takes responsibility from them, and they think they won’t be held accountable for what any Church authority tells them to do or believe. That’s a very comfortable way to live, but it’s not God’s way. He would have us make our own decisions in life; it is only in that way that we can become responsible. That’s the blessing and responsibility of free agency. However, some do not want to be responsible, and they look for a scapegoat. They want a prophet to blame when things go wrong, like Israel blamed Moses for their sins. Unfortunately, most of us are not righteous enough to receive God’s word on a personal basis and act upon that word. Because of this, the Lord sends prophets among us to help us get it right. But, even then, we still need personal revelation to ascertain the source of their teaching.<br /><br />No prophet has ever taught us to follow the leaders instead of the Spirit; that is contrary to what the Lord has taught. Yes, there is something to be said for following without knowledge, as Adam did in the Garden of Eden when he was told to offer sacrifices and didn’t understand why. But he was told to do so by the Lord Himself. We should follow our leaders with the assurance that they are led by the Lord. This is God’s way, as we have been taught time and time again.<br /><br />As stated earlier, some might say, “There will never be any conflict between what a prophet says and what the Spirit dictates, so there’s no need to pray about it.” That is not the issue. The issue is that it is the responsibility of the individual to seek his own personal witness that what a prophet speaks is from God. Any true prophet will encourage that witness to be received, and welcome it. Shouldn’t everyone else welcome it also? Unfortunately, that is not always the case. Those people who advocate blindly following are not true followers of Christ but the followers of man, the arm of flesh.<br /><br />A prophet may not be a prophet although he may appear to be. Often we think that a prophet is a prophet when he utters a prophecy and the prophecy comes true. This is not always the circumstance, as the Lord taught through Moses: “If there arise among you a prophet, or a dreamer of dreams, and giveth thee a sign or a wonder, And the sign or the wonder come to pass, whereof he spake unto thee, saying, Let us go after other gods, which thou hast not known, and let us serve them; <span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">Thou shalt not hearken unto the words of that prophet</span>, or that dreamer of dreams: <span style="font-style: italic;">for the LORD your God <span style="font-weight: bold;">proveth you,</span> to know whether ye love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul</span>. Ye shall walk after the LORD your God, and fear him, and keep his commandments, and obey his voice, and ye shall serve him, and cleave unto him.” (Deut. 13:1-4.)<br /><br />How do we obey his voice? By following the promptings of His Spirit. And, of course, showing signs and wonders is not an indication that a prophet is a prophet of the living God.<br /><br />It is easy to be told what to do, and go blithely about doing it without any sure reason for it other than a man told us to, as taking a pill prescribed by a physician. That is a weak faith, but for some it may be all they can muster. However, our personal responsibility is to investigate it and pray as we have been counseled, and receive a sure testimony that what our leaders tell us is from God. We then can have that sure foundation of knowledge, the knowledge that comes through personal revelation which is the rock upon which we should stand, not the shifting sand of blind obedience. It is a basic law of witnesses that we have a second witness to truth; the word of a prophet is one witness, and the confirmation of the Holy Ghost is the second. As previously quoted, the Prophet Joseph Smith stated, “... Jesus in His teachings says, ‘Upon this rock I will build my Church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.’ <span style="font-style: italic;">What rock? Revelation</span>.” (TPJS, pp. 273-274.)<br /><br />Alma gave us instruction on how to gather our own light of truth. In Alma 32, he speaks about the good seed, its planting, nourishment, sprouting, and the good fruit gathered therefrom. It is pointed out that the good seed is often planted by the apostles of the Church, but it is up to us to properly nourish it to see if it will bear good fruit—meaning, was the seed planted of God? That can only take place by our doing our duty to seek the Spirit of the Lord in the matter. When the seed is a good seed, being of God, it will grow and bear good fruit. Some are called to plant the seed, but it is up to us to nourish and take care of it and gain our own personal witness that it is a good seed. No one else can do it for us—not even a prophet of God.<br /><br />The Rod of Iron, as portrayed in Lehi’s dream, is not the scriptures or the words of the living prophets as some would suppose. The Rod of Iron is PERSONAL REVELATION. That is what we are to take hold of, and of which we are never to let go. During the time of our Lord’s mortal ministry the scriptures were available to the Jews, and they dogmatically leaned upon them. However, they did not fare too well. They also had living prophets to teach them, even John the Baptist and Jesus Christ, but that fact didn’t help them either. They lacked personal revelation.<br /><br />Let’s consider the words of Jesus Himself. Recall when He came to the coast of Caesarea Philippi, he asked His disciples who they thought He was. After a few answers, “Simon Peter answered and said, Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God.” To which Jesus said to him, “Blessed art thou, Simon Barjona: <span style="font-style: italic;">for flesh and blood hath not revealed it unto thee, but my Father which is in heaven</span>.” (Matt. 16:13-17.) Peter did not receive the witness that Jesus was the Christ through the scriptures, which is written by the hand of man (flesh and blood), or from a prophet (who happen to be the Lord Himself), but he received it through PERSONAL REVELATION from his Father in Heaven. Jesus was telling His disciples that God is to be the source of personal revelation, not man.<br /><br />While Moses and the children of Israel were in camp, he gathered the seventy elders around the tabernacle. The Lord came and spoke and gave the spirit to the seventy elders. “And the spirit rested upon [Eldad and Medad] ... and they prophesied in the camp.” Joshua went and asked Moses to “forbid them” from prophesying. “And Moses said unto him, Enviest thou for my sake? would God that all the Lord’s people were prophets, and that the Lord would put his spirit upon them!” (Num. 11:24-29.)<br /><br />What Moses was trying to tell Joshua here was that he wished all men could have the spirit of prophecy. Moses was basically saying, “If all of the Lord’s people were prophets, you would have no need of me. You would be receiving your own personal revelation straight from the Lord Himself, as it ought to be.” If they were prophets they could lead themselves as the Spirit of God came upon them. In fact, the Prophet Joseph Smith said that we cannot even minister the gospel unless we are prophets: “Salvation cannot come without revelation; it is in vain for anyone to minister without it. No man is a minister of Jesus Christ without being a Prophet. No man can be a minister of Jesus Christ except he has the testimony of Jesus; and this is the spirit of prophecy.” (TPJS, p. 160.)<br /><br />Let’s consider what the Apostle Paul had to say regarding the subject. Paul was very zealous in persecuting the church of God, and as he was traveling on the road to Damascus he received a personal revelation from the resurrected Lord. (Acts 9:1-20.) Here is what he wrote to the Galatians about that great event.<br /><br />13. For ye have heard of my conversation in time past in the Jews' religion, how that beyond measure I persecuted the church of God, and wasted it:<br />14. And profited in the Jews' religion above many my equals in mine own nation, being more exceedingly zealous of the traditions of my fathers.<br />15. But when it pleased God, who separated me from my mother's womb, and called me by his grace,<br />16. To reveal his Son in me, that I might preach him among the heathen; <span style="font-style: italic;">immediately I conferred not with flesh and blood:</span><br />17. <span style="font-style: italic;">Neither went I up to Jerusalem to them which were apostles before me;</span> but I went into Arabia, and returned again unto Damascus.<br />18. Then <span style="font-style: italic;">after three years I went up to Jerusalem to see Peter</span>, and abode with him fifteen days. (Gal. 1:13-18.)<br /><br />Notice that, first, Paul received a personal revelation about the divinity of Christ. He did not receive it from the testimony of any mortal. Second, he did not confer with any “flesh and blood” (v. 16). Third, it was only after three years in Arabia (probably with fasting and prayer) that he returned and met with Peter, the chief Apostle. It is important to note that Paul acted upon personal revelation and not from the witness of man, or flesh and blood as he put it, although he did have a visitation from Ananias, who the Lord sent to heal Paul of his temporary blindness. (Acts 9.)<br /><br />When we put man’s word before the promptings of the Spirit, even if that man is a president of the Church, we are placing that man before God. When we do that, we have created a false god. Anyone who teaches that we are to follow someone else, instead of the whisperings of the Spirit, that person is the same as Korihor the antichrist. (Alma 30.) And any man who allows himself to be followed, before following the Spirit of God, is putting himself in the place of God; that makes him a false God and an antichrist. We need to be taught from on high. No true prophet has taught otherwise.<br /><br />Now, let’s turn again to the words of Brigham Young when he said, “Let every man and woman know, by the whispering of the Spirit of God to themselves, whether their leaders are walking in the path the Lord dictates, or not.... We must have that living witness within us.... That is your privilege.”<br /><br />As we discussed earlier, when we have a personal revelation we will have no need to teach our neighbor or our brother, for they will know the Lord for themselves. (Jer. 31:31-34.) Even the least of His people will know Him. They shall be His people and He will be their God.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;font-size:130%;" >Concluding Thoughts</span><br />How important is the principle of receiving revelation by way of the Spirit? It is so important that the editors of <span style="font-style: italic;">Deseret News</span>, who were the Brethren at the time, said, “... <span style="font-style: italic;">all men the world over, may know <span style="font-weight: bold;">when they hear a sermon read from the pulpit, that God has no hand in that matter; and the preacher is not sent of God; and is not God’s servant</span></span>.” (Editorial, Deseret News, Sept. 4, 1852; Calling and Election, Kraut, p. 80.) This is rather a profound statement when considering that God is never changing.<br /><br />Some of the things we have considered in this chapter may have seemed rather pointed, or strong. However, because of this, the reader is not to assume that this author is trying to claim, teach, profess, or maintain in any way that any authority of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is intentionally leading, has deliberately led, or will purposely lead the Church or its members into forbidden paths. Nor is he trying to undermine the leadership ability of any of the Church authorities on any level. The presentation has only been an attempt to show that: (1) various authorities of the Church, on all levels, are men, and God allows them their own opinions; (2) Church members are to follow the counsel of Church leaders only as those leaders are led by the Holy Spirit, and as Church members gain a witness of that fact; (3) individuals are to follow their own personal and spiritual promptings as they receive such from the Holy Spirit above any other that might be received from man, no matter who that man is; (4) no true prophet has ever taught otherwise; (5) any teaching to the contrary puts the counsel of man—the arm of flesh—above that of the Lord; and (6) that the prevailing doctrine of the Church that its leaders will never lead the people astray needs to be seriously re-evaluated in light of the foregoing evidence; for if Joseph Smith, Brigham Young, and others are right, that current doctrine is a false doctrine. On the other hand, if the doctrine that the Church leaders will never lead the members astray is true, then Joseph Smith, Brigham Young, and others have lead us astray. It either has to be one or the other; it cannot be both. Nevertheless, either case nullifies the doctrine.<br /><br />Some want their Church authorities to be their direct file-leader, the one they feel should be next in line to give them council and direction—probably because its an easy road to take. Brigham Young taught differently. He said our file-leader is Jesus Christ. “... the greatest and most important of all requirements of our Father in heaven and of his Son Jesus Christ, is, to his brethren or disciples, to believe in Jesus Christ, confess him, seek to him, cling to him, make friends with him. Take a course to open and keep open a communication with your <span style="font-weight: bold;">Elder Brother or file-leader—our Saviour</span>. Were I to draw a distinction in all the duties that are required of the children of men, from first to last, I would place first and foremost the duty of seeking unto the Lord our God until we open the path of communication from heaven to earth—from God to our own souls. Keep every avenue of your hearts clean and pure before him.” (JD 8:339.)<br /><br />What a great burden it is for a man, even a prophet of God, to feel that the only direction the people have is from him alone. Moses felt that weight. As Moses was sitting to judge the people, Jethro asked him why he burdened himself in that way. Moses replied, “... Because the people come unto me to enquire of God.” Considering Jethro’s inspired suggestion, Moses organized heads of tens, fifties, hundreds, and thousands to rule and judge the people. (See Ex. 18:13-26.) Now if the people had sanctified themselves, as God commanded (D&C 84:23-27), they could have received their own personal revelation, relieving Moses of that burden. Isn’t it also interesting that Moses, the Prophet of the time, took council from one under his leadership? What a humble man—accepting the fact that a subordinate could be led by the Spirit.<br /><br />The Prophet Joseph Smith also felt that weight many times, as a quick glance at Church history clearly reveals. He said,<br /><br />“Search the scriptures—search the revelations which we publish, and <span style="font-style: italic;">ask your Heavenly Father, in the name of His Son Jesus Christ, to manifest the truth unto you</span>, and if you do it with an eye single to his glory nothing doubting, He will answer you <span style="font-style: italic;">by the power of His Holy Spirit</span>. <span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold; color: rgb(204, 0, 0);">You will then know for yourselves and NOT FOR ANOTHER. You will NOT THEN BE DEPENDENT ON MAN for the knowledge of God;</span> nor will there be any room for speculation. No; for when men receive their instruction from Him that made them, they know how He will save them.” (TPJS, pp. 11-12.)<br /><br />Our duty is to help relieve our Church leaders of that burden. Above all things, we are to follow the Spirit of the Lord; it is our “privilege.” With all due respect to their calling and position, Prophets and Apostles, and even the Church itself, are only here to teach and point the way back to God, not to stand in the way between man and God.<br /><br />Following the Holy Spirit on a personal basis is the only way back to dwell with our Heavenly Father and His only begotten Son. It is the only avenue towards the fulness of the gospel. The children of Israel wanted Moses to save them, but he could not. No man can take us back to the Father. No man can do it for us except Christ Himself. The Prophet Joseph Smith taught, “How can we escape the damnation of hell, except God be with us and REVEAL to us?” (TPJS, p. 349.)<br /><br />When truth collides with our traditional beliefs to which we want to tenaciously cling, we may choose to become very uncomfortable. Truth has been presented here, an abundance of truth, and for some, very uncomfortable truth; for many want to lay the burden of accountability for their decisions and actions upon the shoulders of others instead of assuming it themselves. Sir Winston Churchill is reported to have said, <span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">“Most people, sometimes in their lives, stumble across truth. Most jump up, brush themselves off, and hurry on about their business as if nothing had happened.”</span><br /><br />So how are we going to take the truth that has been presented here? Will it be ignored for the sake of being accepted by those around us, remaining in our comfortable complacency? Or, will it turn our hearts to Christ, causing us to desire following His Holy Spirit in spite of what any man, regardless of rank or office, has to say? Our eternal salvation depends upon the answer.<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;font-size:85%;" >Doctrine and Covenants,</span><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;font-size:85%;" > 84:49-53</span><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-style: italic;font-size:85%;" >49</span><span style="font-size:85%;">. And the whole world lieth in sin,<br />and groaneth under darkness and under the bondage of sin.<br />50. And by this you may know they are under the bondage of sin,<br />because they come not unto me.<br />51. For whoso cometh not unto me is under the bondage of sin.<br />52. And whoso receiveth not my voice<br />is not acquainted with my voice, and is not of me.<br />53. And by this you may know the righteous from the wicked,<br />and that the whole world groaneth under sin and darkness even now.<br /></span></div><span style="font-size:85%;"><br /></span><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:85%;" >Christopher Columbus</span><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:85%;">“Nothing that results from human progress<br />is achieved with unanimous consent,<br />and those that are enlightened before the others<br />are condemned to pursue that light in spite of the others.”</span><br /></div>Joseph Warren Grammerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05795589798825424327noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2062486484005186955.post-10673101301564477482009-11-01T22:32:00.000-08:002009-11-01T22:36:32.553-08:00<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(102, 0, 204);font-size:180%;" >Gifts and Fruits of the Spirit</span><br />by Joseph Warren Grammer<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size:180%;">A</span>s many of us open our scriptures and read about the gifts and fruits of the Spirit, we often do not consider that there is a differences between the two. The purpose of this chapter, therefore, is to try and point out those differences and their significance. However, the reader must keep in mind that this chapter is not intended to list all of the gifts of the Spirit or all of the fruits of the Spirit; for there are so many of both, it could be an almost impossible task, and besides, it isn’t the purpose of this study to do so.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;font-size:130%;" >Gifts of the Spirit</span><br /> To start with, let us turn to the Seventh Article of Faith, which reads: “We believe in the gifts of tongues, prophecy, revelation, visions, healing, interpretation of tongues, and so forth.” The thirteen Articles of Faith are not what we Latter-day Saints believe. The Articles of Faith only REPRESENT what we believe. What we believe encompasses far more than these few words as expressed in the articles. For example, the Seventh Article of Faith concludes with the words, “and so forth.” What are the so forths? Obviously, there is more to our beliefs than what can be found in the few words we read in the Articles of Faith.<br /><br /> The Apostle Paul said there are many different gifts. He also said there are many diversities in the operation and administration of the Spirit, yet it is the same God that performs the work in all of us. Moroni expressed a similar testimony, as did the Prophet Joseph Smith. (1 Cor. 12:4-6; Moro. 10:8, 17-18; D&C 46:8-12.) Probably the greatest gift is the gift of a testimony of Jesus the Christ. Paul told the Corinthians: “Wherefore I give you to understand, that no man speaking by the Spirit of God calleth Jesus accursed: and that no man can say that Jesus is the Lord, but by the Holy Ghost.” (1 Cor. 12:3.) For the Corinthians Paul listed a few of the gifts of the Spirit: word of wisdom, knowledge, faith, healing, working of miracles, prophesy, discerning of spirits, divers kinds of tongues, and the interpretation of tongues. (1 Cor. 12:8-12.)<br /><br /> Moroni listed many of the gifts of the Spirit as: teach the word of wisdom; teach the word of knowledge, exceedingly great faith, healing, work mighty miracles, prophesy concerning all things, beholding of angels and ministering spirits, all kinds of tongues, interpretation of languages, and of divers kinds of tongues. (Moro. 10:9-16.) Alma listed a few of the same and added revelation, preaching, and gift of the Holy Ghost. (Alma 9:21.)<br /><br /> The Prophet Joseph Smith also had somewhat to say about the matter. In D&C 46 he listed some of the gifts as: know that Jesus Christ is the Son of God and that he was crucified for the sins of the world, believe on the words of testifier’s of Christ, know the differences of administration of the Spirit, know the diversities of operations of the Spirit, the word of wisdom, word of knowledge, faith to be healed, faith to heal, working of miracles, prophesy, discerning of spirits, speak with tongues, and the interpretation of tongues. (D&C 46:13-26; 121:26.)<br /><br /> The Savior said that we are not to forget the gifts He has given to the Church: “And again, verily I say unto you, I would that ye should always remember, and always retain in your minds what those gifts are, that are given unto the church.” (D&C 46:10.) He tells us there are purposes for the bestowing of gifts of the Spirit. He said one reason is so we will “not be deceived,” and for that reason we are to seek for the “best gifts,” keeping in mind why “they are given.” (D&C 46:8.) We are also told that gifts are for the benefit of the children of God, those who love Him and keep all His commandments (D&C 46:9, 26), and to profit them. (1 Cor. 12:7; Moro. 10:8.)<br /><br /> As has been noted, there are many different gifts, all operated and being administered in different ways, and every man does not have all of the gifts. However, every man does have one or more, for the Lord said, “... all have not every gift given unto them; for there are many gifts, and to every man is given a gift by the Spirit of God. (D&C 46:11.) The Apostle Paul explains that the same Spirit divides to every man the gifts he is to have, all men being an important part of the same body of Christ. And one is not to say to another, “I have no need of thee,” but that the differing “members should have the same care one for another.” (1 Cor. 12:11-12, 21, 25.)<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;font-size:130%;" >A Partial List of the Gifts of the Spirit</span><br /> As stated at the beginning, it is not our purpose to include a list of all the gifts of the Spirit for it could be an overwhelming task. However, a consolidated list will be made of those we have mentioned so far. Remember, it is not an all-inclusive list.<br /><br /> Some of the many gifts of the Spirit include: having a testimony that Jesus is the Son of God that was crucified for the sins of the world, believing on the words of those who testify of Christ, beholding of angels, exceedingly great faith, faith to heal, faith to be healed, gift of the Holy Ghost, knowledge, discerning of spirits, beholding of ministering spirits, knowing the differences of administration of the Spirit, knowing the diversities of operations of the Spirit, working of mighty miracles, preaching, prophesying concerning all things, revelation, speak all kinds of tongues, interpretation and translation of tongues, interpretation of languages, word of knowledge, teaching the word of knowledge, word of wisdom, and teaching the word of wisdom.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;font-size:130%;" >Fruits of the Spirit</span><br /> The Lord said, “... he that trembleth under my power shall be made strong, and shall bring forth fruits of praise and wisdom, according to the revelations and truths which I have given you.” (D&C 52:17.) As there are many gifts of the Spirit, there are also many fruits of the Spirit. In writing to the Galatians, the Apostle Paul said, “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.” (Gal. 5:22-23.) And to the Ephesians he said, “For the fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness and righteousness and truth.” (Eph. 5:9.) In exhorting the saints to make their calling and election sure, Peter listed many of the fruits, of the Spirit. They included: virtue, knowledge, temperance, patience, godliness, brotherly kindness, and charity. He said if they had these attributes they would be fruitful in their “knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.” He continued by saying, if they did not have these attributes of Christ they were blind, but if they did possess these things they would never fall. (See 2 Pet. 1:4-11.)<br /><br /> A revelation given to Joseph Smith, Sen., included all of the above fruits, plus more. They are: faith, hope, charity, love, an eye single to the glory of God, virtue, knowledge, temperance, patience, brotherly kindness, godliness, charity, humility, diligence. (D&C 4:5-6.) And Alma said that those who are sanctified by the Holy Ghost, “... could not look upon sin save it were with abhorrence;...” (Alma 13:12.)<br /><br /> From Brigham Young we learn that when we possess the Spirit of God our “minds will be open to comprehend the things of God,” and we will not set our “hearts upon the things of this world.” Parley P. Pratt said that the Holy Ghost “enlarges, expands, and purifies all the natural passions and affections.... It inspires virtue, kindness, goodness, tenderness, gentleness and charity.” (Key to the Science of Theology, p. 6.) And from the Prophet Joseph Smith we read that the Spirit will give us the ability to “build up the kingdom of God.” The Prophet also said that “It will teach us what to do and where to go ... it will whisper peace and joy to our souls; it will take malice, hatred, strife and all evil from our hearts”; and our “whole desire will be to do good, bring forth righteousness, and build up the Kingdom of God.”<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;font-size:130%;" >A Partial List of the Fruits of the Spirit</span><br /> The following is a partial list of fruits of the Spirit. Like the list of gifts we read before, this list is not all-inclusive; there are many more that could be listed. Some of the fruits of the Spirit are: an eye single to the glory of God, brotherly kindness, charity, diligence, faith, gentleness, godliness, goodness, hope, humility, joy, kindness, knowledge, longsuffering, love, meekness, patience, peace, temperance, tenderness, and virtue. Minds will be open to comprehend the things of God; all natural passions and affections enlarged, expanded, and purified; hearts will not be upon the things of this world; the abhorrence of sin; peace and joy whispered to the souls; malice, hatred, strife and all evil will be taken from the heart; all desire will be to do good, bring forth righteousness, and build up the Kingdom of God.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;font-size:130%;" >By Their Fruits Ye May Know Them</span><br /> Since there are differences between gifts of the Spirit and fruits of the Spirit, the question might be asked, how can we distinguish between the two? In some ways, gifts of the Spirit might be considered an outward sign or performance, such as speaking in tongues, prophesying, healing, teaching, and so forth. Fruits, on the other hand, might be considered as an inward attribute, such as patience, love, joy, peace, temperance, and the like. The gifts of the Spirit are more external, for the blessing of others, while the fruits of the Spirit are more of an indwelling quality; they may be considered more personal, representing the presence of God in the individual through His Spirit.<br /><br /> This method of trying to discern between gifts and fruits may not always hold true. Some might consider such gifts as revelation, knowledge, and a testimony, which have been listed as gifts, as inward qualities, and rightly so. Faith is listed as both a gift and a fruit. It can be considered a gift in that it is something that is exercised outwardly, and it can be considered a fruit because it is also an inward quality. It might be difficult to try and categorize all gifts as only gifts, and all fruits as only fruits. But there are differences. One difference is that not every man has all the gifts of the Spirit, but all men CAN have all the fruits of the Spirit and experience the indwelling of God.<br /><br /> Another difference between the two might be, what is done in comparison to why something is done. We are talking about the motivation for an act in relation to the act itself; not what gift was performed or exhibited, but rather, why, or by what fruit, was the gift exercised. During His Sermon on the Mount 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.)<br /><br /> The Master said that even those who have the gift of prophesy, or the gift to “cast out devils” or do “many wonderful works” may not “enter into the kingdom of heaven.” He is saying that gifts alone may not get you into Father’s Kingdom. These words were prefaced by the Savior when He said: “Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves. Ye shall know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles? Even so every good tree bringeth forth good fruit; but a corrupt tree bringeth forth evil fruit. A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit, neither can a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit. Every tree that bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire. Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them.” (Matt. 7:15-20.)<br /><br /> From these verses we learn that a true prophet can be distinguished from a false prophet by his fruits; Jesus did not say they could be distinguished because they possessed gifts. It appears that He was talking about the motivation for an act in relation to the act itself. By analyzing and comparing verses 15-20 with verses 21-23, we see that the Lord was making a distinction between fruits and gifts. We can know if a man is of God by his fruits, not by the gifts he displays.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;font-size:130%;" >Testing Spirits</span><br /> The Lord has provided ways to test the Spirit of man. There are a few principles and guidelines the Lord has provided to help us discern between truth, which is in harmony with God’s purposes, and deception, which is out of alignment with God’s plan. However, we must realize the test is only as good as the tester. If the one doing the testing is not possessed of the proper spirit, if his motives are not righteous, or if his heart is not pure and right with God, his might lack discernment, leaving him open for deception.<br /><br /> One clue of a person’s true intentions is that a person with the Spirit of God will confess Christ. John the Revelator said, “Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world. Hereby know ye the Spirit of God: Every spirit that confesseth that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is of God: And every spirit that confesseth not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is not of God: and this is that spirit of antichrist, whereof ye have heard that it should come; and even now already is it in the world.” (1 Jn. 4:1-3.)<br /><br /> Moroni provided another test; he taught that the Spirit of God enticeth to do good. He said, “Wherefore, all things which are good cometh of God; and that which is evil cometh of the devil....” He went on to say, “But behold, that which is of God inviteth and enticeth to do good continually; wherefore, everything which inviteth and enticeth to do good, and to love God, and to serve him, is inspired of God. 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 thing 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.” (Moro. 7:12-13, 16.)<br /><br /> The behavior and attitude of one possessing the Spirit of God will persuade others to: believe Christ (Moro. 7:16); keep the commandments (John 14:15); do good (Moro. 7:16; Ether 4:11); do justly, walk humbly, judge righteously (D&C 11:12); do all things in meekness of heart, walking uprightly before God, do all things with prayers of thanksgiving (D&C 46:7); exercise no compulsion (D&C 121:36-37), and hearken to God’s voice. (Moses 4:4.) The spirit of such a person will edify, bring understanding, and help foster spiritual growth. (D&C 50:23-34.)<br /><br /> The Lord has also given a pattern that we might not be deceived. He said, “And again, I will give unto you a pattern in all things, that ye may not be deceived; for Satan is abroad in the land, and he goeth forth deceiving the nations—.” (D&C 52:14.) Then the Lord said: “Wherefore he that prayeth, whose spirit is contrite, the same is accepted of me if he obey mine ordinances. He that speaketh, whose spirit is contrite, whose language is meek and edifieth, the same is of God if he obey mine ordinances. And again, he that trembleth under my power shall be made strong, and shall bring forth fruits of praise and wisdom, according to the revelations and truths which I have given you. And again, he that is overcome and bringeth not forth fruits, even according to this pattern, is not of me. Wherefore, by this pattern ye shall know the spirits in all cases under the whole heavens.” (D&C 52:15-19.)<br /><br /> When the Lord wants to emphasize something, He often repeats Himself. Now what is the pattern? Besides calling upon His name, being meek and using language that edifies, and having reverence and respect for God’s power and authority, there were three key factors of the pattern: (1) having a contrite spirit—which was mentioned twice (vv. 15-16); (2) obeying God’s ordinances—also mentioned twice (vv. 15-16); and (3) bringing forth fruits of praise and wisdom—again, mentioned twice (vv. 17-18). And then the Lord said, those that do not bring forth such fruit, according to the pattern, are not of Him. So fruits are to be brought forth according to a pattern the Lord has set down. It appears that contrition and obedience to ordinances are the key factors in the pattern, besides other things, such as prayer, meekness, humility, praise and wisdom. The Lord said that by this pattern we can know the spirits in every situation. Consequently, if we do not bring forth fruits with a contrite spirit and obedience to His laws, then we are not of God. And if we are not His, it should be obvious we will receive no fulness. At least that is the way it seems.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;font-size:130%;" >Closing Thoughts</span><br /> Possessing one or more gifts of the spirit is no evidence of salvation in the Celestial Kingdom, nor our standing before the Lord. As evidenced from the Savior’s Sermon on the Mount, it is apparent that many can possess gifts but not be counted as one of His. As we discussed Matthew 7 we learned from Jesus that, even though some may prophesy and say “Lord, Lord,” they will not necessarily enter into the kingdom of heaven. We discussed proper motivation as the criteria for such an entrance; that criteria being based on the possession of fruits of the Spirit. For He said, “ye shall know them by their fruits.” (Matt. 7.) He did not say, “ye shall know them by their gifts.” From the scriptures we readily see that possessing gifts is no criteria for righteousness, it is the possession of good fruit, or the fruit of the Spirit. However, the possessing of fruits of the Spirit is hinged upon a pattern set down by the Lord. (D&C 52.)<br /><br /> The Lord said gifts are given “... that all may be benefited that seek or that ask of me, that ask and not for a sign that they may consume it upon their lusts. (D&C 46:9.) This consuming it upon our lust refers to pride, and we all should know the danger of that fruitless attribute. We must be cautious that we do not get bloated with self-righteousness, becoming as the proud Zoramites, standing upon our Rameumptom (Alma 31:8-22), and losing God’s favor in the process.<br /><br /> Gifts are just that—GIFTS! They cannot be earned, for they are freely given of God. Gifts are displayed outwardly and observed by the world. Therefore, we have no reason to brag, consuming it upon our lusts. Though we are commanded to seek the best gifts (D&C 46:8), we still cannot earn them. Gifts are free.<br /><br /> Fruits, on the other hand, are the results of our inner God-like qualities; the indwelling of His presence. They are based upon obedience, then granted by God due to righteousness. Gifts are the things we DO. Fruits are the things we ARE—those inner attributes by which God measures our righteousness. The grand mistake in life is believing that God will entirely judge us on what we do, that righteousness is based on doing the right things at the right time.<br /><br /> In the television series, Star Trek, some space ships possessed what was called “cloaking devices.” These cloaking devices rendered the space vehicles invisible to their enemies. At this time in our scientific progression, we have not developed such devices. Nevertheless, we achieve much the same effect by our daily actions. We try to hide what we are by what we do. However, it is not what we do that counts, it is what we ARE that the Lord is most concerned with.<br /><br /> When we seek the fruits of the Spirit, we are seeking that Spirit which produces the fruit. And, conversely, when we seek the Spirit, we are seeking the fruits of the Spirit as God will graciously bestow. Those righteously motivated will have: afflictions consecrated for their gain and good (2 Ne. 2:2; Rom. 8:28), ministering of angels to attend them (Moro. 7:35-37), a second witness in their hearts and minds (D&C 8:2), faith, hope, charity and love, with an eye focused on the glory of God above all else (D&C 4:5), no desire to seek for signs (D&C 46:9), the ability to chase darkness from himself (D&C 50:23-25), and much more.<br /><br /> It is important to realize that the presence of one or more fruits of the spirit is no evidence to God of our righteousness, for He already knows what fruits we possess. It is, however, evidence TO US of our obedience and purity of our motives.<br /><br /> How can we tell if we are in possession of the Spirit of God? We can know that we are blessed of the Spirit simply by feeling and knowing we possess one or more of the positive attributes or fruits of the Spirit. The Apostle Paul said that when we possess the fruits of the Spirit, that is how we can know we are acceptable to the Lord: “For the fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness and righteousness and truth; Proving what is acceptable unto the Lord.” (Eph. 5:9-10.)<br /><br /> It is interesting to note that Paul did not say that those possessing gifts of the Spirit were acceptable unto the Lord, but those possessing the fruits of the Spirit. Only through the Spirit can we receive one of the gifts mentioned, and the fruits of that gift will bear witness that the gift is of God. It appears that we can prove if a particular gift of the Spirit is of God. If it is, it will be accompanied by one or more fruits of the Spirit. If not, then we can know that the gift is not of God. But when we are filled with the Spirit of God, we will also bring forth the fruits of praise unto our Savior and Redeemer, Jesus Christ.<br /></div>Joseph Warren Grammerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05795589798825424327noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2062486484005186955.post-44407377338291036732009-11-01T22:07:00.000-08:002009-11-01T22:23:44.078-08:00<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(204, 102, 0);font-size:180%;" >Let Us Reason Together</span><br />by Joseph Warren Grammar<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size:180%;">W</span>hen Oliver Cowdery attempted to translate some of the Book of Mormon from the plates, as did the Prophet Joseph Smith, things did not go very well. Being a little upset because of the lack of success, the Lord said to him: “Behold, you have not understood; you have supposed that I would give it unto you, when <span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">you took no thought save it was to ask me</span>. But, behold, I say unto you, that <span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">you must study it out in your mind; then you must ask me if it be right</span>, and if it is right I will cause that your bosom shall burn within you; therefore, you shall feel that it is right.” (D&C 9:7-8.)<br /><br /> Yes, we are told to seek, and we shall find; ask, and we shall receive; knock, and it shall be opened unto us.” But first we have a duty, as did Oliver; that duty is to first study things out before we ask. We are to use our God-given intellect to reason things out and arrive at our own conclusions, then ask Him if those conclusions are correct.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;font-size:130%;" >It Is Written</span><br /> Our Creator gave us His written words of inspiration to guide us in learning of Him and His ways, but if we do not use the scriptures, other than to simply read interesting stories or to fulfill church assignments, then what good are they other than sheer entertainment?<br /><br /> The scriptures are not for amusement, they are to teach and guide us as we study the words the Lord had His Prophets record. All through holy writ God declared, “as it is written in the law” (Neh. 10:34); “as it is written in the law of Moses” (1 Kings 2:3); “as it is written in the law of the Lord” (2 Chron. 31:3); “as it is written in the book of this covenant” (2 Kings 23:21); “behold, it is written in the book of Jasher” (2 Sam. 1:18); “Then said I, Lo, I come: in the volume of the book it is written of me” (Psalms 40:7). Why, may we ask, has God so stressed that His word be written if it is not for our learning? Jesus, Himself, encouraged both His disciples and critics to search the written word when He simply said, “it is written”:<br /><br /> “But he [Jesus] answered and said, <span style="font-weight: bold;">It is written</span>, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God” (Matt. 4:4); “Jesus said unto him, <span style="font-weight: bold;">It is written</span> again, Thou shalt not tempt the Lord thy God” (Matt. 4:7); “He [Jesus] answered and said unto them, Well hath Esaias prophesied of you hypocrites, as <span style="font-weight: bold;">it is written</span>, This people honoureth me with their lips, but their heart is far from me” (Mark 7:6); “And Jesus answered and said unto him, Get thee behind me, Satan: for <span style="font-weight: bold;">it is written</span>, Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve” (Luke 4:8).<br /><br /> After His resurrection, as two disciples were traveling on the road to Emmaus, the resurrected Jesus drew near and traveled with them as they were discussing the miraculous story of the day. They not knowing He was the resurrected Christ, Jesus expounded the scriptures to them concerning the event: “Then he [Jesus] said unto them, <span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-style: italic;">O fools, and slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have spoken:</span> </span>Ought not Christ to have suffered these things, and to enter into his glory? And beginning at Moses and all the prophets, he [Jesus] expounded unto them in all the scriptures the things concerning himself.” (Luke 24:25-27.) Jesus didn’t tell them to believe every word that they heard, or trust their belief system or personal emotions concerning the stories they had heard of His resurrection. No! He directed them to the written word that they might learn therefrom.<br /><br /> After that event, the glorified Christ appeared to the remaining eleven Apostles. While visiting with them He emphasized the written word as found in scripture: “And he [the resurrected Christ] said unto them, These are the words which I spake unto you, while I was yet with you, that all things must be fulfilled, <span style="font-weight: bold;">which were written in the law of Moses, and in the prophets</span>, and in the psalms, concerning me. Then opened he their understanding, that they might understand the scriptures, And said unto them, <span style="font-weight: bold;">Thus it is written</span>, and thus it behoved Christ to suffer, and to rise from the dead the third day:” (Luke 24:44-46.) You see, He referred them to the written law and the prophets, and “opened” their “understanding” of the “scriptures.”<br /><br /> It is so important that we have an understanding of holy writ that in Third Nephi, Jesus gives us a commandment to study one of His holy prophets, that Prophet being Isaiah: “And now, behold, I say unto you, that <span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">ye ought to search these things</span>. Yea, <span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">a commandment I give unto you that ye search these things diligently</span>; for great are the words of Isaiah.” (3 Ne. 23:1.) Not only are we to search the words of Isaiah, but He has given us a “commandment” to “search” them “diligently” — not just read, but “search” — not just casually, but “diligently” — and not if we want to or not, it is a “commandment.”<br /><br /> So important is it that we diligently study the holy word that the Lord’s fury was kindled against the people of old Jerusalem because they neglected this important duty during their time of prosperity. Turning to the Book of Zechariah we read what God had to say to His people:<br /><br /> 7. Should ye not hear the words which the Lord hath cried by the FORMER PROPHETS, when Jerusalem was inhabited and in prosperity, and the cities thereof round about her, when men inhabited the south and the plain?<br /> 8. And the word of the Lord came unto Zechariah, saying,<br /> 9. Thus speaketh the Lord of hosts, saying, Execute true judgment, and shew mercy and compassions every man to his brother:<br /> 10. And oppress not the widow, nor the fatherless, the stranger, nor the poor; and let none of you imagine evil against his brother in your heart.<br /> 11. But they refused to hearken, and pulled away the shoulder, and stopped their ears, that they should not hear.<br /> 12. Yea, they made their hearts as an adamant stone, lest they should hear the law, and the words which the Lord of hosts hath sent in his spirit by the FORMER PROPHETS: therefore came a great wrath from the Lord of hosts.<br /> 13. Therefore it is come to pass, that as he cried, and they would not hear; so they cried, and I would not hear, saith the Lord of hosts:<br /> 14. But I scattered them with a whirlwind among all the nations whom they knew not. Thus the land was desolate after them, that no man passed through nor returned: for they laid the pleasant land desolate. (Zech. 7:7-14.)<br /><br /> When Jerusalem, and the land around about, was prosperous, the people neglected the word of the Lord as was written by the former prophets. From this scripture it is evident that, even though past prophets were dead and gone, their words were still to be considered as Godly advice and observed.<br /><br /> For example, verses 9 and 10 provide us with principles pertaining to how we ought to treat one another. But the purpose of presenting this scripture is found in verse 11 and 12. The Lord’s people refused to obey; they shrugged their shoulders at what God had said in the past; they rejected truth; and they hardened their hearts against the words of former or past prophets.<br /><br /> Since the people of the Lord were proud, rejected His written word, and would not hear the words of God, He would NOT hear their cries. Consequently, they were scattered and dispersed among the nations of the earth. And even though prophecy states that they will be gathered, yet, to this date, they have not been gathered.<br /><br /> Considering how God has handled His people in the past, can we get an idea of how He must feel about us, today, when WE neglect the words of His “former prophets” because we now claim to have “living prophets”? Many refuse to reasonably consider truths and evidences presented by those past men of God, whom many, today, call “dead” prophets.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;font-size:130%;" >Reasoning Together</span><br /> Considering the fact that we previously mentioned the importance of the words of Isaiah, let’s turn to the Book of Isaiah. Isaiah was a former prophet who prophesied of the end time church. At one point, through this prophet, the Lord simply says to us, “Come now, and let us reason together, saith the Lord:...” (Isa. 1:18.)<br /><br /> Now, what is this “reason together” business? Shouldn’t we just follow the whims and advice of others, perform in accordance to past tradition, believe what we have always believed without a little reasoning behind it all? Do we believe something because other people believe it, or because we were told we must believe it? Do we believe something because we once believed it, and think we should still believe it? Do we take the time to think about why we believe a certain thing?<br /><br /> God said, “let us reason together.” Yet this idea of reasoning flies in the face of the willful apathetic or blissful ignorant. Trying to activate the mind of the comfortable complacent can be just as challenging and strenuous as striving to get an indolent couch-potato to furrow a one-acre plot with nothing put a hand plow — near impossible. As Jonathan Swift, author of Gulliver’s Travels, once said, “It is useless to attempt to reason a man out of a thing he was never reasoned into.”<br /><br /> Reasoning must be based upon something sound, such as the written word of God, and not just upon faith or a belief. Not only is there such a thing as TRUE faith, but faith can also be based upon a erroneous principle, resulting in a FALSE faith. The Christian has faith in his belief, the Jew believes in his faith, the Moslem, the Hindu, the Buddhist, the Pagan, etc., they all have just as strong a faith and belief as anyone else has in their religion. And how about the Communist who just as ardently believes in his cause as the Capitalist does in his; and the list could go on. There is such a thing as FALSE faith or belief, which can be exhibited just as intensely as those having true faith.<br /><br /> Our Creator has provided us with scripture, the written word of God, to help us learn truth, make prudent decisions, and arrive at reasonable conclusions. But when we neglect this valuable resource He has provided, we are no more than those of old Jerusalem as we spurn the Lord, shrug our shoulders, refuse truth; and harden our hearts against the words of God through former prophets. Upon this subject the noted Theologian, Dr. James F. Clarke, once said, “God, who has given the Bible, has also given us our reason with which to examine and understand it; and we are guilty before Him if we bury this talent in the earth . . .”<br /><br /> There is a little poem which I have quoted elsewhere in some of my writings which pertains to this subject of thinking and reasoning. With a little latitude, I would like to present it here:<br /> <br /><div style="text-align: center;"> <span style="color: rgb(204, 102, 0); font-weight: bold;">Though man a thinking being is defined,</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(204, 102, 0); font-weight: bold;"> Few use the great prerogative of mind.</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(204, 102, 0); font-weight: bold;"> How few think justly of the thinking few!</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(204, 102, 0); font-weight: bold;"> How many never think, who think they do.</span><br /> —Jane Taylor<br /></div><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;font-size:130%;" >Deception of Emotion</span><br /> An important aspect of reasoning together is being aware of the false elusion provided by those who “carry their emotions on their sleeves,” so to speak. Many are adept at simply weeping and wailing in an attempt to prove their sincerity or fain spirituality. However, emotion can be misleading and may not be the result of the Holy Spirit. In warning his followers of just this sort of thing, the Savior said,<br /><br /> 1. TAKE heed that ye do not your alms before men, <span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">to be seen of them</span><span style="font-style: italic;">:</span> otherwise ye have no reward of your Father which is in heaven.<br /> 5. And when thou prayest, thou shalt not be <span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">as the hypocrites are</span>: for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and in the corners of the streets, that they <span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">may be seen of men</span>. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward.<br /> 16. Moreover when ye fast, <span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">be not, as the hypocrites</span>, of a sad countenance: for they disfigure their faces, that they may appear unto men to fast. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward. (Matt. 6:1, 5, 16.)<br /><br /> The displaying of a sad countenance is not necessarily a sign of true faith, even the hypocrite or those of a false faith can flaunt a drawn and saddened face and shed tears. All of this is not reason, it’s the manipulation of emotion. The Holy Spirit is sweet, peaceful, and serene; emotion can be deceiving. Claudian, the last of the great Roman poets, stated, “He is next to the gods whom reason and not passion impels.” And Thomas Huxley put it this way, “Irrationally held truths may be more harmful than reasoned errors.”<br /><br /> Of all the religions and political philosophies the world over, everyone cannot be right, regardless of how compassionate and lovie-dovie one tries to be, the wicked can love one another (Matt. 5:46). Consequently, neither strong faith or sincere belief provide firm evidence of truth, neither does the display of emotion. But the scriptures give a firm foundation for truth upon which a true faith can be established — affording evidence upon which people may reason together.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;font-size:130%;" >Our Ways Are Not the Lord’s Way</span><br /> Of course it is true that we cannot out-think the Lord. Much of what He has done, does do, and will do, cannot be logically and reasonably explained because we are not infallible as He is. Isaiah points this out in these words: <span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">“For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the Lord. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts.”</span> (Isaiah 55:8-9.)<br /><br /> We, as mortals, mostly see things in the ways of the worldly, while our Savior sees things with an immortal heavenly view. To us, things are worldly; but the Lord says, “... all things unto me are spiritual, and not at any time have I given unto you a law which was temporal; neither any man, nor the children of men; neither Adam, your father, whom I created.” (D&C 29:34.)<br /><br /> In 3 Nephi 23:1, above, we learned of the “commandment” to “search” the words of Isaiah “diligently.” When we consider the next two verses of that same chapter we understand why the words of Isaiah are so important. In those two verses the Lord said, “For surely he [Isaiah] spake as <span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-style: italic;">touching all things concerning my people</span> </span>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 <span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">have been and shall be</span>, even according to the words which he spake.” (3 Ne. 23:2-3.) Isaiah spoke of ALL THINGS concerning the Lord’s people — that’s you and I. And he wrote of God’s people in the future as he prophecies of them; again, that’s you and I. So let’s turn to the First Chapter of Isaiah and read just a few verses of what he has to say about us here in the last days — as we sit smugly believing all is well.<br /><br /> 2. Hear, O heavens, and give ear, O earth: for the Lord hath spoken, I have nourished and brought up children, and <span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">they have rebelled against me</span>.<br /> 3. The ox knoweth his owner, and the ass his master's crib: but Israel doth not know, <span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">my people doth not consider</span>.<br /> 4. Ah sinful nation, <span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">a people laden with iniquity, a seed of evildoers, children that are corrupters: they have forsaken the Lord, they have provoked the Holy One of Israel unto anger, they are gone away backward</span>.<br /> 5. Why should ye be stricken any more? ye will revolt more and more: t<span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">he whole head is sick, and the whole heart faint</span>.<br /> 6. <span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">From the sole of the foot even unto the head there is no soundness in it</span>; but wounds, and bruises, and putrifying sores: they have not been closed, neither bound up, neither mollified with ointment. (Isa. 1:2-6.)<br /><br /> The children of the Lord are the Children of Israel. In verse 2 He let’s us know that, not only Israel in the past, but Israel in the last days (that’ us) have rebelled against him. Remember what we read in 3 Nephi 23: <span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">all things that he [Isaiah] spake HAVE BEEN and SHALL BE;</span> meaning, what has gone before will happen again in the future. Therefore, as our ancient ancestors of God’s church rebelled against Him in the past, so shall we, of His church in the last day, do the same.<br /><br /> Likewise, as our ancestors became corrupt, they also fell away from God and would not consider Him nor His word, just as Zechariah pointed out. In all, Isaiah makes some serious accusations in these verses, not only about the church in earlier times, but of the latter-day church as well — “<span style="font-style: italic;">People laden with iniquity ... corrupters ... forsaken the Lord ... gone away backward</span>.” All of this, of course, means that not only they, but we as well, have lapsed into apostasy.<br /><br /> The entire body of the church is considered as we read that, “the whole head is sick, and the whole heart faint. From the sole of the feet even unto the head there is no soundness in it.” In other words, this is referring to the lowest to the highest member of the church, with the head representing leadership. Why, may we ask, could this be so?<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;font-size:130%;" >That Ye May Understand</span><br /> Part of the answer to the above question, lies in the fact that most people are happy just to follow tradition and the council of man than rely upon the Spirit of the Lord for inspiration, and also lack the incentive to search the written word for reasonable answers. The late American humorist, Don Marquis, said, “If you make people think they’re thinking, they’ll love you; but if you really make them think, they’ll hate you.” Even though humor is intended in this statement, there is also a bit of truth contained in it. A lot of people do not like to be forced to think. It’s like leading the proverbial horse to water, you can’t make them do what is best for them.<br /><br /> The young man, Joseph Smith, was not content with the religious matters of his day, and he had a question with which he approached God. That question was: Which church is right? Did he get an answer? Yes he did. There is hardly a section in the Doctrine and Covenants that was not received as a answer to a question.<br /><br /> When people are content, they have no questions; and without asking questions, there will be no answers. This being so, man is doomed to the will of those over them in religion, politics, science, education, economics, etc. As Hosea, one of the former prophets, once said, “<span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge</span>: because thou hast rejected knowledge, I will also reject thee, that thou shalt be no priest to me: seeing <span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">thou hast forgotten the law of thy God, I will also forget thy children</span>.” (Hosea 4:6.)<br /><br /> So, even though we know that God’s ways are not our ways, He has still given us a measuring rod with which to <span style="font-style: italic;">reason together and consider His ways</span>. That rod is the word of God, where it is written in scripture.<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"> <span style="color: rgb(204, 102, 0);font-size:85%;" ><span style="font-weight: bold;">“And now come, saith the Lord, by the Spirit, unto the elders of his church,</span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;"> and let us reason together, that ye may understand.”</span><br /></span></div>Joseph Warren Grammerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05795589798825424327noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2062486484005186955.post-22473935746977684122009-11-01T22:01:00.000-08:002009-11-01T22:06:13.254-08:00<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic; color: rgb(153, 51, 153);font-size:180%;" >The Mark and the Mysteries</span><br />by Joseph Warren Grammer<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size:180%;">T</span>he questions have often been asked, “What is the mark, as mentioned in the fourth chapter of Jacob?” And, “What does going beyond the mark really mean?”<br /><br /> Many believe that going beyond the mark is looking into the mysteries, or the deeper and forbidden things, which is actually some of the meat of the gospel. They believe we should be sticking to gospel basics, which is the milk of the gospel.<br /><br /> The Apostle Paul wrote to the Hebrews: “For when for the time ye ought to be teachers, ye have need that one teach you again which be the first principles of the oracles of God; and are become such as have need of milk, and not of strong meat. For every one that useth milk is unskilful in the word of righteousness: for he is a babe. But strong meat belongeth to them that are of full age, even those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil.” (Hebrews 5:12-14.)<br /><br /> Here Paul is telling the Hebrews that they are not spiritually mature enough to accept the meat of the gospel, which are the advanced things of salvation. He said they “ought” to be teaching those things. Instead, he tells them they are still taking the milk like a baby instead of being full grown in the spirit. From him we learn that those who still require the milk of the gospel, instead of the meat, are unskilful in righteousness.<br /><br /> He had a similar thing to say to the Corinthians. “And I, brethren, could not speak unto you as unto spiritual, but as unto carnal, even as unto babes in Christ. I have fed you with milk, and not with meat: for hitherto ye were not able to bear it, neither yet now are ye able. For ye are yet carnal: for whereas there is among you envying, and strife, and divisions, are ye not carnal, and walk as men? For while one saith, I am of Paul; and another, I am of Apollos; are ye not carnal?” (1 Cor. 3:1-4.)<br /><br /> These are pretty strong words. Paul tells the Corinthians that they are carnal, or worldly, because they are still spiritual babies. Because of this, he could not speak to them of spiritual things, but only of carnal or worldly things. They suffered from spiritual immaturity, with envying, strife, and divisions among them. He said they were carnal because they claimed to follow men, such as Paul and Apollos, instead of God through the Holy Spirit. From Paul’s writings we learn that following a man, instead of the Spirit of God, exposes the fact that we are still carnal and spiritual babies.<br /><br /> Isaiah lets us know who is able to be taught spiritual things. He wrote, “whom shall he teach knowledge? and whom shall he make to understand doctrine? them that are weaned from the milk, and drawn from the breasts.” (Isa. 28:9.) So, unless we can be weaned from the milk bottle and taken from the pablum bowl, we are doomed to remain carnal and worldly. Such will always strive to go beyond the mark and never know the mysteries.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;font-size:130%;" >What Is the Mark?</span><br /> The primary scripture referring to going beyond the mark is found in Jacob 4:14. That whole chapter four has a lot of wonderful teachings in it, but we will stay with the subject of the mark. In doing so, let’s start with the previous verse. From Jacob 4:13-14 we are told what the mark is:<br /> <br /> 13. Behold, my brethren, he that prophesieth, let him prophesy to the understanding of men; for the SPIRIT speaketh the truth and lieth not. Wherefore, IT speaketh of things as they really are, and of things as they really will be; wherefore, these things are manifested unto us plainly, for the salvation of our souls. But behold, we are not witnesses alone in these things; for God also spake them unto prophets of old.<br /> 14. But behold, the Jews were a stiffnecked people; and they despised the words of plainness, and killed the prophets, and sought for things that they could not understand. Wherefore, because of their blindness, which blindness came by LOOKING BEYOND THE MARK, they must needs fall; for God hath taken away his plainness from them, and delivered unto them many things which they cannot understand, because they desired it. And because they desired it God hath done it, that they may stumble. (Jacob 4:13-14.)<br /><br /> When God repeats Himself we should listen, for in His repeating we get the meaning of what He is trying to tell us. In verse 13 we are told that the SPIRIT speaketh “plainly.” The word plainly refers back to the word “Spirit.” In verse 14 we learn that the Jews “despised the words of plainness,” or in other words, they despised the words of the “plainness” of the HOLY SPIRIT. They liked to complicate things through analytical debates, and adhering to every law with rigidity was comfortable to them. Because the Jews despised God’s plainness, or SPIRIT, the Lord took His “plainness,” from them, or He took His SPIRIT from them. Jesus taught, “And he said unto them, Take heed what ye hear; for with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you; and unto you that continue to receive, shall more be given; for he that receiveth, to him shall be given; but he that continueth not to receive, from him shall be taken even that which he hath.” (JST Mark 4:20.) The plain speaking of God’s Spirit IS the mark.<br /><br /> Three times in Jacob 4:13-14 the Lord used the word “plainly,” or “plainness.” He is telling us here that when His Spirit speaks to us, he does it plainly, simply, and uncomplicatedly without confusion. From what we have studied, we learn that, (1) The “mark” is THE PLAINNESS AND SIMPLICITY OF THE WHISPERINGS OF GOD’S HOLY SPIRIT; and (2) “looking beyond the mark” is LOOKING BEYOND what God has presented in a PLAIN manner by His HOLY SPIRIT, to receive counsel from some other source through man.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;font-size:130%;" >Keeping it Simple</span><br /> Many cannot stand simplicity. They feel there has to be more to it than what has been taught in a straightforward manner. They seem to like things a little more complicated than crystal-clear. As one person put it, some are caught up in the “thick of thin things.” Because they cannot, or WILL NOT, understand the simplicity of the Spirit, they seek the council of man to help them understand the things of God. When man relies upon man for the things of God, instead of the Spirit, they are led into many philosophies and veer off the straight and narrow path. The Lord commanded that, “MAN SHOULD NOT COUNSEL HIS FELLOW MAN, neither trust in the arm of flesh” (D&C 1:19), meaning that we are to take counsel of God through the plainness of the Spirit.<br /><br /> It is true that some of God’s prophecies, especially pertaining to the Lord’s second coming, are difficult to understand, but that is due to the fact that most of them are couched in metaphorical terms and sealed so that only those who are endowed with the spirit of prophecy can understand them. Such prophecies, however, are to be unsealed just before and at the time of their fulfilling. (In fact, they have already been unsealed.) And it is true that the Lord taught in parables. That was so those of His true followers, those endowed by the Spirit, could understand the mysteries, but the others would not understand. (Matt. 13:10-11; Luke 8:10.) Those not so gifted of the Spirit must try to analyze and intellectualize those parables to figure them out, but they usually fall short of finding their true meaning. However, the scriptures have the plain answers to our questions regarding the quest for sanctification, and what the scriptures do not provide, the Holy Ghost teaches.<br /><br /> There is a lot of truth that can be found in most all books, no matter from what religion or source they may come, and there are a lot of good books from which to learn. But why do so many find it necessary to complicate simple truths by veering off, for example, to some mystical writing of a guru, to some scientific analytical cacophony, or to a long and drawn out intellectualizing of something found in holy writ which God has given in plainness, which veering can lead to diverse and strange concepts that are foreign to the true gospel of Christ?<br /><br /> The answer to that question could be that some people like to be intellectually stimulated and entertained instead of coming to the point. They seem to have trouble grasping simple truth and following through with what the Lord has given in plainness through His Spirit. When the Spirit speaks, they often have to go to some other source, to man, the arm of flesh, for verification instead of trusting in God’s plainness. It could be a way of staying off the time when they have to truly make a decision one way or the other if they are going to live God’s celestial laws or not; rationalizing how to get out of it, around it, or how to ignore it. By going through all kinds of mental jargon, some waste precious time and spiritual growth by trying to swallow the big proverbial camel while choking on a simple gnat. (Matt. 23:24.) It’s like circling the field seeming never able to find the safe landing strip, or searching for that unfathomable concept or principle that will eventually click on the cerebral lightbulb.<br /><br /> It is Satan’s desire to keep people confused and off the straight and narrow path from which they grasp the iron rod—personal revelation through the plain speaking of the Holy Ghost. When we go beyond the mark by letting go of the iron rod, we are drawn off onto forbidden paths.<br /><br /> The proud and mentally sophisticated are, “Ever learning, and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth” (2 Tim. 3:7), even when it is there in plainness and simplicity to the humble followers of Christ. Perhaps that is one of the reasons why the poor in spirit, the meek, and the pure in heart will inherit the earth, receive the kingdom of heaven, and see God. Those who are truly hungry and thirsty for righteousness will recognize spiritual food and drink when it is simply presented, without having to stick their head into every grocery store along the way—garbage cans in some cases—to find what truly sustains life.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;font-size:130%;" >Being Doers of the Word</span><br /> In all of this, it is not how complicated we become in our analysis and thinking about a given subject, but what we do with what is simply set before us in plainness.<br /><br /> All of us need to be doers of the word, and not hearers only. Hearing the word does not reveal the desires of our hearts, it is the DOING of the word. James said, “But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves.” (James 1:22.) Just going to a church meeting and hearing a message does not demonstrate any righteousness; the wicked can do that. It is the DOING of the message with an eye single to God’s glory, and the blessing of His children, that exhibits our true nature.<br /><br /> When God says that we should have no other God’s before Him and that we should have an eye single to His glory (Ex. 20:3-8; Matt. 22:37; D&C 59:5, 4:5), that means that He is to be our first thought in rising in the morning, our last thought upon retiring, and our primary thought throughout the day—not our business of making money, our interest in sports and recreation, or anything else. The Apostle Paul wrote to the Corinthians, “Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God.” (1 Cor. 10:31.) And to his son, Helaman, Alma wrote, “Counsel with the Lord in all thy doings, and he will direct thee for good; yea, when thou liest down at night lie down unto the Lord, that he may watch over you in your sleep; and when thou risest in the morning let thy heart be full of thanks unto God; and if ye do these things, ye shall be lifted up at the last day.” (Alma 37:37.)<br /><br /> When God says do not steal (Ex. 20:15), He means that we should NOT take advantage of someone in business because that’s the way the business world does it; we should not covet what he has (Ex. 20:17); but we are to treat him as we would treat ourselves. (Matt. 20:39; Matt. 7:12.) When we make a covenant in the temple to consecrate all we have, or ever hope to have, to the building up of the Kingdom of God on the earth and the establishment of Zion, that means now; we should not try to rationalize it by saying that the covenant was for some future date. When commanded to warn our neighbor (D&C 88:77-82), that means do it. When commanded to study Isaiah diligently (3 Ne. 23:1-3), that means study the Prophet Isaiah however we can, using all the resources, even the unsealed works. When we are commanded to flee Babylon, let’s get an understanding of what Babylon is and get a move on. When commanded to freely teach our children about sanctification (Moses 6:58-62), then that is our duty. When we are commanded to be anxiously engaged in a good cause and do many things of our own free will, and bring to pass much righteousness (D&C 58:27), what else should we be doing but that? And we could go on, and on, and on. What could be plainer?<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;font-size:130%;" >Communing with God</span><br /> We can effectively commune with God, but only when we do not go beyond the mark. When we remain a stiffnecked people, as did the Jews, then we are still babies and will not be able to receive what the Lord desires to bestow upon us.<br /><br /> On this subject the Prophet Joseph Smith taught, “... the things of God are of deep import; and time, and experience, and careful and ponderous and solemn thoughts can only find them out. Thy mind, O man! if thou wilt lead a soul unto salvation, must stretch as high as the utmost heavens, and search into and contemplate the darkest abyss, and the broad expanse of eternity—thou must commune with God.” (TPJS, p. 137.)<br /><br /> The Prophet did not say that we are to commune with man to lead a soul unto salvation, but that we must “stretch as high as the utmost heavens.” This can only be done by communing with God, not man—no matter who that man is. We are to take counsel of the Spirit. When we counsel with man we are putting our trust in the “arm of flesh,” which we are commanded not to do. From Jeremiah we read, “Thus saith the Lord; Cursed be the man that trusteth in man, and maketh flesh his arm, and whose heart departeth from the Lord.”(Jer. 17:5.) And from Nephi we learn: “O Lord, I have trusted in thee, and I will trust in thee forever. I will not put my trust in the arm of flesh; for I know that cursed is he that putteth his trust in the arm of flesh. Yea, cursed is he that putteth his trust in man or maketh flesh his arm.” (2 Ne. 4:34.)<br /><br /> We cannot commune with God when we look beyond the mark by only following men who only have worldly, temporal, or telestial stewardship over others. We must be in touch with God through His Spirit. We must be spiritually mature and capable of receiving spiritual meat. We must be weaned from the carnal minded. Only then can we be capable of receiving and understanding the mysteries of God.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;font-size:130%;" >We Are to Know the Mysteries</span><br /> Now what is a mystery? Simply put, a mystery is something of which the cause or meaning is unknown. What might be a mystery to one, may not be a mystery to another. How a few tons of metal can fly through the air may be a mystery to a young boy in kindergarten, but to an aeronautical engineer it is no mystery; and how to raise the dead is a mystery to most people, but to Jesus it is no mystery. There are many things that are considered mysteries in religious circles, but an understanding of those same things may be essential to our effectively communing with God.<br /><br /> When we really consider the subject, we learn that our salvation is contingent upon us knowing the mysteries. Jesus said, “... Because it is given unto you to know the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven, but to them it is not given.” (Matt. 13:112.) Some can know the mysteries and some will not. Why will some not come to know them? Because they are a stiffnecked people and go beyond the mark, unable to understand the simplicity of God’s teachings through the whisperings of the Spirit.<br /><br /> How do we come to know the mysteries? As stated above, we must NOT be stiffnecked and go beyond the mark. We must be capable of receiving some meat and be in tune with and follow the Spirit. From Jacob 4:13 we learn that the Spirit “speaketh of things as they really are, and of things as they really will be”; those THINGS are the mysteries.<br /> Next, we are to simply ask.<br /><br /> 16. And it came to pass that I, Nephi, ... having great desires to know of the mysteries of God, wherefore, I did CRY unto the Lord; and behold he did visit me, and did soften my heart that I did believe all the words which had been spoken by my father;.... (1 Ne. 2:16.)<br /><br /> 19. For he that diligently seeketh shall find; and the mysteries of God shall be unfolded unto them, by the power of the Holy Ghost, as well in these times as in times of old, and as well in times of old as in times to come;.... (1 Ne. 10:19.)<br /><br /> Nephi tells us that he cried unto the Lord. He simply ASKED. Remember what Jesus taught: “Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you:” (Matt. 7:7.) When we are capable of receiving further light and knowledge, and we ask of God, He can reveal the mysteries of the past, the present, and the future.<br /><br /> Nephi also lets us know that the mysteries are given by the power of the Holy Ghost. We can study all the scriptures and books in the world, but if we are a stiffnecked people and unable to understand the plain and simple whisperings of the Spirit we will never be able to comprehend the mysteries that may be contained therein.<br /><br /> Receiving such mysteries makes us rich unto eternal life. The Lord taught: “Seek not for riches but for wisdom; and, behold, the mysteries of God shall be unfolded unto you, and then shall you be made rich. Behold, he that hath eternal life is rich.” (D&C 11:7.) And again He said, “If thou shalt ask, thou shalt receive revelation upon revelation, knowledge upon knowledge, that thou mayest know the mysteries and peaceable things—that which bringeth joy, that which bringeth life eternal.” (D&C 42:61.) We must ask to receive, for the mysteries can bring eternal life.<br /><br /> Another requirement for receiving the mysteries of eternal life is to keep the commandments of God. “But unto him that keepeth my commandments I will give the mysteries of my kingdom, and the same shall be in him a well of living water, springing up unto everlasting life.” (D&C 63:23.) Keeping the commandments, honoring and serving the Lord in righteousness unto the end can help qualify one to receive the mysteries.<br /><br /> 5. For thus saith the Lord—I, the Lord, am merciful and gracious unto those who fear me, and delight to honor those who serve me in righteousness and in truth unto the end.<br /> 6. Great shall be their reward and eternal shall be their glory.<br /> 7. And to them will I reveal all mysteries, yea, all the hidden mysteries of my kingdom from days of old, and for ages to come, will I make known unto them the good pleasure of my will concerning all things pertaining to my kingdom.” (D&C 76:5-7.)<br /><br /> However, it is through the higher priesthood that the keys of the mysteries are revealed: “And this greater priesthood administereth the gospel and holdeth the key of the mysteries of the kingdom, even the key of the knowledge of God.” (D&C 84:19.)<br /><br /> But after receiving a knowledge of the mysteries, we are not to teach them to the babes, as Paul taught. From the Joseph Smith’s translation of Matthew we learn: “And the mysteries of the kingdom ye shall keep within yourselves; for it is not meet to give that which is holy unto the dogs; neither cast ye your pearls unto swine, lest they trample them under their feet.” (JST Matt. 7:10.)<br /><br /> The up-side of being spiritually mature, and not going beyond the mark, is that we can come to know all the mysteries, which is part of eternal life. “And therefore, he that will harden his heart, the same receiveth the lesser portion of the word; and he that will not harden his heart, to him is given the greater portion of the word, until it is given unto him to know the mysteries of God until he know them in full.” (Alma 12:10.) The down-side for those who are being hard-hearted, or a stiffnecked and stubborn people, is that they will receive a lesser portion of God’s word, which is carnal in nature and cannot lead to eternal life. The Lord declared, “And when the times of the Gentiles is come in, a light shall break forth among them that sit in darkness, and it shall be the fulness of my gospel; But <span style="color: rgb(0, 153, 0); font-weight: bold;">THEY RECEIVE IT NOT</span>; for they perceive not the light, and they turn their hearts from me because of the precepts of men.” (D&C 45:28-29.)<br /><br /> We have come to understand that the fullness of the gospel is the light that has come unto the Gentiles, that of the fullness of God’s glory. The Gentiles, of course, are those through whom the Book of Mormon came into the world as stated on the title page of the Book of Mormon, 1 Nephi 15:13, and D&C 35:17. The Gentiles are modern Ephraim, or members of the LDS Church.<br /><br /> But, and here is the big BUT, the Gentiles will reject the fulness of the gospel. We are told that the Gentiles will sin against the gospel and that the fulness will be taken from them and given unto the House of Israel (3 Ne. 16:10; 3 Ne. 21:1-2, 5-6; D&C 14:10.) We also know that the LDS Church is still under condemnation. (D&C 84:49-58; Morm. 8:34-41; President Ezra Taft Benson, <span style="font-style: italic;">Conference Address</span>, 4 Oct. 1986, <span style="font-style: italic;">The Book of Mormon–Keystone of Our Religion.</span>)<br /><br /> How, may we ask, have the Gentiles—who are the members of the LDS Church—sinned against the gospel? It is because they trust in the arm of flesh more than in the plainness of God’s Spirit, and they seek the things of the world. Generally speaking, they HAVE become as the ancient Jews: envious, full of strife and divisions, carnal and worldly, walking as men seeking to please other men rather than God, stiffnecked, and despising the plainness of God’s Holy Spirit and the simplicity of the gospel. They look beyond the mark and seek the counsel of man, neither seeking after nor understanding the mysteries of eternal life. From the Book of Mormon:<br /><br /> 9. And now Alma began to expound these things unto him, saying: It is given unto many to know the mysteries of God; nevertheless they are laid under a strict command that they shall not impart only according to the portion of his word which he doth grant unto the children of men, according to the heed and diligence which they give unto him.<br /> 10. And therefore, he that will harden his heart, the same receiveth the lesser portion of the word; and he that will not harden his heart, to him is given the greater portion of the word, until it is given unto him to know the mysteries of God until he know them in full.<br /> 11. And they that will harden their hearts, to them is given the lesser portion of the word until they know nothing concerning his mysteries; and then they are taken captive by the devil, and led by his will down to destruction. Now this is what is meant by the chains of hell. (Alma 12:9-11.)<br /><br /> We read in verse nine that it is given to many “to know the mysteries of God.” These mysteries are not obtained by reading books, regardless of who wrote those books. If mysteries can be obtained from books, then most every one would have access to all the mysteries. But that is not so, for the mysteries are to be imparted only to those whose hearts have not been hardened. Through the Prophet Joseph Smith the Lord said, “Behold, thou shalt observe all these things, and great shall be thy reward; for unto you it is given to know the mysteries of the kingdom, but unto the world it is not given to know them.” (D&C 42:65.) The fulness of the mysteries are only given to the sanctified by way of the Holy Ghost. They are NOT available to everyone in the whole world, unless those in the world become sanctified.<br /><br /> Verses ten and eleven let us know that he who has hardened his heart and is stiffnecked [going beyond the mark] will receive progressively lesser portions of the word, or mysteries, until he knows nothing concerning God’s mysteries. However, he who does not have a heart that has been hardened, but is humble, submissive and obedient, and can understand the plainness of the word of God—the iron rod, which is personal revelation through the Holy Spirit—will be given a greater portion of the word, “until it is given unto him to know the mysteries of God until he knows them in full.” Knowing the mysteries of God in full is to receive the fulness of God, which is the fulness of the gospel of Christ.<br /></div>Joseph Warren Grammerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05795589798825424327noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2062486484005186955.post-89961017446901996542009-11-01T21:56:00.000-08:002010-01-14T23:16:33.343-08:00<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(0, 153, 0);font-size:180%;" >The Myth of Neutrality</span><br />by Joseph Warren Grammer<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size:180%;">I</span>n most of America today, and in the Lord’s own Church, there is a disarming phenomenon that, at best, could be called the “mediocrity syndrome.” It is a common occurrence in most religions, and in fact, throughout the spectrum of everyday life. Simply put, it tends to draw both the spiritually-minded individual (those who thirst for truth and light and striving for obedient to God’s word), and the less-than-spiritually minded (those who only desire to pacify the status-quo regardless of truth), towards that large grey area known as “average” or “mediocre,” and tends to shift them into the neutral zone. The injustice to both should be obvious: the good does not appear as good, nor the bad as bad. The down-side of this is that a true assessment of individual worth is obscured by the celebration of the ordinary, instead of the exceptional.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;font-size:130%;" >The Myth of Neutrality</span><br /> Many years ago I was greatly impressed by the words of a great English religious reformer of the seventeenth century, John Lathrop (1617-1653), who was the progenitor of such people as the Prophet Joseph Smith, Oliver Cowdery, Wilford Woodruff, Joseph Fielding Smith, Harold B. Lee, the Pratt brothers, Marion G. Romney, and many other notables. Years after running across some of the teachings of John Lathrop, I read a biographical novel by Helene Holt about John Lathrop entitled, Exiled. In her book, Mrs. Holt quotes some of the same things of which I had previously been impressed. She pointed out that John Lathrap felt neutrality was soul-destroying. He is quoted as saying: “Neutrality is a myth, a glorified myth. Neutrality is a Trojan Horse, professing some advantage, but being inherently full of danger. Neutrality is not neutrality at all. It always favors the despot — adds to his power. Neutrality favors nothing and no one. That is the great myth!”<br /><br /> John Lathrop went on to say: “If a man steals from his neighbor, his act is evil. If that man happens to be your employer, his act is still evil. If no one questions the stealing employer, on the ideas it would be better to remain neutral, then the employer continues to steal. Neutrality refuses to keep evil in check. Evil unchecked will destroy good. That’s why neutrality is so dangerous. Moreover, real neutrality refuses even to identify evil as evil, in which case there is no activity to promote good as well as no activity to prevent evil. By default, neutrality is the great sympathizer and nurturer of evil. The most deadly enemy of righteousness is not evil, it’s neutrality.” (Edited from, <span style="font-style: italic;">Exiled</span>, (1987), pp. 7-9.)<br /><br /> Mrs. Holt pointed out that there can be a difference and a conflict between liberty and loyalty — the conflict of liberty of conscience that inspires one to positive action, in contrast to loyalty to some personality which inspires neutrality, which in turn breeds ignorance and apathy.<br /><br /> Being neutral in a cause shows the most blatant form of permissiveness and cowardliness. Neutrality does no good for the apathetic except allowing the tyrant more freedom to continue his totalitarian rule and wickedness. It allows the oppressor the freedom to take away everyone else’s freedom and the exercise of conscious.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;font-size:130%;" >Fear Based Obedience</span><br /> Those who oppress often do so by threat and intimidation. In most organized religions, members are threatened by authority figures with some sort of discipline if they do not strictly adhere to a particular doctrine or church policy. Often that intimidation takes the form of threatening the member with church sanctions, excommunication, or losing certain blessings or privileges; threatening them that without such blessings and privileges the member in disfavor is doomed to God’s judgment. Such intimidation is not based upon love but of fear, fear generated within the authority figure which, in turn, promotes fear in the member; and it does not allow the freedom of thought which God, Himself, has ordained and sanctioned.<br /><br /> Most do not want to be accused of wrong doing, especially when their doing is not wrong, so they choose to become what is called, “mainstream.” History has shown that the majority in any organization can be considered mainstream, or middle-of-the-roaders. Because of intimidating threats, many mainstreamers continue to sustain those who do wrong, who intimidate, who continue to oppress. Such sustaining only allows those wrongdoers more freedom to continue doing the same while it stifles the freedom of others. They continue to convince themselves (often with a sick wrenching feeling in their stomach for so doing) that, surely, our leaders must be right and be led by the Spirit or God would not have called them to their high position. We must remember that Jesus chose Judas, and one of the original twelve in this dispensation plotted the death of the Prophet Joseph Smith. Why should anyone believe that all church authorities are perfect today?<br /><br /> Those who abstain from voting against wrong when they have an opportunity to do so are, unwittingly, already casting a vote in favor of the wrong by default. A voice that does not oppose evil or wrong, by its silence, approves of it and becomes partly responsible for it by allowing it to continue unopposed. Because of the lack of courage and valiancy of the neutral mainstreamer, such may not have a place in God’s kingdom. Such become those unvaliant souls who may only inherit the terrestrial kingdom of God instead of the reward they could have received.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;font-size:130%;" >The Terrestrial for the Non-Valiant</span><br /> We read in the Doctrine and Covenants: “And again, we saw the terrestrial world, and behold and lo, these are they who are of the terrestrial, whose glory differs from that of the church of the Firstborn who have received the fulness of the Father, even as that of the moon differs from the sun in the firmament. . . .These are they who are honorable men of the earth, who were blinded by the craftiness of men. . . .These are they who are not valiant in the testimony of Jesus; wherefore, they obtain NOT the crown over the kingdom of our God.” (D&C 76:71, 75, 79; see 71-80.)<br /><br /> God would have us take a stand for something, be it right or wrong. There is one thing for sure, there will be no neutralists or middle-of-the-roaders in the Celestial Kingdom of God. The Apostle James proclaimed, “A double minded man is unstable in all his ways.” (James 1:8) and the Lord declared through John, “. . . I would thou were cold or hot. So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spew thee out of my mouth.” (Rev. 3:15-16.)<br /><br /> Why is it important to take a stand on issues? It is because God cannot work with those who are not committed, those who have wishy-washy values. He needs those who can become committed to their belief systems, be they right or wrong. Take the Apostle Paul for example. At first he was an ardent persecutor of the Christians, a thing to which he was dedicated. The Lord knew that once converted, Paul would also be just as committed to the cause of Christ. Paul was the type who would stand for something and be willing to be counted for it.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;font-size:130%;" >Jesus Was Not Mediocre or Neutral</span><br /> Being neutral is to be mediocre, being in the middle between one side and the other — taking no stand. If we are to be true disciples of Christ, we are to be like Him, and we must take a stand for Him and His righteousness regardless of the consequences. Jesus was anything but neutral, mediocre or mainstream. Moses, Isaiah, John, Paul, Nephi, Captain Moroni, Joseph Smith, and a host of others, were anything but mainstreamers. They possessed courage.<br /><br /> To be mediocre is to be just as close to the bottom as to the top. the mainstream consists of the majority, and history has proven that the majority has never truly been with God. They have consistently shifted away from Him towards the more popular side, which is always the easy way because they feel it has less friction.<br /><br /> Today, all are encouraged by their leaders, in most every aspect of life, not to rock the proverbial boat. They are motivated to become mediocre middle-of-the-roaders, taking the broad and popular way — the way that leads to destruction — instead of having the courage to take the strait and narrow path. (Matt. 7:13-14.) They are not inspired by their leaders anymore to stand up for truth, speak and raise the hand against evil and oppression as they once were. Those who do so are accused of being dissenters, of not being in harmony with the Brethren, of falling into disfavor with the church, and of apostasy.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;font-size:130%;" >The Strait and Narrow Way</span><br /> There is a reason why we are commanded to take the strait and narrow way instead of the broad way: the majority are too many in number to fit on the narrow path; they must take the BROAD and popular way so they all can fit there comfortably with one another.<br /><br /> The Savior commanded, “Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat:” (Matt. 7:13.) And through the Prophet Joseph Smith He said, “For strait is the gate, and narrow the way that leadeth unto the exaltation and continuation of the lives, and few there be that find it, because ye receive me not in the world neither do ye know me.” (D&C 132:22.)<br /><br /> President Gordon B. Hinckley wrote a book entitled, <span style="font-style: italic;">Stand for Something</span>. He also wrote, <span style="font-style: italic;">Stand A Little Taller</span>, and another one entitled, <span style="font-style: italic;">Way to Be</span>. One of the problems in the church today is that, when you try to “stand for something,” and attempt to “stand a little taller,” believing that’s the “way to be,” church authorities often try to threaten, intimidate and discipline you for being different than the rest of those who are mediocre. This is because you have chosen to take upon yourself the right to study and think for yourself, and exercise your free agency and live by the dictates of your own conscience as the Holy Spirit directs.<br /><br /> Yes, we must stand for something, for Jesus said that, “No man can serve two masters ... Ye cannot serve God and mammon” (Matt. 6:23), and that, “Every kingdom divided against itself is brought to desolation; and every city or house divided against itself shall not stand.” (Matt. 12:25.)<br /><br /> Out of fear and intimidation, of losing particular church blessings and privileges, and often desiring the approval of others (be they family, friend, or authority figures), many members shut their mouth against known evils, refrain from lifting their hands up in opposition to such by trying to claim neutrality; and sometimes, knowingly, they even raise their hands out of fear in favor of those who perpetrate wrongs. Such members fail to understand, as someone aptly said, “<span style="font-style: italic;">Courage is not the absence of fear. It is taking action in the face of it</span>.”<br /><br /> Wrong is still wrong, even if it is found in the church of God, and the time will come when God will rout it out, along with the those who KNOWINGLY consent to it. Many may be in danger of losing their own souls for the privilege of being PROUD possessors of prestigious Church positions or a temple recommend.<br /><br /> The late and famous author of western fiction, Louis L’ Amour, wrote in one of his books, <span style="font-style: italic;">Haunted Mesa</span>, the following words of truth: “<span style="font-style: italic;">We have a saying that power corrupts. It does. Power not only corrupts he who wields the power, but those who submit to it. Those who grovel at the feet of power betray their fellows to hide themselves behind the cloak of submission. It is an evil thing</span>.”<br /><br /> It appears to this writer that going to church, at least for most, is nothing more than membership in a social club designed to pacify it’s leaders and stand in good stead with other members. The members, with very few exceptions, are seemingly dedicated to mindless repetition and the idolization of authorities. I would venture to say that they are not as interested in obedience to God as they are in maintaining the status-quo. Such so-called churches are full of members with double standards and divided loyalties. I am sure that many churches owe their very survival to this predictable syndrome of mediocrity.<br /><br /> I realize that there are those who will not believe or accept these ideas because, to do so, would make them uncomfortable — taking them out of their comfort zone. Denying the truth of it all helps them feel safe and secure in their lack of courage; sometimes believing that if they ignore the situation it will eventually, somehow, go away. Like the proverbial Ostrich with its head in the sand; the problem doesn’t go away. The silly bird only gets its tail feathers plucked.<br /><br /> By a truly HONEST inspection of God’s written word, and the dictates of their conscience, one can know the truth of all things through the Holy Spirit. The valiant, who recognize the spirit of truth and the attending responsibility, will rise to the occasion when duty calls. And the fact is, those who inherit God’s kingdom will have a backbone sufficient to stand tall for truth. Because of silence, however, the unvaliant and mainstreamers are not entitled to liberty of conscience; they are only entitled to that which they sanction by their silence and mediocrity.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="color: rgb(0, 153, 0); font-weight: bold;">No one escapes when freedom fails.</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 153, 0); font-weight: bold;">The best men rot in filthy jails,</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 153, 0); font-weight: bold;">And those who cried’</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 153, 0); font-weight: bold;">“Appease, Appease”!</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 153, 0); font-weight: bold;">Are hanged by those they tried to please.</span></span><br /> — Anonymous<br /></div></div>Joseph Warren Grammerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05795589798825424327noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2062486484005186955.post-23313579437876356402009-11-01T21:10:00.000-08:002009-11-01T21:55:08.597-08:00<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(51, 51, 255);font-size:180%;" >Obeying, Honoring, and Sustaining the Law—<br />But Which Law?</span><br />By Joseph Warren Grammer<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size:180%;">T</span>his study may be controversial to some, yet the subject is very important to the maintenance of liberty as established by God. There are those that would believe that politics and religion should stay separated. Nevertheless, God said, as previously pointed out, “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;...” (<span style="font-style: italic;">Doctrine and Covenants</span> 29:34.)<br /><br /> We have also discovered, earlier, that we are to study and learn “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 — (Also see D&C 88:77-81.)<br /><br /> We also learned that it was a “commandment” (v. 77) to study these things that we might be “prepared in all things” (v. 80), and after we are prepared in all things we are to “testify and warn the people”; for everyone warned is to “warn his neighbor.” (v. 81.) Therefore, it is in this spirit that this study is presented.<br /><br /> Because some may want to make this subject controversial, they should not think the author is trying to incite within the reader a spirit of anarchy, rebellion, sedition, or any unlawful act regarding good government. The purpose of this study is only intended to educate and promote a proper understanding of good government, that reader’s may not be found ignorant of their God-given rights, duties, and responsibilities, in relationship to themselves, their God, and their country — whatever that country may be. Therefore, this study is only an attempt to show that not all laws in these united States of America are Constitutional in nature, and that God holds men responsible for which laws they enact and those they support. It is to show that past teachings of the Lord, through His scriptures and living Prophets, have been to encourage the support of good government, while discouraging the establishment and support of bad government. It is also intended to demonstrate that the scriptures plainly teach which laws to obey, and that God intends man to be free to exercise his agency as his conscience dictates. (D&C 101:78-80; 134:5.)<br /><br /> The reader may recognize that part of the title of this study is taken from the Twelfth Article of Faith. The Articles of Faith form a basic set of beliefs for members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. As such, they are revered as the word of the Lord to those members, and therefore bound by them as Church doctrine.<br /><br /> However, because many members of the Church have not studied any deeper than the words in this particular article of faith, they may not fully understand the intent of the Lord in relationship to the agency of man, governments, and relevant responsibilities. Therefore, this study has been undertaken to study the issue of obedience to man’s law.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;font-size:130%;" >Examples from Scripture</span><br /> I have often heard the question: “Do we obey all laws, the righteous and the unrighteous ones?” This question is of particular interest to the Latter-day Saint who loves the agency God has endowed him with, many of whom consider themselves freedom-loving “constitutional patriots” in the cause of liberty and freedom. (The terms patriot and constitutionalist have been getting a bum rap lately, because Satan wants to discredit all such people that love liberty and honor their agency — that which he hates and opposes. Such attempted slander will not deter the honest in heart from seeking to be counted with such giants of liberty as Captain Moroni, George Washington, Joseph Smith, Ezra Taft Benson and the like. Of course, to be associated with such esteemed company is an honor bestowed only by God.)<br /><br /> Many feel if we obey all laws, even those laws which are unjust and infringe on our agency, God will bless us for that obedience. And some feel that only good laws are to be obeyed and that bad laws should be done away with, as our Founding Fathers believed. Many of those that love freedom wonder if the approach of the former is just an easy way out because they don’t want to bother themselves with the necessary study and personal involvement required to maintain their God-given liberties. However, the result of this study will show that the latter is the correct approach to take against bad government, and that it has been a common fallacy that we are to obey all laws, whatever they may be or wherever they may be implemented. This, I believe, is not God’s will.<br /><br /> There are instances, however, which indicate that the Lord honors those who obey His laws over the laws of man. In the book of Daniel we find three young men, Shadrach, Meshach and Abed-nego, who refused to obey a law of the king. The scriptures say that, “Nebuchadnezzar the king made an image of gold ... Then an herald cried aloud, To you it is commanded, O people, nations, and languages, That at what time ye hear the sound of ... music, ye fall down and worship the golden image that Nebuchadnezzar the king hath set up: And whoso falleth not down and worshippeth shall the same hour be cast into the midst of a burning fiery furnace.” (Daniel 3:1-13.) We are told that it was the law of the land, for it included all “people, nations, and languages.”<br /><br /> This was quite an edict for those who worshiped the only true and living God. It must have taken a lot of faith to not comply with such an unjust decree, though it was a law. And sure enough, someone snitched on them. The record states that “certain Chaldeans” came near, and accused the Jews.<br /><br /> 12. There are certain Jews whom thou hast set over the affairs of the province of Babylon, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-nego; these men, O king, have not regarded thee: they serve not thy gods, nor worship the golden image which thou hast set up. (Daniel 3:12.)<br /><br /> Most of us know the rest of this story. Yet there is another story of defiance in this book of Daniel. It was when the priests of King Darius convinced him “to establish a royal statute, and to make a firm decree, that whosoever shall ask a petition of any God or man for thirty days, save of [King Darius] shall be cast into the den of lions ... Wherefore King Darius signed the writing and the decree.” The story tells how Daniel defied the written law:<br /><br /> 10. Now when Daniel knew that the writing was signed, he went into his house; and his windows being open in his chamber toward Jerusalem, he kneeled upon his knees three times a day, and prayed, and gave thanks before his God, as he did aforetime. (See Daniel 6:4-10.)<br /><br /> Here again we have an example of one who defied the law of the land and followed his own conscience. The rest of the story is also well known. Similar examples can be found at the time of the Apostle Peter. The high priest of the Sadducees, who cast Peter and the Apostles into prison, commanded them not to preach.<br /><br /> 28. Saying, Did not we straitly command you that ye should not teach in this name? and, behold, ye have filled Jerusalem with your doctrine, and intend to bring this man’s blood upon us.<br /> 29. Then Peter and the other apostles answered and said, We ought to obey God rather than men. (Acts 5:28-29.)<br /><br /> What about the wise men who were searching for the baby Jesus, did they return to Herod with word about the baby Jesus when commanded to do so? No, they did not! Would they have been righteous if they had followed the law of the land, which was Herod? Should Joseph and Mary have submitted to Herod instead of running off and hiding in Egypt? Were the soldiers doing well by obeying an unrighteous command to slay the children? If we were some of Herod’s men, do you think we would have been blessed because we obeyed his odious order to slay the babes of Bethlehem? (Matthew 2:16.)<br /><br /> Let’s consider the midwives in Egypt during the captivity of Israel when the midwives were commanded by the Pharaoh to slay the man child born in Israel. From the first chapter of Exodus we read:<br /><br /> 16. When ye do the office of a midwife to the Hebrew women, and see them upon the stools; if it be a son, then ye shall kill him: but if it be a daughter, then she shall live.<br /> 17. But the midwives feared God, and did not as the king of Egypt commanded them, but saved the men children alive. (Exodus 1:16-17.)<br /><br /> Should the midwives have followed the law of the land which was Pharaoh? They did not follow those orders and, consequently, were blessed of God; for when the Pharaoh chastened the midwives for their disobedience, the scriptures report, “Therefore God dealt well with the midwives ...” (Exodus 1:20.)<br /><br /> And again from Exodus we find that the mother and sister of Moses did not submit to Pharaoh’s law, but saved Moses. Would they have been righteous if they had submitted to the Pharaoh’s decree? The daughter of Pharaoh knew Moses was Hebrew but kept the secret. Should she have turned Moses over to Pharaoh’s soldiers? Would they all have been righteous if they all had followed the Law of the land, which was Pharaoh? (Exodus 2.)<br /><br /> Nephi slew Laban, which was not only against the law of the land, but also against the law of God — “Thou shalt not kill.” (Exodus 20:13.) Would Nephi have been righteous if he had disobeyed the Angel (who commanded him to slay Laban) and obeyed the law of the land instead? Was Nephi right to have followed a personal revelation from the Spirit instead of the prevailing law of the land? Those with the Spirit of the Lord know the right answer.<br /><br /> Now let’s consider Abraham’s willingness to offer his most beloved son Isaac as a sacrifice. From D&C 132, we find out that the Lord justified Abraham because of his obedience.<br /><br /> 37. Abraham was commanded to offer his son Isaac; nevertheless, it was written: Thou shalt not kill. Abraham, however, did not refuse, and it was accounted unto him for righteousness. (D&C 132:37.)<br /><br /> For his obedience to God’s command Abraham was blessed. “Thou shalt not kill,” was not only a law from God, but also the law of the land; yet, God overrode His own law and commanded Abraham to go against it. Why? For some it may be a hard question to answer. However, there is a transcending principle here. God’s ways are not our ways. (Isaiah 55:8.) It is His prerogative to command what He will, and it is our duty to follow that command. For Abraham, God provided an escape (D&C 132:50), but for Nephi, in slaying Laban, He did not. Both Abraham and Nephi, however, obeyed the command and both were blessed.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;font-size:130%;" >Some Guidelines to Follow</span><br /> The Lord has given us specific instructions on what laws to follow and which laws to reject. The Twelfth Article of Faith is part of those instructions. President Ezra Taft Benson had something to say concerning this in the book, Teachings of Ezra T. Benson. This is a book made up of excerpts taken from many of his speeches and writings after he became an Apostle, Prophet, Seer, and Revelator for the Lord. The introduction to the book states the validity of those items cited; it says in part: “President Benson personally reviewed the entire manuscript, as did his counselors in the First Presidency.” So the following quote was reviewed and approved by Presidents Hinckley and Monson at the time of its publication. Therefore, all that was in the book was approved by the members of the First Presidency; hence, we can take the following words as coming from our Prophet, Seer, and Revelator and his counselors:<br /><br /> “When the Prophet Joseph Smith outlined the Articles of Faith, he set forth in clear, unmistakable terms the foundations of our worship and of our relationships with one another. In view of the troubled times which the nations of the earth are experiencing at present, it is well for us as members of the Lord’s kingdom to understand clearly our responsibilities and obligations respecting governments and laws as declared in the Twelfth Article of Faith: “We believe in being subject to kings, presidents, rulers, and magistrates, in obeying, honoring, and sustaining the law.”<br /> “In it is a declaration requiring obedience, loyalty to, and respect for duly constituted laws and the officials administering those laws. In justifying such loyal compliance, however, the Lord also promulgated certain safeguards and conditions which must be observed if freedom and liberty are to be preserved and enjoyed. These are emphasized primarily in sections 98 and 134 of the Doctrine and Covenants. How I wish these fundamental concepts were emblazoned on the hearts of all our people!” (<span style="font-style: italic;">God, Family, Country</span>, p. 277; <span style="font-style: italic;">Teachings of Ezra T. Benson</span>, p. 679.)<br /><br /> When he was speaking of justifying loyal compliance he said, “however, the Lord also promulgated certain safeguards and conditions....” Let’s now turn to the Twelfth Article of Faith, and Sections 98 and 134 to which he referred, and see what these safeguards are. In doing so, we will also be quoting from President Joseph F. Smith.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;font-size:130%;" >The Twelfth Article of Faith</span><br /> The Twelfth Article of Faith is the scripture that most Latter-day Saints hang their hat on when it comes to the subject of obeying laws. Let’s refer to this scripture which reads, “We believe in being subject to kings, presidents, rulers, and magistrates, in obeying, honoring, and sustaining the law.”<br /><br /> However, when many quote this scripture they do not look any closer than the words of the Twelfth Article of Faith. If they study the footnotes of this article they might come to a much deeper understanding.<br /><br /> At footnote “a,” just before the word “subject,” on the very first line of the newer, 1981, addition of this scripture we have a reference to the 134th section; this is one reference President Benson gave, as quoted above. The specific reference given is: D&C 134:1(1-11). Let’s turn to that section and first read verses one and two.<br /><br /> 1. We believe that governments were instituted of God for the benefit of man; and that he holds men accountable for their acts in relation to them, both in making laws and administering them, for the good and safety of society.<br /> 2. We believe that no government can exist in peace, except such laws are framed and held inviolate as will secure to each individual the free exercise of conscience, the right and control of property, and the protection of life. (D&C 134:1-2.)<br /><br /> From this we understand that God gives man governments. However, He only gives man governments that are for the “good and safety of society,” and will be framed such as will give men “the free exercise of conscience,” and the right to “life” and “control of property.” Let’s now skip down and read verse five.<br /><br /> 5. We believe that all men are bound to sustain and uphold the respective governments in which they reside, while protected in their inherent and inalienable rights by the laws of such governments; and that sedition and rebellion are unbecoming every citizen thus protected, and should be punished accordingly; and that all governments have a right to enact such laws as in their own judgments are best calculated to secure the public interest; at the same time, however, holding sacred the freedom of conscience. (D&C 134:5.)<br /><br /> Here we learn that man is “bound to sustain” laws, but only those laws which protect the “inherent and inalienable rights” of the individual — namely those laws which are “framed and held inviolate as will secure to each individual the free exercise of conscience, the right and control of property, and the protection of life.” And though rebellions to such governments are “unbecoming every citizen thus protected,” yet that government must make sure that they hold “sacred the freedom of conscience.”<br /><br /> From the foregoing we learn that we are to be “subject” to various governments and rulers, for it says in D&C 134:5 that: “... sedition and rebellion are unbecoming every citizen thus protected ...” Yet, if those governments and rulers do not protect us in our “inherent and inalienable rights,” we may not have to be subject to them, and that rebellion may be necessary for us to reclaim those rights as it was during the times of our Founding Fathers whom God raised up. Is not this what happened in our country over 200 years ago when the colonists rebelled against the established government and laws of King George, III?<br /><br /> It seems logical to assume that if rebellion against good government is “unbecoming” and to be punished, then rebellion against bad government may be “becoming” and should not be punished. Of course governments don’t usually look at it this way.<br /><br /> People who oppose those that claim to be fighting bad government and laws are usually the people who don’t get any more involved in the political scene than to cast a vote at election time. They think all is well and that our elected officials would do no harm. Therefore, they persecute those that take the time to deeply study issues, revealing sinister situations in doing so.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;font-size:130%;" >From President Joseph F. Smith </span><br /> Another scripture that is often quoted, supporting the idea that we are to be “obeying, honoring, and sustaining the law,” comes from D&C 58:21 where it says, “Let no man break the laws of the land, for he that keepeth the laws of God hath no need to break the laws of the land.” This is clarified by President Smith in general conference, April 9, 1882. This statement was also used on pages 179-181 of the Melchizedek Priesthood Course of Study, 1971-72, which brings it a little closer to our time, showing that it is still a valid statement even today. In that conference address President Smith said, “I feel impressed to read in the hearing of the congregation one of two passages from the revelations previously referred to.” And then he read from D&C 58.<br /><br /> 21. Let no man break the laws of the land, for he that keepeth the laws of God hath no need to break the laws of the land.<br /> 22. Wherefore, be subject to the powers that be, until he reigns whose right it is to reign, and subdues all enemies under His feet.<br /> 23. Behold, the laws which ye have received from my hand are the laws of the Church, and in this light ye shall hold them forth. Behold here is wisdom. (D&C 58:21-23.)<br /><br /> After he read these words he said, “The following I quote from a revelation given December, 1833, page 357:”<br /> <br /> 77. According to the laws and constitution of the people, which I have suffered to be established, and should be maintained for the rights and protection of all flesh, according to just and holy principles;<br /> 78. That every man act in doctrine and principle pertaining to futurity, according to the moral agency which I have given unto him, that every man may be accountable for his own sins in the day of judgement.<br /> 79. Therefore, it is not right that any man should be in bondage one to another.<br /> 80. And for this purpose have I established the Constitution of this land, by the hands of wise men whom I have raised up unto this very purpose, and redeemed the land by the shedding of blood. (D&C 101:77-80.)<br /><br /> President Smith then introduces another scripture: “Again, in a revelation on page 242,” being D&C 98:4-15, which is one of the references given by President Benson:<br /><br /> 4. And now, verily I say unto you concerning the laws of the land, it is my will that my people should observe to do all things whatsoever I command them.<br /> 5. And that law of the land which is constitutional, supporting that principle of freedom in maintaining rights and privileges, belongs to all mankind, and is justifiable before me.<br /> 6. Therefore, I, the Lord, justify you, and your brethren of my church, in befriending that law which is the constitutional law of the land;<br /> 7. And as pertaining to law of man, whatsoever is more or less than this, cometh of evil.<br /> 8. I, the Lord God, make you free, therefore ye are free indeed; and the law also maketh you free.<br /> 9. Nevertheless, when the wicked rule the people mourn.<br /> 10. Wherefore, honest men and wise men should be sought for diligently, and good men and wise men ye should observe to uphold; otherwise whatsoever is less than these cometh of evil.<br /> 11. And I give unto you a commandment, that ye shall forsake all evil and cleave unto all good, that ye shall live by every word which proceedeth forth out of the mouth of God.<br /> 12. For he will give unto the faithful line upon line, precept upon precept; and I will try you and prove you herewith.<br /> 13. And whoso layeth down his life shall find it again, even life eternal.<br /> 14. Therefore, be not afraid of your enemies, for I have decreed in my heart, saith the Lord, that I will prove you in all things, whether you will abide in my covenant, even unto death, that you may be found worthy.<br /> 15. For if ye will not abide in my covenant ye are not worthy of me. (D&C 98:4-15.)<br /><br /> When President Smith was through making reference to the above quoted scriptures, he continued with his explanation of them and our duties.<br /><br /> “This, as I understand it, is the law of God to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in all the world. And the requirements here made of us must be obeyed, and practically carried out in our lives, in order that we may secure the fulfillment of the promises which God has made to the people of Zion.<br /> “We are told here that no man need break the laws of the land who will keep the laws of God. <span style="font-style: italic;">But this is further defined by the passage which I read afterwards — the law of the land, which all have no need to break, is that law which is the Constitutional law of the land, and that is as God Himself has defined it. And whatsoever is more or less than this cometh of evil. Now it seems to me that this makes this matter so clear that it is not possible for any man who professes to be a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints to make any mistake, or to be in doubt as to the course he should pursue under the command of God in relation to the observance of the laws of the land</span> ...<br /> “I am bound not only by allegiance to the government of the United States, but by the actual command of God Almighty, to observe and obey every constitutional law of the land ... The Lord Almighty requires this people to observe the laws of the land, to be subject to ‘the powers that be,’ so far as they abide by the fundamental principles of good government, but He will hold them responsible if they will pass unconstitutional measures and frame unjust and prescriptive laws, as did Nebuchadnezzar and Darius, in relation to the three Hebrew children and Daniel.<br /> “I firmly believe that the only way in which we can be sustained in regard to this matter by God our Heavenly Father is by following the illustrious examples we find in holy writ. And while we regret, and look with sorrow upon the acts of men who seek to bring us into bondage and to oppress us, we must obey God, for He has commanded us to do so; and at the same time He has declared that in obeying the laws which He has given us we will not necessarily break the constitutional laws of the land.<br /><br /> “Now I desire to read another passage in a revelation given in 1834, which will be found on page 364 of the Doctrine and Covenants, commencing at the first verse.”<br /><br /> At this point President Smith read verses 1-4 of Section 103, of which the fourth verse says:<br /><br /> 4. And that those who call themselves after my name might be chastened for a little season with a sore and grievous chastisement, because they did not hearken altogether unto the precepts and commandments which I gave unto them. (D&C 103:4.)<br /><br /> President Smith then continued reading with verses 5-11. Verses 8, 9, and 10 reading as follows:<br /><br /> 8. But inasmuch as they keep not my commandments, and hearken not to observe all my words, the kingdoms of the world shall prevail against them.<br /> 9. For they were set to be a light unto the world, and to be the saviors of men;<br /> 10. And inasmuch as they are not the saviors of men, they are as salt that has lost its savor, and is thenceforth good for nothing but to be cast out and trodden under foot of men. (D&C 103:8-10.)<br /><br /> Toward the end of his discourse he speaks these words about being proven and staying true to God’s commandments:<br /><br /> “We have got to meet opposition as it presents itself, battling against it with the weapons of truth which God has placed in our hands ... <span style="font-style: italic;">He intends to try us and prove us, and He has a right to do it, even to the death if need be, and only those who endure to the end, who will not flinch, but will maintain their integrity at the risk and sacrifice of their all, if need be, will gain eternal life, or be worthy of the reward of the faithful</span>.” (<span style="font-style: italic;">Journal of Discourses</span>, 23:69-72, 75-76.)<br /><br /> One of the scriptures that President Smith read was from D&C 98, which was also a reference President Benson gave as mentioned earlier. In this section we learn that there are two kinds of laws that we are to be concerned with, (1) “the laws of the land,” which are based on Common Law, and (2) the “law of man,” which is statutory law.<br /><br /> We are told in verse five that the laws of the land are the “constitutional” laws. That verse goes on to say that such laws are to support those principles of freedom which maintain the rights and privileges which “belong to all mankind.” It also says that such constitutional laws are “justifiable” before God. Verse six goes on to tell us that the Lord justifies those who befriend the Constitutional law of the land.<br /><br /> Verse seven mentions that if the laws of man are “more or less” than the constitutional laws of the land, then they are “evil.” What is considered more or less? This statement might be answered in these ways: (1) The Constitution does not restrict man, it only restricts government, and if a law puts MORE restrictions on a man than does the Constitution, then that law is evil. (2) If a law provides LESS protection for a man’s rights, then that law is evil. To this author, it seems logical to conclude that if the Lord justifies those who befriend the constitutional laws of the land (verse 6), he would justify those who opposed unconstitutional laws. That is to say, the laws of man which are more or less than the constitutional laws, which God established, man should not be friendly toward. There are other verses in this section that tell us to do just that: “And I give unto you a commandment, that ye shall forsake all evil and cleave unto all good ... Therefore, be not afraid of your enemies ... For if ye will not abide in my covenant ye are not worthy of me.” (D&C 98:11, 14-15.)<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;font-size:130%;" >Liberty, Church, and Agency</span><br /> When laws are oppressive to people, those people cannot be free to exercise their agency or serve their God as He and they wish. It is important to realize that it is a significant fact that freedom must be in place before the followers of Christ can function in a meaningful, organized and productive manner. In a general conference, President Benson said,<br /><br /> “But freedom is a weighty matter of the law; the lesser principles of the gospel you should keep but not leave this one undone. We may have to balance and manage our time better. Your other church work will be limited once you lose your freedom as our Saints have found in Czechoslovakia, Poland, and many other nations.” (<span style="font-style: italic;">Conference Report</span>, April 1965, pp. 123-24.)<br /><br /> To help establish this idea we must remember that Moses delivered Israel out of Egypt before Jehovah established His Church among them. In the Book of Mormon we find that Ammon encouraged Limhi to flee from bondage, “Therefore they did not at that time form themselves into a church.” (Mosiah 21:32-36.) And liberty had to be established in the land of America before the Church could be restored in these latter days. Again, in a general conference, we hear from President Benson:<br /><br /> “Our Father in Heaven planned the coming forth of the Founding Fathers and their form of government as the necessary great prologue leading to the restoration of the gospel.<br /> “Only in this foreordained land, under its God-inspired Constitution and the resulting environment of freedom, was it possible to have established the restored Church. It is our responsibility to see that this freedom is perpetuated so that the Church may more easily flourish in the future.” (<span style="font-style: italic;">General Conference</span>, October 1987; <span style="font-style: italic;">The Ensign</span>, November 1987, pp. 4, 6.)<br /><br /> So we find from the Prophets of God that this nation was established by the hand of the Lord, and He expects us to uphold those laws which are constitutional — nothing less. In the words of the Lord we read that we are not to consent to the pollution of that which He established:<br /><br /> 97. Let not that which I have appointed be polluted by mine enemies, by the consent of those who call themselves after my name;<br /> 98. For this is a very sore and grievous sin against me, and against my people, in consequence of those things which I have decreed and which are soon to befall the nations.<br /> 99. Therefore, it is my will that my people should claim, and hold claim upon that which I have appointed unto them, though they should not be permitted to dwell thereon.<br /> 100. Nevertheless, I do not say they shall not dwell thereon; for inasmuch as they bring forth fruit and works meet for my kingdom they shall dwell thereon. (D&C 101:97-100.)<br /><br /> This once-great nation was a bastion of liberty and its people could worship, work, play, learn, create, and do most anything they could imagine without the interference from government. It used to be a country that Captain Moroni would have been pleased with. But as the years progressed Satan took hold of the hearts and minds of the people. Today, this nation is diseased with more crime, immorality, corruption and secret combinations than the world has ever known.<br /><br /> As individuals study the <span style="font-style: italic;">Declaration of Independence</span>, they can find that our Founding Fathers set forth some 27 complaints concerning the abuses King George perpetrated upon the American people. Because of those abuses, a bloody revolution took place — God inspired wise men for the very purpose of establishing a land of liberty, and He redeemed the land by the shedding of blood. (D&C 101:77-80.) Did we permanently rid ourselves of these abuses? If one was to examine the political climate in America today they would find these same abuses perpetrated upon its people again. This time they are not from a foreign power, but from the powers that are in our own government.<br /><br /> Some of these current abuses can be found listed in the <span style="font-style: italic;">Communist Manifesto</span>. This manifesto gives ten points, or planks, upon which the communists have built their philosophy, or plan of action to destroy the freedom of all people.<br /><br /> Is Communism really dead? Not really! I have often lectured on the subject, and in doing so would give a short quiz to those in attendance. The quiz consisted of reading a series of political statements, asking those in the audience to tell which of the American documents they came from — <span style="font-style: italic;">Declaration of Independence</span>, <span style="font-style: italic;">Constitution of the United States</span>, or <span style="font-style: italic;">Bill of Rights</span> — trick question. The audience didn’t know that there were very few statements from these documents presented, the majority being taken from the <span style="font-style: italic;">Communist Manifesto</span>. All of those taken from the manifesto were thought of as coming from one of the great documents of America. The American people are so used to living with so many prescriptive laws, and hearing so much socialistic propaganda, they believe it is the original American way of life, which it is not. This little test also showed how the American people are not educated in true American principles as contained in our great founding documents.<br /><br /> Conspiring men have not changed their goals, they have only changed the name of the game, which includes the many socialistic programs that trick the gullible American people into giving up their liberties. And, if we think that Communism is dead, all we have to do is just ask the Cuban people, those behind the “bamboo curtain” in China, or some African nations and we can learn the truth. A study of how well the American people have adopted all ten planks in the manifesto was thoroughly treated in my book, <span style="font-style: italic;">Awake and Arise</span>.<br /><br /> We are not honoring the Ten Commandments anymore in this country, nor are we being protected by the first Ten Amendments to the Constitution, the <span style="font-style: italic;">Bill of Rights</span>, but we are faithfully living all ten planks of the <span style="font-style: italic;">Communist Manifesto</span>. And most of the American people do not even know it.<br /><br /> In 1857 Brigham Young stated that the United States government was the same as a “united hell.” On October 7 of that year he said,<br /><br /> “The time has arrived when we have either to be trodden under foot by our enemies and die, or to defend ourselves and our rights; and which will it be? Every man and woman feel their hearts fail them when they think of submitting to the oppression and unlawful abominations practiced by our enemies, and sought by them to be introduced into our society; and we will not submit to such wicked and unlawful treatment, whether it comes from United States or united hell, for the terms are synonymous as the Government is now conducted.” (JD, 5:331.)<br /><br /> Are we so naive as to believe that things are better today when it has been prophesied that it will be worse? The heritage bequeathed to us by our founding fathers, which God divinely established “... by the hands of wise men whom [He] raised up unto this very purpose ...” (D&C 101:77-80), must not be permitted to be polluted. ( D&C 101:97.) We, “... those who call themselves after [His] name ...” have a responsibility to protect that which God has ordained. The day will come when we will have to make an accounting of how we honored and defended that which our forefathers shed their precious blood to establish.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;font-size:130%;" >The Principles of God Have Not Changed</span><br /> “But,” say some, “this is all well and good, but the examples given from the scriptures are from the past and do not relate to us today. We are told to be subject to kings, presidents, rulers, and magistrates, and we should be obeying, honoring, and sustaining the law, as commanded in the Twelfth Article of Faith. We live in a different time in history. Things are not the same.”<br /><br /> If that is the argument, then, perhaps taking a good look at the results of the Nuremberg trials, following World War II, could help dispel that belief. Those that know their history have found that German officers were NOT exonerated for their part in committing atrocities during the war just because their superiors gave the orders to do so; there were more far-reaching moral issues at stake than just following orders.<br /><br /> In a lot of instances, did not many in Eastern Europe defy their established laws and governments to throw off Communist tyranny? Did we not applaud their efforts? Did we not praise those who escaped from those evil governments, which escaping was against the laws of those governments? Why is it okay for those in other nations to rise against oppressive laws and governments, and at the same time it not be acceptable for freedom-loving Americans to do the same in theirs? To feel otherwise seems inconsistent and contradictory to the true spirit of liberty and the foregoing scriptures.<br /><br /> Let us refer to another point in Church history as an example of our proper stance before wrong and unconstitutional laws. Heber Bennion once pointed out:<br /><br /> “To claim that we cannot be true Latter-day Saints without strict obedience to every law of the land, irrespective of its justice and constitutionality, is not consistent; IS NOT TRUE. Daniel would not do it, nor his three Hebrew brethren, and they were indeed true Former-day Saints. Hundreds of Latter-day Saints have gone to prison because they would not do it. President John Taylor died a martyr in exile rather than do it, and men were dropped from their positions in the Church because they promised to obey the law of the land. Joseph F. Smith would not do it, but went on the underground for years, and had 11 children born after the manifesto by five mothers.” (<span style="font-style: italic;">Supplement to Gospel Problems</span>, p. 80, as presented in <span style="font-style: italic;">The Sanhedrin</span>, p. 190.)<br /><br /> To help bring this subject to a close, and a little closer to home, let us refer to a conference address given by Elder Henry B. Eyring, of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, during the general conference of April 1999. Elder Eyring told of his great-grandmother Mary Bommeli. He said that she was living in Switzerland and was 24 years old when she was taught the gospel by the missionaries. Eventually she went to Berlin to work, being hired to weave cloth. Elder Eyring mentioned that, “It was against the law then to teach the doctrine of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Berlin. But Mary could not keep the good news to herself.” Elder Eyring said that, in spite of the law, his great-grandmother shared the “joyous doctrine” with some of her friends, who also told others. As the word got around, she was picked up by the police and put in jail. But that didn’t stop her from sharing her story, either. While in jail she spent all night writing a letter to the judge, sharing with him her beliefs. After the judge read her letter, he had her released. (<span style="font-style: italic;">The Ensign,</span> May 1999, pp. 74-75.)<br /><br /> In sharing this personal story, Elder Eyring was expressing his gratitude for the bravery of his great-grandmother’s testimony, as indeed he should. She obviously was a courageous woman, and because of her courage in standing up for the right, in the face of a bad law, her posterity was blessed, which posterity includes Apostle Henry B. Eyring.<br /><br /> On June 15, 1999, Congress awarded a gold Congressional Medal of Honor to a black lady that is now in her eighties. Her name is Rosa Parks. In 1955, Rosa Parks refused to sit in the back of a bus, which was the law in Little Rock, Arkansas, at the time. The event was the spark that ignited the modern-day racial strife. During the Congressional proceedings honoring Rosa Parks, President Bill Clinton extolled her virtues in her defying that law. The President also referenced to the fact that it was against the law to do what she did, which caused her to be put in jail. President Clinton then said that more people should “follow her lead.” With such a comment, what was the President of the United States saying to the American people? Was he telling us to openly and blatantly defy bad laws? It sure seems to sound that way.<br /><br /> Now we might ask, Why does there seem to be a dichotomy between the examples in scripture, in history, and the apparent current Church philosophy which says: Obey all laws, even the bad ones, and you will be blessed. Have God’s principles of right and wrong changed? Is it okay to praise those in past history for defying bad laws, but deny us the right to do the same today? Is God a partial God? Does He condone those in other countries in defying bad laws, but deny those of us in the United States of America for doing the same? No! God has neither changed nor is he partial. “For do we not read that God is the same, yesterday, today, and forever, and in him there is no variableness neither shadow of changing?” (Mormon 9:9; D&C 20:12.) From the Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith we read that the Prophet stated how far people should go in honoring an unconstitutional law when he said,<br /><br /> “The different states, and even Congress itself, have passed many laws diametrically contrary to the Constitution of the United States.<br /> “Shall we be such fools as to be governed by its laws, which are unconstitutional? No! ... This is the doctrine of the constitution, so help me God.” (TPJS, p. 279.)<br /><br /> At the same general conference of the Church, in which Elder Eyring gave his loving testimony of his fearless great-grandmother, Elder M. Russell Ballard, also of the twelve, said, “But one thing is certain: the commandments have not changed. Let there be no mistake about that. Right is still right. Wrong is still wrong, no matter how cleverly cloaked in respectability or political correctness.” (<span style="font-style: italic;">The Ensign</span>, May 1999, p. 85.)<br /></div> <br /><div style="text-align: center; color: rgb(51, 51, 255); font-weight: bold;">President Ezra Taft Benson<br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);font-size:85%;" >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.” (<span style="font-style: italic;">Official Conference Report</span>, October 1 and 2, 1988, pp. 103-04.)</span><br /></div>Joseph Warren Grammerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05795589798825424327noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2062486484005186955.post-4880610105317979392009-11-01T19:06:00.000-08:002009-11-01T19:15:28.606-08:00<div style="text-align: center; font-weight: bold; color: rgb(204, 153, 51);"><span style="font-size:180%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Oil for the Lamps & the 144,000</span><br /></span></div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1T2Mcx0oNTctRDu4L65yY510M4w5N6U_O5moh26P9WzAG4Q4lQLjTxiqFLNQv33V2Ux9i4WsJaskVR9iB0thksqaHfOTKqkGr4j0w_FVRep6J58wTj3FaCIwGaJVlXxYNW8r0N_S94473/s1600-h/Oil+for+the+Lamp.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 201px; height: 119px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1T2Mcx0oNTctRDu4L65yY510M4w5N6U_O5moh26P9WzAG4Q4lQLjTxiqFLNQv33V2Ux9i4WsJaskVR9iB0thksqaHfOTKqkGr4j0w_FVRep6J58wTj3FaCIwGaJVlXxYNW8r0N_S94473/s320/Oil+for+the+Lamp.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5399337985284895570" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">A Discussion on the Parable of the Ten Virgins</span><br /><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">as Related to the 144,000</span><br /><br />by Joseph Warren Grammer<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size:180%;">L</span>et us start our discussion of the parable of the ten virgins by quoting the parable itself. For a little more accurate understanding of this parable, the text used will be taken from the Joseph Smith Translation of Matthew instead of the Authorized King James Version.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;font-size:130%;" >The Parable</span><br /> “AND then, at that day, before the Son of man comes, the kingdom of heaven shall be likened unto ten virgins, who took their lamps, and went forth to meet the bridegroom. And five of them were wise, and five were foolish. They that were foolish took their lamps, and took no oil with them; but the wise took oil in their vessels with their lamps. While the bridegroom tarried, they all slumbered and slept. And at midnight there was a cry made, Behold, the bridegroom cometh; go ye out to meet him. Then all those virgins arose, and trimmed their lamps. And the foolish said unto the wise, Give us of your oil; for our lamps are gone out. But the wise answered, saying, Lest there be not enough for us and you, go ye rather to them that sell, and buy for yourselves. And while they went to buy, the bridegroom came; and they that were ready went in with him to the marriage: and the door was shut. Afterward came also the other virgins, saying, Lord, Lord, open unto us. But he answered and said, Verily I say unto you, Ye know me not.” [KJV says: I know you not.] “Watch therefore; for ye know neither the day nor the hour wherein the Son of man cometh.” (JST, Matthew 25:1-12.)<br /><br /> In the New Testament Greek, a virgin is a “maiden” or “unmarried daughter.” The use of the term virgins means that the virgins were all clean, pure, righteous — the pick of the flowering unwed daughters, so to speak. In this parable, Christ is the Bridegroom, and His pure and righteous followers are, collectively, the bride. And, “collectively” speaking, those who make up the “bride”are not designated by any specific religion or creed, but are those followers of Christ who are found among the many creeds who are clean, whose hearts are pure, whose lives are only motivated by righteous intent, and who are looking forward to, and preparing for, the coming of their Bridegroom, and the Wedding Feast.<br /><br /> As the bride of Christ, we cannot come unto the marriage without our own oil. Of the ten virgins who went out to meet the bridegroom, five were wise and had oil for their lamps and five were foolish and had none. But when the cry came to arise and meet the bridegroom, the latter five could not trim their lamps because they had no oil. Those who had oil could not share it. While the foolish virgins were out trying to obtain their own oil, the bridegroom came and the wise virgins went into the marriage; the door was shut; it was too late for the foolish virgins who did not have their own personal oil.<br /><br /> As stated, the virgins here represent specific members of the Body of Christ, speaking non-denominationally. They were NOT the general membership of any particular church, or of all churches, but only the good, righteous and pure ones — which are very few. However, even though a virgin might be pure in heart and righteous, it is still possible that they could be unwise and not valiant in their testimony of Christ.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;font-size:130%;" >The Oil for Our Lamps</span><br /> Now, let us get to the basic question: What is the oil mentioned that must be possessed so we are not locked out of the wedding feast when the Bridegroom comes? The Lord gives us the answer and it is no secret: “And at that day, when I shall come in my glory, shall the parable be fulfilled which I spake concerning the ten virgins. For they that are wise and have received the truth, and have taken the Holy Spirit for their guide, and have not been deceived — verily I say unto you, they shall not be hewn down and cast into the fire, but shall abide the day.” (D&C 45:56-57.)<br /><br /> We find that the parable of the ten virgins is not to be fulfilled until Christ comes in His glory, and the “wise” have not been “deceived” because they have taken the “Holy Spirit” as their guide. The parable concerns the Wedding Feast which comes at the end of the Tribulation period, not at the beginning as some suppose. The oil for the lamps of the wise virgins is the Holy Spirit, not the dictates or whims of some man or ecclesiastic leader, designated elsewhere in scripture as the arm of flesh.<br /><br /> Oil is used for our lamps to lighten our way. The metaphor for oil, as used here in this parable, represents that which is used to spiritually light our way. Thus, oil is the light of the Spirit of God who teaches, directs, testifies and purifies. We find the Lord commanding Israel to use pure oil in their vessels for light at the tabernacle. (Lev. 24:2.) The pure oil is symbolic of the purity of the Spirit of God which lightens the way before us. The oil we are to have in our lamps is the Spirit of God as personal revelation.<br /><br /> In Lehi’s dream of the tree, the river, and the rod of iron, the rod of iron is the word of God. The rod of iron is personal revelation, it is NOT the scriptures nor the words of a living mortal, no matter who that mortal may be. The scriptures and ecclesiastic leaders are only given to help us learn how to obtain the Holy Spirit and receive divine light. They are not to take the place of the Spirit. If we did not have the scriptures nor any religious leaders, we will still have the Spirit as a guide when we are faithful and worthy.<br /><br /> The iron rod is the same as the oil we are to have in our own personal lamps. The iron rod helps those who grope through the mist of darkness. In like manner, our oil is our own personal testimony that lights the path before us so we can see our way through this world of darkness. This can only be done through the Holy Ghost, it is not someone else’s testimony or their spiritual light. Heber C. Kimball once said, “The time will come when no man nor woman will be able to endure on borrowed light. Each will have to be guided by the light within himself. If you do not have it, how can you stand?” (<span style="font-style: italic;">Life of Heber C. Kimball</span>, pp. 449-450.)<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;font-size:130%;" >Obtaining the Holy Spirit</span><br /> On this subject, I will string together a few quotes. The Prophet Joseph Smith taught, “Search the scriptures — search the revelations which we publish, and ask your Heavenly Father, in the name of His Son Jesus Christ, to manifest the truth unto you, and if you do it with an eye single to his glory nothing doubting, He will answer you by the power of His Holy Spirit. You will then know for yourselves and not for another. You will not then be dependent on man for the knowledge of God; nor will there be any room for speculation.” (<span style="font-style: italic;">Teaching of the Prophet Joseph Smith</span>, p. 11.)<br /><br /> On this subject President John Taylor preached: “One thing is clear, the Saints are being tried in a manner never before known among us. The faithful rejoice and are steadfast; the unfaithful fear and tremble. Those who have oil in their lamps and have kept them trimmed and burning now have a light for their feet and they do not stumble or fall; those who have neither light nor oil are in perplexity and doubt; they know not what to do.” (<span style="font-style: italic;">Messages of the First Presidency</span>, 3:36-37.)<br /><br /> President Taylor also said: “Those who have been careful to keep oil in their lamps, now have the needed light to guide them; and those who have been living in borrowed light, or in that furnished by others, may find themselves in perplexity and uncertain as to the path to pursue. For all these circumstances the Saints should be prepared. They have been faithfully taught and warned to not depend upon man or upon his strength to enable them to stand the trying day.” (Ibid, 3:17.)<br /><br /> From Brigham Young we can read: “I am more afraid that this people have so much confidence in their leaders that they will not inquire for themselves of God whether they are led by Him. I am fearful they settle down in a state of blind self-security, trusting their eternal destiny in the hands of their leaders with a reckless confidence that in itself would thwart the purpose of God in their salvation,... Let every man and woman know, by the whispering of the Spirit of God to themselves, whether their leaders are walking in the path the Lord dictates, or not.” (<span style="font-style: italic;">Journal of Discourses</span> 9:150.)<br /><br /> Another time Brigham preached:“... you and I must have the testimony of Jesus within us, or it is of but little use for us to pretend to be servants of God. We must have that living witness within us. We need the light of the Holy Spirit continually, day by day, as you have been told hundreds of times. How easy it would be for your leaders to lead you to destruction, unless you actually knew the mind and will of the Spirit yourselves. That is your privilege.” (JD 4:368.)<br /><br /> And again he said: “I cannot be satisfied with myself, neither can I be satisfied with this people, unless they live in the enjoyment of the Spirit of the Lord Jesus Christ, having the testimony of Jesus within them. ... This is the only way for you to know that your leaders are leading you in the path that leads to heaven. Without taking this course, A PEOPLE OR A NATION IS LIABLE TO BE LEAD ASTRAY BY THEIR LEADERS, and thereby be prepared to be destroyed; but when the people understand for themselves — when they know and understand the things of God by the Spirit of revelation, they are not only satisfied but safe.” (JD 5:2.)<br /><br /> “I wish to impress upon the minds of the Saints the importance of so living that they will always know the voice of the Good Shepherd,” said Brigham. “... How often has it been taught that if you depend entirely upon the voice, judgment, and sagacity of those appointed to lead you, and NEGLECT to enjoy the Spirit for yourselves, how easily you may be led into error, and finally be cast off to the left hand?” (JD 8:59.)<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;font-size:130%;" >About the Arm of Flesh</span><br /> Only by receiving the light of Christ, through the Holy Ghost, can we be sure of not being deceived. It is NOT the following of another person, no matter who that person is or what lofty position that person may hold. Claiming to follow the Spirit, but in reality depending upon man for our guidance, is putting our trust in the arm of flesh which is contrary to the commandment of God: “The weak things of the world shall come forth and break down the mighty and strong ones, that man should not counsel his fellow man, neither trust in the arm of flesh— (D&C 1:19; 2 Ne. 4:34.)<br /><br /> I want to re-quote here part of Joseph Smith’s statement just read above. He said, “Search the scriptures ... and ask your Heavenly Father ... to manifest the truth unto you, and ... He will answer you by the power of His Holy Spirit. You will then know for yourselves and not for another. You will not then be dependent on man for the knowledge of God; nor will there be any room for speculation.” The Prophet Joseph DID NOT say search some publication of any church; he DID NOT say ask some ecclesiastic leader; he said “search the scriptures” and “ask your Heavenly Father.” That is what a true Prophet of God said. And after that he added, “You will then know for yourselves and not for another. You will not then be dependent on man for the knowledge of God; nor will there be any room for speculation.” You see? It is only by searching the scriptures and praying to Father that we learn truth by way of the Holy Spirit. There is no other way to obtain a testimony of truth.<br /><br /> Once Jesus asked Peter who Peter thought He was. After Peter responded by saying, “Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God.” The scriptures then say, “And Jesus answered and said unto him, Blessed art thou, Simon Barjona: for flesh and blood hath not revealed it unto thee, but my Father which is in heaven.” (Matt. 16:16-17.) It was not the “arm of flesh” that revealed the answer to Peter, not even Jesus, Himself, it was the Father through the instrumentality of the Holy Spirit.<br /><br /> What is it we are promised by Moroni? “And by the power of the Holy Ghost ye may know the truth of all things.” (See Moroni 10:4-5.) It is not by the power or influence of any mortal man that we can know the truth of all things, but ONLY by the Holy Spirit.<br /><br /> Let us read again from the Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith: “... the people should each one stand for himself, and depend on no man or men in that state of corruption of the Jewish church — that righteous persons could only deliver their own souls — applied it to the present state of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints — said if the people departed from the Lord, they must fall—that they were depending on the Prophet, hence were darkened in their minds, in consequence of neglecting the duties devolving upon themselves, envious towards the innocent, while they afflict the virtuous with their shafts of envy.” (TPJS, pp. 237-38.)<br /><br /> The Prophet Joseph said that if the people departed from the Lord and depended upon the Prophet they would become “darkened in their minds.” He said that they should not depend on any man or men, and that no one could deliver his own soul but himself. Now what duties were they neglecting? It was their duty to receive their own personal revelations through the Holy Spirit. Instead, they were depending on their leader which, in this case, was the Prophet Joseph Smith, himself. And from what the Prophet said here, it also seems that those who would not gain their own witnesses were envious of those who could, namely the innocent. Consequently, the innocent are enviously afflicted by those who have no personal witness.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;font-size:130%;" >The Wise & Unwise Virgins</span><br /> The wise virgins remain uncompromising to the light and truth granted to them by God, through the Holy Spirit, no matter what others may think of them. The wise are not those who keep going back to that which is contrary to their belief system, or against the dictates of their conscience, or to the arm of flesh.<br /><br /> Jesus once said of Nathanael, “Behold an Israelite indeed, in whom is no guile!” (John 1:47.) The word “guile” is a word that needs to be understood by the virgins. The New Testament word guile comes from the Greek word, dolos, meaning, “decoy,” “trick,” “delude,” “beguile,” “deceit,” etc.<br /><br /> When a person believes one way and acts in another, they are full of guile, trickery, and deceit. For example, if an individual truly does not believe that the President of the LDS Church is a prophet, seer or revelator, nor holds all the keys of the priesthood, and that same person, at the same time, qualifies for a temple recommend, that person is full of guile and hypocrisy. Let us also consider those who do not truly believe sufficiently to qualify for a recommend, but still pretends to be worthy and qualified so they can attend the temple with family and friends, and appear faithful in the sight of others. Are such people truly serving and glorifying God by such hypocrisy, having only a religion for SOCIAL convenience instead of one built upon faith and personal integrity? Here we will let God be the judge, but the individual knows their own intent.<br /><br /> Now there is nothing wrong with someone truly believing that the President of the LDS Church is a prophet, seer or revelator. But when a person does not, yet acts as though he or she does; that is hypocrisy, and that person is not without guile. When such people fail to raise their hand in opposition to those they know are not worthy of an office, but raise their hand to sustain anyway because of the fear of retaliation, that person is functioning in fear, and is not without guile. Such people are trying to trick the general membership and leaders into believing they are in favor of the action when they are not. Could some of these people be among those who will inherit the terrestrial kingdom because they were NOT valiant in their testimony? (See D&C 76:79.)<br /><br /> When the conscience of a person dictates one thing and they profess and act in another, they may be considered among the unwise virgins. They become untrue to others, to God, and themselves. Can such people truly be trusted by God or man? The Apostle, James. said, “A double minded man is unstable in all his ways.” (James 1:8.)<br /><br /> When Jesus rebuked His disciple, Peter, He said: “... Get thee behind me, Satan: for thou savourest not the things that be of God, but the things that be of men.” Then, after reproving Peter, He taught: “Whosoever will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me. For what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? Or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul? Whosoever therefore shall be ashamed of me and of my words in this adulterous and sinful generation; of him also shall the Son of man be ashamed, when he cometh in the glory of his Father with the holy angels.” (See Mark 8:33-38.)<br /><br /> The wise virgins will NOT feel the need to rely upon family and friends for approval, their religious authorities for spiritual direction, nor their political leaders for moral judgment. The wise virgins will have the faith to cut those umbilical cords that supply artificial sustenance and rely, without exception, upon the Holy Spirit as their guide and lifeline to the Father. That does not mean that wise council should not be sought for among associates. It should. But final spiritual decisions should be based upon the dictates of one’s conscience, as inspired by the Holy Spirit, not solely upon the dictates of another’s opinions, regardless from whom those opinions come.<br /><br /> The unwise virgins, on the other hand, will have not the faith to do so; they will cling unceasingly to artificial intelligence as their means of approval and support. Jesus simply said, “For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.” (Matt. 6:21; 3 Ne. 13:21.) A treasure is simply that which we treasure most. To the extent that we treasure other things, people, or activities more than we treasure our covenants with the Lord and our devotion to Him, to that same degree our hearts will not be upon Him. President Spencer W. Kimball wrote some excellent words regarding this topic: “... we serve whom we love and give first consideration to the object of our affection and desires ... [which] indicates where ... allegiance and loyalty are.” (<span style="font-style: italic;">The Miracle of Forgiveness</span>, p. 41.)<br /><br /> Elder Orson F. Whitney once helped explain the nature of sin, which relates to this subject. Elder Whitney taught: “What is Sin?—Sin is the transgression of divine law. A man sins when he violates his conscience, going contrary to light and knowledge—not the light and knowledge that has come to his neighbor, but that which has come to himself. HE SINS WHEN HE DOES THE OPPOSITE OF WHAT HE KNOWS TO BE RIGHT.” (<span style="font-style: italic;">Saturday Night Thoughts</span>, p. 225; <span style="font-style: italic;">Cowley and Whitney on Doctrine</span>, pp. 435-36; TLDP: 631.)<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;font-size:130%;" >The 144,000</span><br /> Basically, there are only two scriptures that speak of the 144,000; they are found in Revelation 7:2-4, and D&C 7:11, that we shall be concerned with at this time. There are other verses that make reference to the 144,000. For instance we know that they will stand with the Lord on Mount Zion (Rev. 14:1; D&C 133: 18), and that they will sing a song before the Throne of God (Rev. 14:3). But these other verses have little bearing upon the subject at hand. And since the information given concerning these special sealed servants is sparse, whatever else we think we know is only conjecture at best. Some things, however, can be surmised by piecing together a few things that are given us in scripture. First, let’s review the relevant scriptures starting with Revelation seven, verses two through four.<br /><br />2. And I saw another angel ascending from the east, having the seal of the living God: and he cried with a loud voice to the four angels, to whom it was given to hurt the earth and the sea,<br />3. Saying, Hurt not the earth, neither the sea, nor the trees, till we have sealed the servants of our God in their foreheads.<br />4. And I heard the number of them which were sealed: and there were sealed an hundred and forty and four thousand of all the tribes of the children of Israel. (See Rev. 7:2-4.)<br /><br /> After presenting what he did, John then points out, in verses five through eight, that there will be twelve thousand sealed-servants chosen from each of the twelve tribes of Israel, which will make up the hundred and forty-four thousand. Next, let’s consider the reference in the Doctrine and Covenants. This particular section is in a question-and-answer format.<br /><br />11. Q. What are we to understand by sealing the one hundred and forty-four thousand, out of all the tribes of Israel – twelve thousand out of every tribe?<br />11. A. We are to understand that those who are sealed are high priests, ordained unto the holy order of God, to administer the everlasting gospel; for they are they who are ordained out of every nation, kindred, tongue, and people, by the angels to whom is given power over the nations of the earth, to bring as many as will come to the church of the Firstborn. (D&C 77:11.)<br /><br /> From these two sets of scriptures we learn the following things: 1) There are 144,000 servants to be sealed in their foreheads with the seal of the living God, 12,000 from each of the twelve tribes, from every nation, kindred, tongue, and people; 2) The 144,000 are to be ordained unto the holy order of God as high priests by an angel who has the sealing of the living God; 3) The 144,000 are to administer the everlasting gospel; and 4) The 144,000 are to bring as many as will come to the Church of the Firstborn.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;font-size:130%;" >The Ten Virgins and the 144,000</span><br /> So what does all of this have to do with the parable of the ten virgins?<br /><br /> First off, the number ten, like in the Ten Virgins, represent one-tenth of those who claim to be followers of Christ. This represents a “tithing” of His people (D&C 64:23.). Yes the Lord did refer to the tithing of His people in that they are to pay “one-tenth of all their interest annually,” and that they were to be “tithed of their surplus properties.” (See D&C 119) However, as with many other teachings in scripture, there are metaphorical meanings a well. And it appears that speaking of the tithing of His people is representative by the parable of the Ten Virgins. And regarding those who have been tithed, the Lord said in D&C 64:23, “...he that is tithed shall not be burned at his coming.”<br /><br /> Now we know that the 144,000 will perform their work of “administering the everlasting gospel” before the Lord’s coming. What was it we read above? The angel from the east told the four angels to “Hurt not the earth, neither the sea, nor the trees,” UNTIL the 144,000 received the seal of the living God in their foreheads. This hurting of the earth and seas will be part of the burning and cleansing process of the dreadful day of the Lord — which may include the burning of those who have not been tithed. The work of the 144,000, therefore, must be completed BEFORE that great and dreadful day of the Lord.<br /><br /> This work of the 144,000 is to “bring as many <span style="color: rgb(204, 153, 51); font-weight: bold;">AS WILL COME</span> to the church of the Firstborn.” In other words, gather all of those of the Ten Virgins who are wise enough and ready, and who “WILL COME,” to the wedding feast of the Lord, when the Bridegroom comes to meet his bride, the Church of the Firstborn. The Ten Virgins are to be prepared for that great day. But only five of the ten will be ready, meaning: only half of those who are tithed will be gathered unto the Church of the Firstborn for the wedding feast. The other half, the unwise virgins, will not be ready and <span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(204, 153, 51);">WILL NOT COME</span> unto the Church of the Firstborn when invited by those special sealed servants.<br /><br /> What in the world would cause them Not to come? The answer is in the question — the things of this world. They have a testimony of Jesus, but the cares of the world, such as family cares, work obligations, religious duties, etc., hinder their spiritual progress.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;font-size:130%;" >Closing Thoughts</span><br /> Obtaining the Holy Spirit, and preparing for the wedding feast, is listening to that Still Small Voice. Some try to ascertain the spirit by way of pendulums, crystals, divining rods, and other outward devices such as muscle-testing. Although such things may be useful in arriving at various objectives, they are not to be used for trying to find out the mind and will of God. Seeking to obtain the Spirit by such means is known as “channeling,” a type of sorcery. We must realize that the old devil uses such means to deceive. When we resort to these methods, because we do not trust our own ability to be in tune with the Spirt, then Satan uses these same ways to mislead. As stated above, leaning on others, or on outward devices, for our light and salvation, will not fill our lamps with needed oil. Only being in tune with that Still Small Voice, the Holy Spirit, can do that.<br /><br /> Likewise, many feel that just going to church meetings, paying tithes, attending the temple, or serving a mission is the oil for the lamps spoken of. That is NOT so! The unrighteous do such things as well, and they do so all the time. These are merely worldly, telestial, attempts at righteousness.<br /><br /> And strange as it may seem, there are people who want to believe that food storage, and other emergency items, constitute the oil. This is not true as we read in D&C 45. Food storage CAN be bought, borrowed, shared, and even stolen. No matter how logical one may be trying to justify this doctrine, or how adamant and intimidating they may become in defending it, the Lord’s word on the matter should be sufficient.<br /><br /> Having adequate food storage for the coming crises is good and wise counsel, especially if that counsel comes by way of the Holy Spirit, but food storage, in itself, is NOT the oil. I am sure that such spurious doctrine is allowed to exist so that the virgins can be proven to see who they will follow, the philosophies of man, as do the unwise virgins, or the Holy Spirit, as do the wise. The oil is the Holy Spirit. God provides the temporal necessities for us: manna for wandering Israel, a cruse of oil for the widow, seven loaves and a few fishes for the multitude of thousands, and so forth, but the light of Christ through the Spirit of God we must gather and receive for ourselves.<br /><br /> The wording in verse nine of this parable is confusing to some people. There it reads: “But the wise answered, saying, Lest there be not enough for us and you, go ye rather to them that sell, and BUY for yourselves.” Now the wise virgins had already paid the price for their oil; their oil was bought with the price of faith, obedience, and of proving valiant in their testimony of Christ. But the foolish were not willing to pay the price for their oil when they had the opportunity. So now, at the last hour, the foolish are told to go “buy” it for themselves. They were not to go out and purchase some commodity at a store, for the oil spoken of is simply a metaphor for oil which spiritually lights the way, as mentioned above. At this point, the opportunity for the foolish virgins to buy, or pay the price, is gone. “And while they went to buy [or why they were trying to repent and pay the price], the bridegroom came; and they that were ready went in with him to the marriage: and the door was shut” (v. 10.)<br /><br /> The Spirit of God cannot be bought, borrowed, shared or stolen from another, nor can the recognition and acceptance of truth, which prevents deception. Obtaining the Holy Spirit, and the recognition of truth, are individual matters. We must seek and purchase them ourselves by paying the price, before the Bridegroom comes and shuts the door.<br /><br /> If the virgins are not careful, they could lose all that they had previously received. This could include the understanding of truth and light early granted to them. “For behold, thus saith the Lord God: I will give unto the children of men line upon line, precept upon precept, here a little and there a little; and blessed are those who hearken unto my precepts, and lend an ear unto my counsel, for they shall learn wisdom; for unto him that receiveth I will give more; and from them that shall say, We have enough, from them shall be taken away even that which they have.” (2 Ne. 28:30.) We also read in the Doctrine and Covenants: “And it shall come to pass, if they are not more faithful unto me, it shall be taken away, even that which they have.” (D&C 60:3.)<br /><br /> Although a virgin might be pure in heart, we may not be very surprised when many good and righteous virgins become sorely disappointed because they were unwise and not valiant in their testimony of Christ. As D&C 76:79 points out, they just may become heirs of the terrestrial kingdom instead of the celestial.<br /><br /> We must heed the Lord’s counsel to us when He said, “Prepare yourselves for the great day of the Lord.” (D&C 133:10.) This preparation must consist of more than what President Benson once called, “casual membership in the Church” (Come Unto Christ, p. 115). We must be guided by the Spirit of God so we will not be deceived. The Savior has indicated who will stand when He appears: it is those who enjoy the Holy Spirit as their personal guide and WILL NOT trust in the arm of flesh and be mislead.<br /><br /> This little study, concerning oil for our lamps, is presented to aid the reader in considering his or her relationship to the Savior. As the reader, take a moment now and ask yourself and consider: Am I one of the wise virgins? Do I take the Holy Spirit, and only the Holy Spirit, for my guide? Am I deceived in believing what man has to say instead of relying on the Spirit of God for truth? Am I a chameleon who adapts my coloration to that of my surroundings, pretending to be one way when with some people and another when with others— being hypocritical in my personal life? Am I valiant in my testimony of Christ and with my understanding of truth? Is my life in harmony with my conscience? What do I lack in becoming one of the wise virgins?<br /><br /> At the day of the Lord’s coming, many virgins might cry, “Lord, have we not done many wonderful things in thy name”? And the Lord might say, “You do not know me; for you can only know me through the spirit of prophecy which is the testimony of Jesus as given by the Holy Spirit.” (Matt. 7:21-23; Rev. 19:10; TPJS, p. 119.)<br /><br /> When we come unto Christ, we must come with our own oil in our lamps, staying steadfast to the light and truth granted by the Holy Spirit. May God bless us all to that end.<br /></div>Joseph Warren Grammerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05795589798825424327noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2062486484005186955.post-63696405027213764162009-11-01T18:55:00.000-08:002009-11-01T19:04:25.419-08:00<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(204, 0, 0);font-size:180%;" >The Only Gospel Doctrine:</span><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(204, 0, 0);font-size:130%;" ><br />Fire and the Holy Ghost</span><br />by Joseph Warren Grammer<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size:180%;">T</span>here are some requirements to be fulfilled before the fulness of Christ can be received and we enter into His rest. The main requirement considered in this chapter is the central theme of the Book of Mormon. It is also touched upon in the Doctrine and Covenants, and the Pearl of Great Price. The evil one has all but obliterated this subject from the Old Testament, with the New Testament giving it but scant acknowledgment. It is a truth that Latter-day Saints have been commanded to preach, yet have neglected as have past dispensations. And there can be no establishment of a true Zion without it.<br /><br /> The basic doctrine of Christ which is most neglected, is receiving a remission of our sins through baptism and the fire and the Holy Ghost. Yes, we Latter-day Saints believe in baptism for the remission of sin, but we have basically forgotten that baptism, alone, is of no value without the other part: the “baptism of fire and the Holy Ghost.”<br /><br /> It is the baptism of the fire and the Holy Ghost that brings about a regeneration of both body and spirit. It is what changes our human nature from being a natural man to that of being a creature in Christ which despises all sin and is filled with the pure love of Christ. It IS what cleanses us from all sin. It is the only way back to the Father. Merely being baptized by water and having hands laid upon our heads to receive the Holy Ghost does not assure a remission of sin. We must go further. We must be born again by fire and the Holy Ghost.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;font-size:130%;" >The Pentecostal Experience</span><br /> As Peter was preaching Jesus to the men of Judah, the scriptures record: “Now when they heard this, they were pricked in their heart, and said unto Peter and to the rest of the apostles, Men and brethren, what shall we do? Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.” (Acts 2:37-38.)<br /><br /> This Holy Ghost to which Peter referred, was not just to be the spirit of inspiration which influences most everyone. It is a special spiritual endowment known as fire and the Holy Ghost, which was demonstrated at Pentecost.<br /><br /> The first part of Acts 2 reads, “And when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one accord in one place. And suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting. And there appeared unto them cloven tongues like as of fire, and it sat upon each of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.” (Acts 2:1-4.)<br /><br /> To the Nephites the resurrected Lord said that no unclean thing can enter into His kingdom, and then He commanded all to have faith in Him, wash their garments in His blood, repent, come unto Him, be baptized, and be sanctified by the Holy Ghost. (3 Ne. 27:19-20.)<br /><br /> Sanctify means to hallow or cleanse. Some call it the new birth, born again, born of God, born of the Spirit, experiencing the mighty change, baptism of fire, a mighty change of heart, becoming a new creature in Christ, being as a little child, conversion, regeneration, and remission of sin, among other things. To become sanctified and filled with the Holy Ghost, as described here, should be the spiritual quest for those claiming to be true followers of Christ. Anything short of this provides no remission of sin, as we shall soon learn. To truly be born of God, to have that mighty change of heart, to experience the real gift and fire of the Holy Ghost, is what is known by many as a Pentecostal experience. It is THE doctrine of Christ.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;font-size:130%;" >Ye Are the Temple of the Living God</span><br /> There are two temples spoken of in the scriptures, one is a physical architectural structure made of stone, wood, etc., but the other temple is you. The Apostle Paul wrote: “Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you? If any man defile the temple of God, him shall God destroy; for the temple of God is holy, which temple ye are.” (1 Cor. 3:16-17.)<br /><br /> After telling us that we should not be unequally yoked together with unrighteousness and darkness, Paul said, “And what agreement hath the temple of God with idols? for ye are the temple of the living God; as God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people.” (2 Cor. 6:14-16.) Then through Paul the Lord said, “... Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you, And will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty.” (2 Cor. 6:14-18.)<br /><br /> Before the Lord can receive us, we must give up the world as the Lord commanded: “Go ye out of Babylon; gather ye out from among the nations.” (D&C 133:7.) Through John the Revelator the Lord said, “... Come out of her, my people.... (Rev. 18:4.) And from Alma: “And now I say unto you, all you that are desirous to follow the voice of the good shepherd, come ye out from the wicked, and be ye separate,... The names of the wicked shall not be mingled with the names of my people;...” (Alma 5:57.)<br /><br /> Malachi wrote, “... and the Lord, whom ye seek, shall suddenly come to his temple,... But who may abide the day of his coming? and who shall stand when he appeareth? for he is like a refiner's fire, and like fullers' soap:” (Mal. 3:1-2.) To be able to stand and abide the day of His coming, we must go through a refining, strengthening and cleansing process. Coming out of the world will certainly help do that. Those who do not come out will inevitably persecute those who do.<br /><br /> To the Thessalonians Paul wrote, “BUT of the times and the seasons, brethren, ye have no need that I write unto you. For yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so cometh as a thief in the night.” (1 Thes. 5:1-2.) Now many know that this scripture is usually interpreted as meaning that the Lord will come as a thief in the night and bring sudden destruction upon the world, as indicated in 2 Peter 3:10, D&C 45:19, and such. Yet, there is still another and deeper meaning for those who have ears to hear and hearts that understand. Not only will the Lord come as a thief in the night (unexpectedly)to the world at large, but He will also come as a thief in the night to His temple, “which temple ye are.”<br /><br /> Check out verse one of 1 Thessalonians 5. You will notice that it begins with the word, “But.” Chapter five is a continuation of chapter four. At the conclusion of that chapter, Paul was speaking of the righteous in Christ being caught up with the Lord at His coming. (1 Thes. 4:16-18.) Jesus will gather His people by suddenly coming to His temple.<br /><br /> We are the temples of God. As such, we are not to partake of the world but be separate from it. In so doing, we lay all that we have upon the alter of God and trust in His providential care and keeping. Without such trusting faith, He cannot receive us nor dwell in us. And as Paul said, if we are defiled with the world, we shall be destroyed. We need to be prepared in all things to receive Him when He is ready to come suddenly to His temple.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;font-size:130%;" >Differing Sources of Inspiration</span><br /> There are differing sources of spiritual prompting: There is the Spirit of God, the Spirit of the Lord, the Spirit of truth, the divine light, the Holy Spirit, the Holy Ghost, and the gift of the Holy Ghost, and so on. Writing on this subject, Elder Bruce R. McConkie said, “To gain a sound gospel understanding, the truth seeker must determine in each scriptural passage what is meant by such titles as Spirit, Holy spirit, Spirit of the Lord, Spirit of God, Spirit of truth. In many instances this is not difficult; in some cases, however, abbreviated scriptural accounts leave so much room for doubt that nothing short of direct revelation can identify precisely what is meant..” (<span style="font-style: italic;">Mormon Doctrine</span>, p. 752.) Concerning the Holy Ghost, President Joseph F. Smith stated:<br /><br /> “...the Holy Ghost is a personage of spirit, he constitutes the third person in the Trinity, the Godhead. The gift or presentation of the Holy Ghost is the authoritative act of conferring him upon man. The Holy Ghost in person may visit men and will visit those who are worthy and bear witness to their spirit of God and Christ, but may not tarry with them. The Spirit of God which emanates from Deity may be likened to electricity, or the universal ether, as explained in our manual, which fills the earth and the air, and is everywhere present.... By means of this Spirit every man is enlightened, the wicked as well as the good, the intelligent and the ignorant, the high and the low, each in accordance with his capacity to receive the light; and this Spirit or influence which emanates from God may be said to constitute man's consciousness, and will never cease to strive with man, until man is brought to the possession of the higher intelligence which can only come through faith, repentance, baptism for the remission of sins, and the gift or the presentation of the Holy Ghost by one having authority.” (<span style="font-style: italic;">Gospel Doctrine</span>, p. 61; see also <span style="font-style: italic;">Mormon Doctrine</span>, p. 752; <span style="font-style: italic;">Teachings of Presidents of the Church: Joseph F. Smith</span>, pp. 67-75.)<br /><br /> After baptism in water, the individual has hands laid on his or her head and is confirmed a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. They are then told to, essentially, “Receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.” The one performing the confirmation does not say, “You have the gift of the Holy Ghost.” He says, “Receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.” It is the new member’s duty to seek that divine gift, it does not come automatically.<br /><br /> Many believe they have that gift just because they were confirmed into the Church. That is not necessarily true. They may have the influence of the Spirit of God, to which all people are entitled, and they can be influenced by the Holy Ghost at differing times in their lives, as can most anyone else who is seeking truth. However, just because they receive obvious inspiration and spiritual direction in their lives, that does not mean that influence is the “gift” of the Holy Ghost. Just because the Church teaches that confirmation can provide the constant companionship of that gift, people often confuse spiritual promptings from other sources as being from the Holy Ghost. We know that the Holy Spirit prompted Christopher Columbus in the discovery of America (1 Ne. 13:12), but that does not mean he was endowed with the gift of the Holy Ghost—only temporarily influenced.<br /><br /> There are righteous spirits on the other side of the veil who help us in time of need, and some of them are guardian angels. People are often directed and protected by departed spirits from the other side of the veil, but that does not necessarily mean they are blessed with the gift of the Holy Ghost.<br /><br /> I know that many do not want to believe in guardian angels, or that other righteous spirits from the other side can visit and direct those in mortality, but, nevertheless, it is still true. Not only have I spoken to many people who testify of that truth, but I have my own personal experience as a witness. Of course there are the influences of the evil one, and his unclean and devilish spirits which try and prompt us. But our discussion here concerns the Holy Ghost—specifically, the gift of the Holy Ghost.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;font-size:130%;" >The Only Gospel Doctrine</span><br /> When Alma the younger had his great conversion experience, he said, “... I have repented of my sins, and have been redeemed of the Lord; behold I am born of the Spirit.” (Mosiah 27:24.) Without being born of the Spirit into the new birth (something similar to a Pentecostal experience), we are no better off when it comes to salvation in the celestial kingdom, than the rest of the world. The Prophet Joseph said, “You might as well baptize a bag of sand as a man, if not done in view of the remission of sins and getting of the Holy Ghost. Baptism by water is but half a baptism, and is good for nothing without the other half—that is, the baptism of the Holy Ghost.” (TPJS, p. 314.)<br /><br /> When Nicodemus inquired of the Lord concerning being born again, “Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God.” (John 3:5.) Being born of the Spirit is receiving the gift of the Holy Ghost, which is the fire and the Holy Ghost, the new birth. This is the essence of our Savior’s message, and the basic doctrine of latter-day scripture.<br /><br /> To have the Holy Ghost as a constant companion is to have the gift that only comes after the Holy Ghost ratifies (approves or seals) the individual’s baptism by water. Then, and only then, does that individual receive a remission of sin. Being born again of the Spirit (not just having hands laid upon the head to receive the gift) is the central doctrine, or gospel theme, of the New Testament, Book of Mormon, Doctrine and Covenants, and Pearl of Great Price.<br /><br /> Let’s take a few scriptures for verification. Notice that in every case, the four basic principles of the gospel are included in the gospel and doctrine of Christ— nothing else. And even though the principle of faith is not specifically mentioned in every case, it is implied.<br /><br /> 5. And verily, verily, I say unto you, he that receiveth my gospel receiveth me; and he that receiveth NOT my gospel <span style="color: rgb(204, 0, 0);">RECEIVETH NOT ME</span>.<br /> 6. And <span style="color: rgb(204, 0, 0);">THIS IS MY GOSPEL</span> — repentance and baptism by water, and then cometh the baptism of fire and the Holy Ghost, even the Comforter, which showeth all things, and teacheth the peaceable things of the kingdom. (D&C 39:5-6.)<br /><br /> 11. Yea, repent and be baptized, every one of you, for a remission of your sins; yea, be baptized even by water, and then cometh the baptism of fire and of the Holy Ghost.<br /> 12. Behold, verily, verily, I say unto you, <span style="color: rgb(204, 0, 0);">THIS IS MY GOSPEL</span>; and remember that they shall have faith in me or they can in nowise be saved; (D&C 33:11-12.)<br /><br /> Notice that the Lord is quite specific when He tells of what His doctrine consists. It consists of repentance, baptism by water, and the baptism of fire and the Holy Ghost. Nephi tells us how plain this doctrine should be. Observe also that, those who do NOT receive His gospel will NOT receive Him. If our quest is not to receive sanctification by fire and the Holy Ghost, we are not truly of Christ. We will not receive a remission of our sins, nor the fulness of His glory. Let’s continue with 2 Nephi 31:<br /><br /> 2. Wherefore, the things which I have written sufficeth me, save it be a few words which I must speak concerning the <span style="color: rgb(204, 0, 0);">DOCTRINE OF CHRIST</span>; wherefore, I shall speak unto you plainly, according to the plainness of my prophesying.<br /> 3. For my soul delighteth in plainness;...<br /> 11. And the Father said: Repent ye, repent ye, and be baptized in the name of my Beloved Son.<br /> 12. ... He that is baptized in my name, to him will the Father give the Holy Ghost, like unto me; wherefore, follow me, and do the things which ye have seen me do.<br /> 13. Wherefore, my beloved brethren, I know that if ye shall follow the Son, with full purpose of heart, acting no hypocrisy and no deception before God, but with real intent, repenting of your sins, witnessing unto the Father that ye are willing to take upon you the name of Christ, by baptism — yea, by following your Lord and your Savior down into the water, according to his word, behold, then shall ye receive the Holy Ghost; yea, then cometh the baptism of fire and of the Holy Ghost; and then can ye speak with the tongue of angels, and shout praises unto the Holy One of Israel.<br /> 17. Wherefore, do the things which I have told you I have seen that your Lord and your Redeemer should do; for, for this cause have they been shown unto me, that ye might know the gate by which ye should enter. For the gate by which ye should enter is repentance and baptism by water; and then cometh a remission of your sins by fire and by the Holy Ghost.<br /> 21. And now, behold, my beloved brethren, this is the way; and there is none other way nor name given under heaven whereby man can be saved in the kingdom of God. And now, behold, <span style="color: rgb(204, 0, 0);">THIS IS THE DOCTRINE OF CHRIST</span>, and the only and true doctrine of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost, which is one God, without end. Amen. (See 2 Ne. 31.)<br /><br /> 6. Behold, this is the <span style="color: rgb(204, 0, 0);">DOCTRINE OF CHRIST</span>, and there will be no more doctrine given until after he shall manifest himself unto you in the flesh. And when he shall manifest himself unto you in the flesh, the things which he shall say unto you shall ye observe to do.<br /> 7. And now I, Nephi, cannot say more; the Spirit stoppeth mine utterance, and I am left to mourn because of the unbelief, and the wickedness, and the ignorance, and the stiffneckedness of men; for they will not search knowledge, nor understand great knowledge, when it is given unto them in plainness, even as plain as word can be. (2 Ne. 32:6-7.)<br /><br /> The teachings of 2 Nephi 32 are a continuation of 2 Nephi 31, and should be considered the same subject matter. Nephi starts out in 2 Nephi 31 by saying that he is going to discuss the doctrine of Christ, and he was going to do so “plainly”; for his soul delighted in plainness. And he ends his subject saying it is “even as plain as word can be.” So, when we study what Nephi had to say about the doctrine of Christ, just keep it simple. This plainness is exhibited in the Lord’s words as found in 3 Nephi:<br /><br /> 31. Behold, verily, verily, I say unto you, I will declare unto you my doctrine.<br /> 32. And <span style="color: rgb(204, 0, 0);">THIS IS MY DOCTRINE</span>, and it is the doctrine which the Father hath given unto me;... and I bear record that the Father commandeth all men, everywhere, to repent and believe in me.<br /> 33. And whoso believeth in me, and is baptized, the same shall be saved; and they are they who shall inherit the kingdom of God.<br /> 34. And whoso believeth not in me, and is not baptized, shall be damned.<br /> 35. Verily, verily, I say unto you, that <span style="color: rgb(204, 0, 0);">THIS IS MY DOCTRINE</span>, and I bear record of it from the Father; and whoso believeth in me believeth in the Father also; and unto him will the Father bear record of me, for he will visit him with fire and the Holy Ghost.<br /> 37. And again I say unto you, ye must repent, and become as a little child, and be baptized in my name, or ye can in nowise receive these things.<br /> 38. And again I say unto you, ye must repent, and be baptized in my name, and become as a little child, or ye can in nowise inherit the kingdom of God.<br /> 39. Verily, verily, I say unto you, <span style="color: rgb(204, 0, 0);">THIS IS MY DOCTRINE</span>, and whoso buildeth upon this buildeth upon my rock, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against them.<br /> 40. And whoso shall declare more or less than this, and establish it for my doctrine, the same cometh of evil, and is not built upon my rock; but he buildeth upon a sandy foundation, and the gates of hell stand open to receive such when the floods come and the winds beat upon them.<br /> 41. Therefore, go forth unto this people, and declare the words which I have spoken, unto the ends of the earth. (See 3 Ne. 11:31-41; see also 3 Ne. 27:13-29.)<br /><br /> Notice in 3 Nephi Chapter 11 that the Lord explained THREE times His gospel doctrine. And in all of the scriptures just quoted, Jesus told us His gospel consists of: (1) believing in Him, or having faith; (2) repentance from sins; (3) baptism by water; then (4) comes the baptism of Fire and the Holy Ghost. And in ALL cases just quoted, it is not just the Holy Ghost, but FIRE and the Holy Ghost. There is a difference. The doctrine of Christ, the gift of the constant companionship of the Holy Ghost, is fire and the Holy Ghost. It is this fire and the Holy Ghost which is referred to in the Sacrament prayer when it says, “... that they may always have his Spirit to be with them. Amen,” not just an intermittent influence of the Holy Ghost which non-members can obtain also.<br /><br /> In Doctrine and Covenants, Section 10, we get the same message. Although the Lord does not specifically mention the four basic principles of the gospel in the verses below, we know they are implied in His wording because of what we just read above.<br /><br /> 62. Yea, and I will also bring to light my gospel which was ministered unto them (His other sheep), and, behold, they shall not deny that which you have received, but they shall build it up, and shall bring to light the <span style="color: rgb(204, 0, 0);">TRUE POINTS OF MY DOCTRINE</span>, yea, and the <span style="color: rgb(204, 0, 0);">ONLY DOCTRINE</span> which is in me.<br /> 63. And this I do that I may establish my gospel, that there may not be so much contention; yea, Satan doth stir up the hearts of the people to contention concerning the points of my doctrine; and in these things they do err, for they do wrest the scriptures and do not understand them.<br /> 64. Therefore, I will unfold unto them this great mystery;<br /> 67. Behold, <span style="color: rgb(204, 0, 0);">THIS IS MY DOCTRINE</span> — whosoever repenteth and cometh unto me, the same is my church.<br /> 68. Whosoever declareth more or less than this, the same is not of me, but is against me; therefore he is not of my church. (See D&C 10:57-69.)<br /><br /> We find in these verses what constitutes the Lord’s Church. It is made up of those who repent, come unto Christ through the baptisms of water and fire and the Holy Ghost. President Benson wrote something interesting pertaining to this scripture and Church membership. As a Prophet of God, he said,<br /><br /> “In the usual sense of the term, Church membership means that a person has his or her name officially recorded on the membership records of the Church. By that definition, we have more than six million members of the Church.<br /> “But the Lord defines a member of His kingdom in quite a different way. In 1828, through the Prophet Joseph Smith, He said, ‘Behold, this is my doctrine — whosoever repenteth and cometh unto me, the same is my church.’ To Him whose Church this is, membership involves far more than simply being a member of record...<br /> “Therefore, repentance means more than simply a reformation of behavior...<br /> “Faith in the Lord Jesus Christ is the foundation upon which sincere and meaningful repentance must be built. If we truly seek to put away sin, we must first look to Him who is the Author of our salvation.” (<span style="font-style: italic;">The Ensign</span>, October 1989, p. 2.)<br /><br /> From the foregoing, should there be any question as to what the doctrine of Christ consists? It consists of faith in Jesus Christ, repentance from sin, baptism by water for the remission of sin, and baptism by FIRE and the Holy Ghost. And it is only by way of the Holy Ghost that we obtain a remission of our sins. The Holy Ghost ratifies, approves of, or seals the water baptism. That ratification only comes, though, when we humbly, as a little child, truly repent. When our hearts are sufficiently changed, remorseful and contrite, the Holy Ghost gives his seal of approval. Then we are born again. But not before. This IS the doctrine of Christ. Only then are we of HIS Church.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;font-size:130%;" >Preach No Other Gospel</span><br /> The Lord plainly taught what was to be preached: “thou shalt declare repentance and faith on the Savior, and remission of sins by baptism, and by fire, yea, even the Holy Ghost.” (D&C 19:3.) Then there are other times when He was absolutely specific, not only what to preach, but what not to preach: “Say <span style="color: rgb(204, 0, 0);">NOTHING but repentance</span> unto this generation; keep my commandments, and assist to bring forth my work, according to my commandments, and you shall be blessed” (D&C 6:9); “Say NOTHING but repentance unto this generation. Keep my commandments, and assist to bring forth my work, according to my commandments, and you shall be blessed” (D&C 11:9); “And I command you that you preach <span style="color: rgb(204, 0, 0);">NAUGHT but repentance</span>, and show not these things unto the world until it is wisdom in me” (D&C 19:21); and “of tenets thou shalt NOT talk, but thou shalt declare repentance and faith on the Savior, and remission of sins by baptism, and by fire, yea, even the Holy Ghost. (D&C 19:31.)<br /><br /> When we read the last of these verses properly (D&C 19:31), we can see that the Lord equates remission of sins with fire and the Holy Ghost. Without the baptism of fire, or receiving the new birth, there is no remission of sins. This is what is to be taught, for the Lord said it is the rock upon which we are to build: “Verily, verily, I say unto you, that this is my doctrine, and whoso buildeth upon this buildeth upon my ROCK, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against them.” (3 Ne. 11:39.) And again: “Yea, repent and be baptized, every one of you, for a remission of your sins; yea, be baptized even by water, and then cometh the baptism of fire and of the Holy Ghost. Behold, verily, verily, I say unto you, this is my gospel; and remember that they shall have faith in me or they can in nowise be saved; And upon this ROCK I will build my church.” (D&C 33:11-13.)<br /><br /> The Lord also said, “And I give unto you a commandment that you shall teach one another the doctrine of the kingdom.” (D&C 88:77.) Verse 79 does mention other subject matter to be learned. However, it appears that such is only to be learned by those who are ministers of the gospel, as the Lord feels it “expedient” for them. This is so that such ministers will be prepared in all things. (vv. 78, 80.) However, it is only the doctrine of Christ that is to be taught as a warning. (vv. 81-82.)<br /><br /> We have been commanded to preach nothing but the four principles of the gospel; the fourth being born again of God through fire and the Holy Ghost. This is the rock upon which the Church is to be built, not upon any other tenets. (See D&C 49:11-14.) To the Galatians, the Apostle Paul wrote: “But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed.” (Gal. 1:8.)<br /><br /> The Fourth Article of Faith is the rock of Christian doctrine. It should be obvious that the only thing to be preached is nothing but faith on the Lord Jesus Christ, repentance, baptism by immersion for the remission of sin, and the laying on of hands for the gift and fire of the Holy Ghost. Anything more or less, becomes evil.<br /><br /> We Latter-day Saints appear to get caught up with the uniqueness of our position as being a restored Church. It has been my experience among missionaries — having served six proselyting missions within the past four decades, plus other ward, stake and other Church callings — that even when repentance is preached, it is preached only as a matter of course to help a person qualify for baptism, and not as a matter of conversion to Jesus Christ and an urgency to receive the joy of being cleansed from sin and sanctified by the Holy Ghost. When baptism is preached, it is usually the necessity of being baptized into the Church instead of being baptized unto Christ.<br /><br /> The Book of Mormon was given for the following specific purpose: “... to the convincing of the Jew and Gentile that Jesus is the Christ....” It was not given to gather in everyone who can be convinced that this is the “true Church,” without demonstrating the prerequisites of baptism as discussed in a previous chapter. We are not to preach the created, but only the Creator and His true doctrine. If I am to preach no other doctrine, as the Lord commanded so many times, then that means to me that when I bear my testimony or teach a class, it is to be to the glorification of my God, bearing witness of His redeeming love and the hope of salvation through the true points of His doctrine — nothing more and nothing less.<br /><br /> Is there any surprise that most converts know so little about the true nature of the gift of the Holy Ghost, and that even most seasoned Church members do not have a true concept of what the gift of the Holy Ghost is really all about? They often mistake general spiritual prompting, even their consciences, as being that gift. Is there any wonder then, that most of us do not have a clue as to what the fulness is all about? And some people wonder why the Church is still under condemnation. The reason appears obvious to me: so few have an eye single to God’s glory, and they lack faith in His doctrine. They have not had a Pentecostal experience of their own. The unfortunate thing these days is that very little is mentioned in our Church teachings concerning the root of our Savior’s message — becoming sanctified by way of fire and the Holy Ghost.<br /><br /> There are those who might say something like: If we are to understand this, then the Brethren will teach us. Well, we can’t keep placing that proverbial monkey on the backs of the Brethren. It is not the Brethren of the Church who are responsible for this neglect. It solely rests upon the shoulders of the Church membership at large. We have a responsibility to develop pure hearts and gather our own knowledge. Besides, it isn’t a Brethren thing, anyway. Salvation is a personal thing. We cannot blame another for our neglect in searching out truth and embracing its principles. When we change our worldly focus to that of having an eye single to God’s glory and the salvation of His children, we will be on the right path to becoming truly born of God.<br /><br /> Now, it is not my purpose to be contentious here, for the Lord also said, “And this I do that I may establish my gospel, that there may not be so much contention; yea, Satan doth stir up the hearts of the people to contention concerning the points of my doctrine; and in these things they do err, for they do wrest the scriptures and do not understand them.” (D&C 10:63.) And again He said, “Behold, this is NOT my doctrine, to stir up the hearts of men with anger, one against another; but this is my doctrine, that such things should be done away.” (3 Ne. 11:30.) I personally believe, though, that as long as members of the Church continue to hold to only what the Brethren say, without lengthening their personal spiritual stride, the Church will stay under Condemnation.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;font-size:130%;" >Mighty Change Necessary for the Fulness</span><br /> The mighty change of heart must take place before we can expect to experience the fulness. “For the natural man is an enemy to God, and has been from the fall of Adam, and will be, forever and ever, unless he yields to the enticings of the Holy Spirit, and putteth off the natural man and becometh a saint through the atonement of Christ the Lord, and becometh as a child, submissive, meek, humble, patient, full of love, willing to submit to all things which the Lord seeth fit to inflict upon him, even as a child doth submit to his father.” (Mosiah 3:19.) And from the account of Adam’s baptism, we learn the following: “For by the water ye keep the commandment; by the Spirit ye are justified, and by the blood ye are sanctified;... And thus [Adam] was baptized, and the Spirit of God descended upon him, and thus he was born of the Spirit, and became quickened in the inner man. And he heard a voice out of heaven, saying: Thou art baptized with fire, and with the Holy Ghost. This is the record of the Father, and the Son, from henceforth and forever;” (Moses 6:60, 65-66.)<br /><br /> From Moses 6:60 we learn three essential things pertaining to our salvation: (1) The baptism by water shows we are willing to keep the commandments; (2) it is the Spirit, or Holy Ghost, that justifies our act; but (3) it is by the blood of Christ we are sanctified. Justification only occurs when the Holy Ghost recognizes within us a contrite, child-like and submissive spirit. Sanctification does not come automatically just because of baptism. We are only sanctified by the blood after the Holy Ghost ratifies, or justifies the act of baptism and the intent of our hearts. Thus, we can say that it is the Spirit that sanctifies. This justification and sanctification must take place before the fulness of the gospel can be realized.<br /><br /> From The Book of Mormon we read: “Now they, after being sanctified by the Holy Ghost, having their garments made white, being pure and spotless before God, could not look upon sin save it were with abhorrence; and there were many, exceedingly great many, who were made pure and entered into the rest of the Lord their God. And now, my brethren, I would that ye should humble yourselves before God, and bring forth fruit meet for repentance, that ye may also enter into that rest.” (Alma 13:12-13.)<br /><br /> Notice that it is only after being sanctified, being “pure and spotless before God,” that we can enter into the rest of the Lord, because, “neither can any natural man abide the presence of God, neither after the carnal mind.” (D&C 67:12.) And as pointed out earlier, His rest is synonymous to His fulness.<br /><br /> We learn from 3 Nephi 9:20 that the baptism of fire and the Holy Ghost, or the mighty change, is obtained by way of a broken heart and contrite spirit: “And ye shall offer for a sacrifice unto me a broken heart and a contrite spirit. And whoso cometh unto me with a broken heart and a contrite spirit, him will I baptize with fire and with the Holy Ghost,...” (3 Ne. 9:20.) Such are willing to follow Christ with full purpose of heart, without hypocrisy or deception, with real intent, with true repentance, and witness to the Father. (2 Ne. 31.13.)<br /><br /> In June of 1831, W. W. Phelps was told what it would take for him to receive a remission of his sins. It was necessary for him to be “baptized by water.” However, that baptism was to be done with an “eye single to [God’s] glory,” or in other words, have a contrite spirit, be submissive as a small child, and put God before anything else in life. (See D&C 55:1-3.) Go back and read the 3 Ne. 11:31-41 scripture we referred to earlier. See how many times the Lord told the Nephites that His doctrine included being humble and submissive as a little child. That’s the faith part of His doctrine.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;font-size:130%;" >His Image in Your Countenance</span><br /> There is a lot of darkness in the world today. Even as we go to Church we can see darkness in the faces of many of our friends. Why is this? What is in their troubled minds and hearts that shows in their faces? Could it be they have lost the joy of hope, lost the faith to give their lives to Christ by trusting that He will carry their burdens? Perhaps they have lost sight of the fact that because of what He endured, He is able to bear their afflictions. Perhaps they have not committed to give their lives over to Him, trusting Him with those cares. Perhaps they are not converted and abiding in Christ.<br /><br /> When you give your life to Jesus, you covenant to go where He wants you to go, say what He wants you to say, do what He wants you to do, and be what He wants you to be. When you are willing to do these things, and you feel it in your heart with the Spirit moving upon you, there will be a light about you that testifies of your faith and hope in Christ. Alma asked his people a most important question: “And now behold, I ask of you, my brethren of the church, have ye spiritually been born of God? Have ye received his image in your countenances? Have ye experienced this mighty change in your hearts?” (Alma 5:14, see also vv 15-19.)<br /><br /> Here Alma is asking the brethren of the church if they have “spiritually been born of God.” This points out that not everyone baptized into the Church is spiritually born again, which also means every person hasn’t totally given his life to Christ. However, when you do give your life to Him, trusting in Him in all things and accepting and trusting Him as your Lord and Savior, you shall experience a mighty change in your heart and have the image of God engraved upon your countenance. When you seek to partake of the divine nature of Christ, by seeking His face and being in His presence, that hope brightens your spirit and radiates from your countenance.<br /><br /> Where is the light that is to shine forth to lighten the world? Jesus said, “Therefore, hold up your light that it may shine unto the world. Behold, I am the light which ye shall hold up....” (3 Ne. 18:24.) You are to have Jesus in your heart. He is to be the light, and that love will radiate to help brighten those who sit in darkness. You will then be a light, for Jesus said, “Ye are the light of the world.... Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your father which is in heaven.” (See Matt. 5:14-16.)<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;font-size:130%;" >Recognizing the Mighty Change</span><br /> There is an interesting statement by the Resurrected Lord to the Nephites. “And ye shall offer for a sacrifice unto me a broken heart and a contrite spirit. And whoso cometh unto me with a broken heart and a contrite spirit, him will I baptize with fire and with the Holy Ghost, even as the Lamanites, because of their faith in me at the time of their conversion, were baptized with fire and with the Holy Ghost, and they knew it not.” (3 Ne. 9:20.) Apparently some of the earlier converted Lamanites were born of the Spirit, but did not realize it.<br /><br /> Everyone will experience the baptism of fire a little differently. The closer you are to the Lord and perfection, the less you are going to notice it. But the further away you are, the more dramatic the change is going to be. Alma the younger experienced a very dramatic change, and it put him down for three days. (Mosiah 27:8-31.) So, when you are rather close to God, how is such a change recognized, if at all?<br /><br /> First off, let’s just say, “by their fruits ye shall know them.” (Matt. 7:20.) It should be obvious that those who have received a remission of sin, experienced the mighty change, been born again of the Spirit, will possess the fruits of the gospel — not necessarily the gifts as discussed earlier, but the fruits. (Alma 13:13.)<br /><br /> In Joseph Smith’s translation of John 3:9, he wrote: “Whosoever is born of God doth not continue in sin; for the Spirit of God remaineth in him; and he cannot continue in sin, because he is born of God, having received that holy Spirit of promise.” (JST, John 3:9.) Here we learn that receiving the “holy Spirit of promise” is part of being born of God. Another thing we learn is that they who are born of God do not continue in sin, and they cannot look upon sin “save it were with abhorrence.” (Alma 13:12.) They will also have “no more disposition to do evil, but to do good continually,” because of a mighty change of heart. (Mosiah 5:2; Alma 19:33.)<br /><br /> We learn from Nephi that those born of God could speak with the tongue of angels, and shout praises unto the Holy One of Israel. (2 Ne. 31:13, 32:2.) Such will also consider the things of the Spirit, because they are not carnal minded. (Rom. 8:5-9.) They will be led to do good, be just, walk humbly, judge righteously, their minds will be enlightened, and their souls full of joy. (D&C 11:12-13.) The people of King Benjamin who were born of God had great views of that which is to come; and were it expedient, could prophesy of all things. And they did rejoice with such exceedingly great joy. (See Mosiah 5:2-7.)<br /><br /> In a previous chapter we covered the subject of charity. The display of true charity is the “pure love of Christ,” as we discussed earlier. One of the signs that we have been born of God is our deep yearning for the welfare of the souls of others. In Jacob we read: “But before ye seek for riches, seek ye for the kingdom of God. And after ye have obtained a HOPE in Christ ye shall obtain riches, if ye seek them; and ye will seek them for the intent to do good—to clothe the naked, and to feed the hungry, and to liberate the captive, and administer relief to the sick and the afflicted.” (Jacob 2:18-19.) <span style="color: rgb(204, 0, 0);">AFTER a hope in Christ</span>, only then are we to seek riches, and only then for the purpose of blessing the lives of others.<br /><br /> Speaking of a hope in Christ, let’s turn to Enos and his experience. In Enos we read a similar account. Most of us know the story of how he went hunting, and while in the forest his “soul hungered” to know where he stood before the Lord. Enos records that as he prayed all day and into the night, “there came a voice unto me, saying: Enos, thy sins are forgiven thee, and thou shalt be blessed.” (v. 1-5.) Then, as he enquired how his sins were forgiven, the voice again said to him: “because of thy faith in Christ, whom thou hast never before heard nor seen.” (v. 6-8.) Then Enos said that as he was struggling in the spirit, “the voice of the Lord came into my mind again.” (v. 10.) Now here is the important point: the witness that he received was not a vision nor a dream, it was not a big booming voice from the heavens, nor a burning fiery finger writing on stone or touching rocks to make them glow. No! It was a voice that “came into [his] mind again.” The word, “again,” means that it was also a voice that came into his mind the first time as well. Many want to have what some called the “Pentecostal experience,” where the Holy Ghost appears as “cloven tongues like as of fire,” and they speaks in tongues. But this may not always be the case. In fact it may be the exception than the rule. As stated above, everyone may experience the baptism of fire a little differently.<br /><br /> Now, after Enos had received a remission of his sins and a hope in Christ, his heart went out for the welfare of his brethren. “Now, it came to pass that when I had heard these words I began to feel a desire for the welfare of my brethren, the Nephites; wherefore, I did pour out my whole soul into God for them. ... And after I, Enos, had heard these words, my faith began to be unshaken in the Lord; and I prayed unto him with many long strugglings for my brethren, the Lamanites. And it came to pass that after I had prayed and labored with all diligence, the Lord said unto me: I will grant unto thee according to thy desires, because of thy faith.” (Enos 9, 11.)<br /><br /> When we know that we truly long for the welfare of the souls of others, and we do what we can to see that they are taken care of, temporally as well as spiritually, and we feel a deep love for Christ above all else, then we can know that we have had an Enos experience. (Enos1-8.) When we experience the rebirth, we will be blessed with the spirit of charity, which grows and increases until we eventually become even like unto Christ.<br /><br /> When one feels that he or she is blessed with the following attributes, they should give praise and thank unto their Father; for they have, most likely, been born of the Spirit, and like the Lamanites, did not know it. (The numbering is for convenience only, not to indicate rank of importance.) Taken from the scriptures cited above, those born again of the Spirit:<br /><br /> 1. Bring forth fruits of the Spirit. (Alma 13:13.)<br /> 2. Do not continue in sin, and cannot even look upon it except with detest. (Alma 13:12; JST, John 3:9.)<br /> 3. Have no more disposition to do evil, but to do good continually. (Mosiah 5:2; Alma 19:33.)<br /> 4. Consider Spiritual things because they are not sensually minded. (Rom. 8:5-9.)<br /> 5. Rejoice with exceeding great joy. (Mosiah 5:4.)<br /> 6. Desire to shout praises to the Father and the Son. (2 Ne. 31:13.)<br /> 7. Desire to do good, be just, walk humbly, judge righteously, and have minds enlightened and their souls full of joy. (D&C 11:12-13.)<br /> 8. Speak with the tongue of angels as the Holy Ghost give utterance. (2 Ne. 31:13.)<br /> 9. Have great visions, dreams, spiritual impressions of that which is to come, and could prophesy of the same if called upon. (Mosiah 5:3.)<br /> 10. Having true charity, the pure love of Christ, for the welfare of others. (Jacob 2:18-19; Enos 1-12.)<br /> 11. Have no desire for the things of the world, but seek only the kingdom and righteousness of God. (Matt. 6:19-21, 33.)<br /> 12. Have an eye and heart focused to God glory above all else. (D&C 4:5.)<br /><br /> This summary list is, of course, not all-inclusive, but it does throw some light upon factors which might show who has experienced the mighty change. However, to say the least, all of these things put together promise those who are born again some extraordinary blessings.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;font-size:130%;" >Putting off the Natural Man</span><br /> Many of us have read the wonderful words of King Benjamin, who said, “For the natural man is an enemy to God, and has been from the fall of Adam, and will be, forever and ever, unless he yields to the enticings of the Holy Spirit, and putteth off the natural man and becometh a saint through the atonement of Christ the Lord,...” (Mosiah 3:19.) But just about as many of us have misunderstood the real importance of those words. Putting off the natural man cannot be done in any other way except by becoming an un-natural man. That process involves being born of God through fire and the Holy Ghost—experiencing the mighty change.<br /><br /> We are all carnal minded, and that needs to be changed. Paul said, “For they that are after the flesh do mind the things of the flesh; but they that are after the Spirit the things of the Spirit. Because the carnal mind is enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be.” (See Rom. 8:5, 7.) In putting off the natural or carnal-minded man, we must be quickened in the inner man. Moses wrote of Adam: “And thus [Adam] was baptized, and the Spirit of God descended upon him, and thus he was born of the Spirit, and became quickened in the inner man.” (Moses 6:65.) This quickening, which only comes through the baptism of fire and the Holy Ghost, is the key to receiving the fulness of the Father.<br /><br /> To put off the “natural man,” and not be carnal-minded with “enmity against God,” we must understand the true points of His doctrine. Believing in Him, or having faith, is that total surrendering of self to the Master’s will. It is having perfect trust in Him with all our hearts, mights, minds and strengths. It is complete assurance that He will provide all things, that He is the only one who can heal our wounds, and that we desire to rely upon no other person but Jesus Christ for our daily needs.<br /><br /> Repentance is the faith that Jesus will provide something better than that which we must give up, that He can replace the desire for corrupt things with that which never dies, and that He will fill our hunger and thirst with living waters and the bread of life.<br /><br /> Baptism by water is the outward sign that we have shown faith and have brought forth fruits of repentance. It is symbolic of being born again of water, of burying the old way of life and rising forth to a newness of life, of washing away our sins, and of becoming clean before God and man. This outward sign tell the world that, we are not ashamed of the gospel of Jesus Christ and its power unto salvation; we let the world know that we are willing to give all that we have for the cause of Zion, even our very lives if need be.<br /><br /> And the fire and the Holy Ghost ratifies and sanctifies that which has been guilelessly done. Through the fire and the Holy Ghost, we become born again of the Spirit and become new creatures in Christ Jesus—experiencing the mighty change of heart.<br /><br /> When the Lord said, “he that receiveth my gospel receiveth me; and he that receiveth NOT my gospel receiveth NOT me” (D&C 39:5), He was basically saying, “If you reject my gospel you reject Me and my fulness.” This will be because “neither can any natural man abide the presence of God, neither after the carnal mind.” (D&C 67:12.) Consequently, it is impossible to receive the fulness of the gospel without first receiving the fire and the Holy Ghost, for the Holy Ghost witnesses of Jesus Christ and the Father. (3 Ne. 11:32.)<br /><br /> President Joseph Fielding Smith made an interesting statement on this subject. In a Melchizedek Priesthood manual, he says, “We have a great many members of this Church who have never reached a manifestation through the Holy Ghost. Why? Because they have not made their lives conform to the truth.” (Melchizedek Priesthood Personal Study Guide 2, p. 57; Church News, 4 November 1961, p. 14.)<br /><br /> As the scriptures seem to indicate (D&C 10:57-69), and with President Benson as a second witness as we read earlier, if we have not been born again, experienced that mighty change of heart, been baptized by fire and the Holy Ghost, had our personal day of Pentecost, then we are not of the Church of Christ, even though we might have our names temporarily listed on the rolls of a church.<br /><br /> When the Prophet Joseph was once asked what made the “Mormon” Church different from other churches, he said in effect, “We have the Holy Ghost.” With this answer, Joseph Smith was not referring to having hands laid upon the head to receive the Holy Ghost. What he was referring to was the fire and the Holy Ghost. Without it, Latter-day Saints are no better off than the rest of the world, even though we sometimes proudly boast of so being.<br /><br /> Can we become as earnest about being born again as did the father of Lamoni who said to Aaron, “What shall I do that I may have this eternal life of which thou has spoken? Yea, what shall I do that I may be born of God, having this wicked spirit rooted out of my breast, and receive his Spirit, that I may be filled with joy...?” (See Alma 22:15-16.) Alma declared, “I have repented of my sins, and have been redeemed of the Lord; behold I am born of the Spirit.” (Mosiah 27:24.) Can we get excited about the idea of being born again? If there is no spark within us, then there can be no fire—no fire and the Holy Ghost.<br /><br /> With a better understanding of what the real gift of the Holy Ghost is all about, and what being born of God really means, we start to get a better idea of what it will take to receive the real fulness of the gospel, and what is meant by the high cost of discipleship.<br /></div>Joseph Warren Grammerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05795589798825424327noreply@blogger.com