READ D&C 84:2-5
Why would the Lord (who has all things before
His face) say that the New Jerusalem “shall” be built in Independence, MO in
“this” generation who shall not pass away until a house shall be built and
accepted by the Lord through His presence, when He knew that the Saints would
be driven from Missouri and never even begin the temple there?
Truth
is knowledge of things as they are, were and are to come (see D&C 93:24); God
is a god of truth and cannot lie; and He has all things before His face and
knows the end from the beginning (Ether 3:12; D&C 88:41; D&C 38:2; Moses
1:6; Moses 7:67).
So,
God knew the Saints in 1832 would not build the Temple or the New Jerusalem or
establish Zion due to their jarrings and contentions (see 101:1-8), and in fact
would be driven from Jackson County by the end of the next year.
With that,
verse two is absolutely spot on: the purpose of the Church was for the
restoration of His people to the truths that were lost – this happened through
the Book of Mormon and JS’s other writings and revelations; …with the intent
that all who come to a knowledge of the truth gather in and establish Zion.
In
verse three, the city “shall be” (meaning: will in the future be) built at the
temple lot in Jackson County – this happened in 1833 – a city was dedicated and
built to be Zion.
Verse
four is more problematic on its face – but the New Jerusalem will be built by
the gathering of the saints, and if the process can be said to have started
with the Saints in Jackson County in the 1830s, that is a true statement; the
issue is that the temple was not reared in that generation in Missouri nor has
it ever been since – and Zion is actually predicted to be built in the “tops of
the mountains”, but perhaps it will extend to Jackson County as Joseph Smith
prophesied that all of North and South America will one day constitute Zion.
Verse
five: this prophesy regarding the temple being visited by the presence of the
Lord was fulfilled in Kirtland, OH in 1836 (i.e. “an house” but not “this house
in Missouri”). The Lord knew “an” house
or temple would be built by this group of Saints and accepted by Him through
the visit of His presence, but He also knew that the accepted house would be in
Ohio not Missouri, because the saints would fail in their attempt to build Zion
or its temple in MO. The question that
is implied from this is: was “Zion’s location changed from MO to Ohio?” What about the command to later build a
Temple in Far West? And then in
Nauvoo? It seems like the Lord was open
to the Saints’ attempts to establish Zion but He always knew that Zion won’t be
established until the Saints who are destined to build it (from Israel not the
Gentiles) make it to the “tops of the mountains” in some future day.
The
High Priesthood After the Holy Order of the Son of God
READ
D&C 107:1, 5-6
Why do these verses refer to two priesthoods
but Joseph talked about a single priesthood, then three priesthoods (Aaronic,
Melchizedek, Patriarchal), while the Temple endowment implies four levels of
priesthood?
Priesthood
is an association – like a “neighborhood”, it implies a fellowship among people
or beings. The scriptural (and Temple)
priesthoods are best understood to be "fellowships". There is a
fellowship among men (Aaronic 1), a fellowship between men and angels Aaronic
2), a fellowship between men and Christ (Melchizedek 1), and a fellowship
between men and the Father (fullness of the Melchizedek).
There
is really only one Priesthood from God’s perspective, but because mankind
cannot abide the fullness of God’s presence, that wholistic priesthood is
cordoned off into segments, according to the light that the individual is
willing to bear based on the level of law they are willing to abide by.
Of the three priesthoods Joseph referred to, only
two are had by the Church – the third level or “High Priesthood” can only be
given by God to man – its “keys” cannot be passed down via ordination from man
to another man (or woman) – so it is not had “by the Church” and by 1841, it was
completely unavailable to the Church because they refused to accept the
invitation to enter into the presence of God, which is what the High Priesthood
is all about enabling.
READ
D&C 107:2-4
What is the true name of the High Priesthood?
The
Holy Priesthood After the Order of the Son of God.
READ
D&C 84:6-16 and D&C 107:48-49
What does it mean for the priesthood to be
received “under the hand” of another?
This
describes the passing, from one man to another, of an ordination to the holy
priesthood via the laying on of hands.
An
ordination from or conducted by a man, can be an authorized invitation to go to
God and receive the actual blessings promised in the ordination; in this case,
it is the receipt of spiritual power from God due to an association with Him
through the veil.
What is the difference between Moses’
ordination under the hand of Jethro and Esaias’ reception of the priesthood
under the hand of God?
Moses
received the invitation from Jethro at this point in time; he was later to
receive the actual power from God when he was adopted into the family of God as
His son, (see Moses 1:1-4; Psalms 2:7).
Esaias
received the actual power from God (see Helaman 10:4-7).
What is the difference between Enoch’s
ordination under the hand of Adam and his blessing at age 65?
Enoch
received the invitation from Adam at age 25 via his ordination to the
priesthood.
Enoch
received a blessing from Adam (who held the sealing power) at age 65 which
enabled Enoch to then see the Lord, walk with Him and have Him take up His
abode with him continually.
This blessing enabled Enoch to rend the veil
or perhaps rent the veil for him; could this be the same blessing that Adam
used with his righteous posterity to bring them into the presence of God (in
D&C 107:53) and which Melchizedek blessed Abram with (JST Genesis 14:25;
Abraham 1:2-4).
But for
Enoch to walk with God, the Lord must have had to have given him the High
Priesthood at this time, or he would not have been able to abide His presence.
How does one receive the
actual High Priesthood?
God Himself ordains people to the High Priesthood (see TPJS
205:2; JST Genesis 14:26-29).
God calls you with His own voice or “word” to this priesthood
or association with Him (see Helaman 10:4-7).
This authority is from “the foundation of the world” or from
“eternity to eternity” meaning that one holds this authority or association in
the eternities, in the presence of God, and it is then “activated” when one
comes to earth for a mortal experience by God’s voice.
But it must be initially obtained during a mortal probation
outside of God’s presence where one proves themselves through their faith and
good works in a world of opposition – they must awake from their mortal “sleep”
or fallen condition to “rise up” and rend the veil with their faith and enter
the Rest of the Lord or His presence (see Alma 13:3-6).
The “line of authority” for this kind of Priesthood is always
short – the person and God!
Those receiving this priesthood are secure in the knowledge
of what God has given them and have faith in God’s power to enable them to
complete the missions they have been given in the mortal probation and beyond –
they have a “sure” promise of their “election” because God Himself has given it
to them and He cannot lie.
How did Joseph Smith receive the High
Priesthood?
By
the calling of God’s own voice in the chamber or house of Peter Whitmer Senior
(see D&C 128:21) in June 1829 (see JS Papers, Documents vol 1, pp 25-26; JS
Papers History vol 1, pp 326-328).
Peter,
James and John appeared to declare themselves possessing the keys of the
kingdom and of the dispensation of the fullness of times (see D&C 128:19; note,
the language added to D&C 27:12 regarding the ordination to be apostles was
not part of the original revelation but was added by a committee of Oliver
Cowdery, Sidney Rigdon and Frederick Williams who arranged the revelations for
the 1835 printing of the D&C – see JS Papers Revelations and
Transcriptions, facsimile edition pp 40-42 and JSP R&T, vol 2 pp 489-491).
“We now became anxious to have that promise
realized to us, which the angel that conferred upon us the Aaronic Priesthood
had given us, viz., that provided we continued faithful, we should also have
the Melchizedek Priesthood, which holds the authority of the laying on of hands
for the gift of the Holy Ghost. We had for some time made this matter a subject
of humble prayer, and at length we got together in the chamber of Mr. Whitmer's
house, in order more particularly to seek of the Lord what we now so earnestly
desired; and here, to our unspeakable satisfaction, did we realize the truth of
the Savior's promise—"Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall
find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you"—for we had not long been
engaged in solemn and fervent prayer, when the word of the Lord came unto us in
the chamber, commanding us that I should ordain Oliver Cowdery to be an Elder
in the Church of Jesus Christ; and that he also should ordain me to the same
office; and then to ordain others, as it should be made known unto us from time
to time.” (DHC 1:60).
READ
D&C 84:17-22 and D&C 107:18-19
What does it mean that the High Priesthood
continues “in the Church of God in all generations” if we know that the
children of Israel lost it at the time of Sinai and the Latter-day Saints had lost
it by 1841?
The
“church of God” is not what we think it is – it is not the ancient church of
Israel or the modern LDS Church.
To be
part of the “Church of God”, you must hold this priesthood.
The
Church of God is really the family or House of God – it is the “Church of the
Firstborn”, which requires attaining to this High Priesthood, because one must
be able to abide the presence of God to be a “member” of this Church (which
requires this priesthood – see D&C 84:22).
What does it mean that the High Priesthood is
“without beginning of days or end of years”?
It
does not originate in “time” or mortality but comes from eternity (see Alma
40:8; Alma 13:7).
It is
without “father and mother” because it is not and cannot be passed from mortal
to mortal but comes only from God to man (see JST Hebrews 7:3).
If the Aaronic Priesthood holds the keys of
the gospel of repentance, baptism and the ministering of angels (v26), then
what does it mean that the High Priesthood “administers the gospel”?
Perhaps
“the Gospel” is more than repenting, keeping carnal commandments, and
participating in outward ordinances.
This
sets up the notion that the gospel or “good news” of our salvation or eternal
life requires us to be spiritually reborn, so that we can reenter the Lord’s
presence in the flesh and receive promises that only He can make to us (see
John 17:3).
The outward
ordinances and commandments enable the inward or spiritual or actual changes
which happen when one is quickened by the Holy Spirit.
What key does this priesthood hold?
The
mysteries of the kingdom, even the key of the knowledge of God.
This
“key” seems to confirm the definition of the “gospel” given above and what is
required to have it administered to us – i.e. it is administered by God to man
in the flesh (v 21-22).
What is the key of the mysteries of the
kingdom?
The
key of the knowledge of God.
The
key which unlocks access to God, for God is a mystery until He reveals Himself
to you.
And a
sure knowledge of God requires entering into His presence (see 3 Nephi
11:14-15).
What is the “knowledge of God”?
It is
not just knowing of or knowing about God.
Knowledge
of God implies firsthand knowledge of Him through experience; it requires
entering back into His presence and beholding His face – it is experiential, as
it is with “knowing” anyone else (see D&C 84:22-23; 3 Nephi 11:14-15).
Ultimately,
it also means obtaining His knowledge (the knowledge that God has) or being
(made) like or becoming like Him, for we cannot know something we do not fully
comprehend, and we cannot comprehend a God unless we ourselves are sanctified and
changed to be like Him; knowledge of God requires knowing God, which requires
being precisely like God because He is infinite, and we must also be infinite
to be capable of knowing or comprehending Him.
What is “godliness” and how is it manifest?
It is
becoming precisely as He is – acquiring His character and attributes by
following His example and doing all His works.
And
by so doing, obtaining more light and knowledge (intelligence) or glory (God’s
power).
So,
manifesting the power of godliness is God or His power being manifested in this
mortal world.
What does it mean that “in the ordinances
thereof, the power of godliness is manifest”?
Ordinances
are not the “real thing”, but they are also more than just hollow rituals.
The
ordinances of the High Priesthood are necessary for anyone to be able to see
the face of God because they are an indispensable part of preparing you to part
the veil and enter His presence in the flesh (see Ether 12:19).
Ordinances
are intended to point the way to the real thing like a blueprint – they are a
necessary prerequisite or preparatory device; He gives us these truths to
reflect on, pray about and begin to exercise faith in; they introduce ideas to
mankind that we can have faith in seeking after; without the introduction of
these ideas through ordinances, we would be unaware of the privileges or
opportunities that God is offering us and we would not understand how to even
begin to experience them in real life because they would never occur to us.
Ordinances
contain covenants or promises that precede the reality of what has been
promised; they promise what is to come if one exercises sufficient faith by
believing the promise and doing what has been commanded (see Ether 12:32).
God
hides His truths in plain sight through ceremony and rites.
What is the difference between having a “form”
of Godliness (see JSH 1:19) and manifesting the power of Godliness?
A
form is a symbol or ceremony or ordinance; if it is not believed and acted on
in faith as a preparatory device or inherent promise, it is a “form” of
Godliness without power. The form or symbol alone is powerless.
And
having ordinances (even true ones) without power is a sign of faithlessness
because you did not believe and act on them to receive the “real thing” – which
is to manifest the actual power of Godliness through the veil and into the
physical world.
Do you have to hold the High Priesthood to see
God’s face?
The
verses don’t say you have to HOLD the priesthood, rather they say that the
ordinances of the priesthood prepare people to enter God’s presence (see 2
Nephi 26:33).
It is
receiving (and living according to) the ordinances, not administering the
ordinances, that enables you to see the face of God.
What does it mean, then, that
without the power and authority of the higher priesthood, no one can see the
face of the Father and live?
The ordinances that the High Priesthood officiates or
facilitates are necessary to prepare the individual to enter & see the face
of God.
One cannot officiate in the ordinances of the High Priesthood,
in an efficacious way, unless one has entered the presence of God for oneself.
Entering the presence of God means, by definition, forming a
relationship or association with Him.
That relationship is familial in nature (see Psalms 2:7) and
is entered into by covenant (see D&C 84:33-42, the oath and covenant) which
God extends to you.
You are changed or sanctified or quickened by that
association with God or you could not bear His presence.
The association with God through the veil and the attendant
power that comes with that association with God, is priesthood.
You must “hold” this priesthood or have the privilege of this
association or relationship with God, if you are to stand in the full glory of
His presence and not be utterly wasted (see D&C 107:18-19).
What does this mean for women?
Elohim (who had power in the priesthood) created
Adam in “His” image and conferred authority upon “him”, which invitation or
calling “he” received and sought after until “he” obtained it from God himself
and was sealed up to Eternal Life and received the Priesthood after the Holy
Order of God.
Both Elohim and Adam are plural names (Elohim means
“the Gods”, Adam was created in Elohim’s image, male AND female; Adam is a
surname, as in “the family of Adam” or Adam Adam and Eve Adam).
“Elohim” is
the holy man and holy woman who are “one God” - together they are infinite and
complete – together they are Elohim.
The woman is the King-maker (see Hugh Nibley, One
Eternal Round, p 156); her role is to create or establish the man as a king
on his throne, then in his first act as king, he establishes her on her throne and
a royal, immortal family is created. (Because King without Queen is doomed to
end but together they are infinite because of their seed - “this is my work and
my glory, to bring to pass the immortality and eternal life of man”); this is
the role that Mary performed for Christ when she anointed Him prior to His
death (see John 12:3-8); what comes first, the chicken or the egg? What is more important, to be the King or the
King-maker and Life Enabler?
So, what keys do the High Priesthood hold?
The
scriptural "greater" or "Melchizedek" priesthood actually
opens the heavens (see D&C 107:18-19).
Rending
the veil and entering the presence of God and His Church of the Firstborn
constitutes “all of the spiritual blessings of the (mortal) Church”; without
which they are just an association of mortals without any ability to be saved.
READ
D&C 107:53-56
What do we now understand about the fact that
Adam and his direct line of seven descendants were “high priests”?
They
had been given this authority by God Himself, individually.
They each
knew God; they had been in His presence.
They
each held the “birthright” in their “generation” to have “dominion” via the
Holy Order.
What was Adam trying to do with the “residue
of his posterity” at Adam-ondi-Ahman?
He
blessed them because he wanted to bring them into the presence of the Lord like
he had been and some of his sons and grandsons had been (see TPJS 180:3-4).
Which
he was able to do; Adam-ondi-Ahman was where they established Zion or the
beginnings of the city or group that Enoch was able to later take to heaven.
READ
D&C 84:23-25
What was Moses’ goal with regards to the
children of Israel?
To
teach them the truth about the High Priesthood of God – that it is what enables
one to enter the presence of God and live.
To
sanctify his people or teach them the principles that would enable them to go
to God and be sanctified by Him, so that they might also behold the face of God
as he had done.
Who can and should receive these blessings?
ALL people
- not just the leaders or priests or the men.
How did the children of Israel react to Moses’
invitation for them to enter God’s presence in the flesh?
They
hardened their hearts.
They
were fearful and lacked faith (see Exodus 20:18-21).
And
as a result, they could not endure God’s presence (see Hebrews 12:18-21).
At
the heart of it: they lacked the desire to enter God’s presence.
How did God react to their rejection of His
invitation?
He
was angry or offended.
He rescinded
His offer to them (see JST Exodus 34:1-2).
He
swore that they would not enter His presence or the fullness of His glory while
they lived.
He
took Moses out of their midst.
He
removed the High Priesthood from them.
What does it mean that God
took Moses out of their midst when he continued to reside with them for many
more years in the desert?
He was still with them physically but he was no longer
allowed to minister to them regarding the mysteries of the kingdom or how to
walk back into the presence of God and enter into His rest (see Alma 12:9; 2
Nephi 32:7).
They would have to live the preparatory gospel, which has the
keys to the ministering of angels, and each alone receive from the angels (when
they were ready to receive them) what they were unwilling to receive
collectively from Moses, which was the knowledge (or the law or commandments to
abide in) required to live in the Celestial Kingdom and receive the High
Priesthood.
What is the “rest of the
Lord”?
Entering into his presence and receiving the fullness of His
glory.
The glory of God is intelligence, light and truth (see
D&C 93:36).
The rest of the Lord is the light and truth of a perfect day
– think about not only staring straight at the sun at noon of Midsummer’s Day
but being on its surface… and the sun is only a symbol of the light of the Lord.
To enter His presence requires His glory be in you, so that
you can abide in it; you must be filled with light and truth – animated by it;
you must be able to comprehend things that are presently hidden.
What is implied by the fact that the Lord
wanted the children of Israel to enter His presence?
This
was critically important for them all – it wasn’t just a “cherry on top” or
treat for a few “righteous” leaders.
This
is the Fullness of the Gospel of Christ and is required of redemption and
salvation! (see D&C 132:21-25; Ether 3:13).
What is implied by the fact that Moses also
wanted them to enter God’s presence?
He
didn’t want to be the “strongman” leader anymore.
And
if no one need tell another “know ye the Lord” but all knew Him, Moses would
not have needed to play that role.
Moses
understood God’s work and glory and shared His goals.
What was Moses trying to build or establish?
A
kingdom of “High Priests and High Priestesses” each holding the Priesthood
after the Holiest Order of God.
A
nation of “Prophets” - a whole people who could behold the face of God and
receive His glory - who have received the “Testimony of Jehovah/Jesus” or
“Jesus’s testimony” from His own mouth (that He is who He says He is and that
they are sealed up to Eternal Life).
Zion
– a people who have all entered into God’s presence so that when He comes to
visit the community, none are “utterly wasted” at His appearing.
What is implied by the fact that the Lord
included this account in a revelation to Joseph Smith?
If
Adam wanted to bring his children into God's presence, and Moses wanted to
bring Israel into God's presence, then that is also what Joseph Smith wanted,
and D&C 84 (including the "oath and covenant" passage) should be
read in that context.
And
He is affording us the same invitation (see Hebrews 12:18-25).
Or at
least He afforded it to the Saints in 1832…but they rejected it and were
condemned; although the fact that He is still teaching them about the High
Priesthood in this same section held out hope for them and holds out hope for
us, that we can still attain to this knowledge of God.
You could “liken the scriptures” by replacing the
name “Moses” with the name “Joseph Smith” and the story would be just as
accurate – very few of the early Saints followed the doctrine revealed through
Joseph Smith sufficiently to experience the same things Joseph experienced –
and none of his successors as Church President did (only Assistant President Hyrum
Smith did); in fact, from the time of Reed Smoot’s calling into the Twelve, the
Apostles were no longer even charged with trying to make their apostolic calling
“in effect” by seeking to be a face to face witness of the Lord, and from the
time of Heber J Grant to the present, Church leaders have held a distain about
seeking the Second Comforter or really any spiritual experience outside the
“norm” or what they themselves may have experienced.
He
requires a similar Kingdom on Earth prior to His coming in Glory.
READ
D&C 84:26-27 and D&C 107:20
What priesthood were the
children of Israel left with?
The children of Israel had proved themselves to be unfit or
unready for greater things; when offered, they had refused the opportunity (see
Exodus 20:18-21), so they were left with the Aaronic priesthood, which is an
association with the Powers of Heaven or angels.
A preparatory gospel of outward ordinances and the law of
carnal commandments; a gospel or message of faith, repentance, baptism and
outwardly focused or behaviorally focused commandments and rites.
If that preparatory gospel is lived, the keys of the
ministering of angels inherent in the Aaronic priesthood will enable angels to
come to the earth to minister and restore the rest of the knowledge that was
lost to Israel when the High Priesthood was removed.
Why was the Lord so angry when they hardened
their hearts?
The
heavens weep when we disobey - they realize what our disobedience or apathy
means MUCH more than we do – or at least more than we do in the present moment.
Christ
suffered Eternal Punishment but it goes to waste (to some degree - it doesn’t
get the full return, at least) when we don’t come unto Him; the Children of
Israel would not come unto Him.
He
cannot look upon sin except with abhorrence - and they are breaking the prime
commandment: you shall have no Gods before me - you are not loving the Lord
your God because you will not put Him first in your life by coming unto Him.
Why was the lesser priesthood given?
To
prepare the people for the HOLY ORDER – the fullness of the Priesthood. There is still some hope in the Lord’s plan,
despite the “curse” of losing the High Priesthood – people can still rise up
and obtain it again individually, if they will follow the path the law of the
gospel, with its external ordinances, is trying to point them in.
While the majority of Israelites never rose up to claim the
blessings (almost all failed to receive angels to teach them how to enter the
presence of God), a few did and they became prophets that God sent back to
attempt to positively influence the rest to follow the same path; the apostasy
and wickedness of the institutional Church of the time did not have to prevent
the humble followers of Christ from finding Him, if they exercised the faith to
soften their hearts and hear God’s voice, and courage to buck the system by
following His counsel.
It is interesting to note that the only Israelite priest who
also held the High Priesthood after Moses was Samuel – all the others,
including Isaiah, Elijah, Jeremiah, Ezekiel, Lehi, Daniel, John the Baptist
etc., functioned outside the Church hierarchy and in many cases were sent back
with a message of repentance for the high priests and the people in the Church.
What does this imply about ministering angels,
the gospel of repentance and baptism, and the carnal commandments?
They
are designed to bring us into alignment with the desire, capability and
knowledge needed to receive the Holy Order when it is offered.
READ
D&C 84:28
What does it mean that John the Baptist was
given power to overthrow the Kingdom of the Jews, especially as they killed
him?
He
was given the power from God to end the dispensation of Moses and prepare the
way for the new Dispensation of Christ.
John
“wrested” the kingdom from the Jews but they did not notice it at the time, or
even now, as they still think they have it and are waiting for the Messiah (see
TPJS 312:1); implied is that the keys are God’s to give and if those to whom
they are given don’t actually use them, then they may be taken by God and given
to another and those who have lost them will not even know. Implied in this last idea is the fact that unless
you have true priesthood (an association with angels and gods across the veil)
with the spiritual experiences that come with it, you won’t know if you have
the “keys” or not. But it probably doesn’t
matter because effectively, you don’t have the keys anyway if you don’t have an
association with heaven; all you have is a claim to “authority” (without a
connection to heaven) which you can wield against the unsuspecting mortal masses
that also have no association with heaven – so they don’t know the difference.
READ
D&C 84:29
Why is an “office” like elder
a “necessary appendage to” the Priesthood and not an office IN the priesthood?
Office = a position of authority, trust or service, typically
of a public nature.
Appendage = a thing that is added or attached to something
larger or more important.
There are no “offices” in the priesthood; there are orders or
magnitudes of priesthood, particularly when the wickedness of men requires that
some elements of the priesthood be cordoned off from men because they lack the
godly attributes and light to handle them (see D&C 121:34-46); but the
priesthood itself is unitary – there is really just ONE priesthood or
association with the powers of heaven.
Offices reflect the requirements of an organization or
institution, with their responsibilities and decision rights; offices MAY be
administered much more effectively with Priesthood power but they are not
synonymous.
The
Oath and Covenant of the Priesthood
READ
D&C 84:33-40
What is an oath?
Oath
= a solemn affirmation or declaration made with an appeal to God for the truth
of what is affirmed; the appeal to God implies that the oath maker imprecates
His vengeance if the declaration is false; or if the oath is a promise, if the
oath maker should fail to deliver what was promised (see Webster’s 1828
Dictionary).
What is a covenant?
Covenant
= To enter into a formal agreement; to bind oneself by contract, with
associated terms for all parties (see Webster’s 1828 Dictionary).
Who makes “the oath and covenant of the
priesthood” and what is it?
The
Father makes the oath and the covenant to us; this is not an oath we swear to
Him.
Actually,
in this case, He makes a covenant with us, by an oath, which is the Father’s
word.
It is
how God delivers the high priesthood after the Holy Order of the Son of God to
us; we receive the covenant with an oath that God swears to us.
It is
not something that you aspire to or earn, but you accept it if/when offered by following
the covenantal conditions established by God to receive it.
The
priesthood – in particular this “high priesthood” is an association with the
Father Himself; so the oath and covenant of the priesthood which the Father
gives is His promise to you that He will have an association with you or that
you will be one with Him – in all aspects of what that word could mean – one in
mind (Holy Spirit), in capabilities (precisely like Him), in glory (a fullness
or completeness of His knowledge or intelligence), so that you are capable of
knowing Him and in fact, do (or will) know Him like He knows you, worlds
without end.
Why can’t the Father break this covenant?
He
cannot break it or He will cease to be God, as He is a god of truth and cannot
lie (and continue to be who He is).
He
swears it by His own life, which is eternal.
Implied
is that He is swearing on His own godhood and omniscience – He is saying, “I am
swearing this oath to you that you will receive this priesthood and all that it
enables you to become and to do regardless of your current state of progression
and light – I am promising you that this will happen by my life as a God and by
my power to command all things according to my will”.
What must we do to qualify for the Lord to
offer this covenant by oath to us?
Be
faithful unto obtaining the “two priesthoods” – this is referring to obtaining
the first two orders of Priesthood which the Church had (see D&C 107:1) of
the three priesthood orders mentioned by Joseph Smith (see TPJS 362-363), but
not the High Priesthood which can only be obtained from God Himself – that “heavenly gift” cannot be passed from
one man to another.
Magnifying
your “calling” – this is not referring to a calling in the Church but to a
calling into the Priesthood, for many are called but few are chosen (see
D&C 121:34-46); chosen is a “self-election” in this case – it is magnifying
yourself by pursuing the calling or invitation to receive the first two orders
of Priesthood and gaining an association with angels (first) and Christ (second),
so that Jesus can prepare you to receive the fullness or High Priesthood from
the Father.
If priesthood is an association between
mankind and gods/angels, what does it mean to magnify your “calling” in the
priesthood?
Magnifying a priesthood is cultivating a
relationship with the angels or Gods associated with that priesthood; you have
been “called” or invited to have a relationship with angels, the Lord, and
Elohim (Father and Mother), magnifying that calling means rising up in faith
and action to actually have those relationships in the flesh, so that you can
have them again in the eternities.
It means to enable the work and power of God to
flow through the veil from the heavens to the earth through you and those on
the other side you are communicating or associating with – as God will honor
our agency and will not intervene in this world unless we “pull Him in” through
our association with Him.
It is about obtaining and keeping a habitation or
long term association with the powers of heaven (gods and angels); it is not
just about visitation but habitation – constant companions or living together
in close proximity; making your home and ultimately, your body, a place where
gods, angels and the Holy Spirit can dwell.
The powers of heaven (gods and angels) cannot be
controlled or handled, only upon the principles of righteousness – by persuasion,
meekness, and love unfeigned; otherwise the priesthood or the association with
gods and angels will be broken – they will withdraw themselves from you and the
Holy Spirit or light/spirit/glory of God will also withdraw and you will be
left in darkness (see D&C 121:36-37, 41-46; Alma 12:9-11).
How do you cultivate a relationship with Gods
and angels?
As
with anyone, you must desire to know them.
You
should find out about them – by reading the accounts of others’ experiences
with them; i.e. the scriptures.
You
must seek an introduction to them – prayer and meditation (waiting/watching/listening).
You
must feel an affection for them; this will cause you to want to please them –
reflect on all they have done for you (see 1 John 4:19); we please angels by
serving God – they want to affiliate with those who love God and are seeking
after light like they are (see 1 Nephi 11:6).
To
please God, you must keep the commandments and do His will (see 1 Thessalonians
4:1-2); God’s will or work and glory is our immortality and eternal life (see
Moses 1:39); pleasing God, then, is about participating in His work – both for
yourself and for all of His other children, your fellow beings; we must love
and serve God and each other (see Mosiah 2:17).
A
relationship implies knowing someone, which does not happen at the first
meeting but requires spending time together and seeking to truly comprehend
each other; we must be with them physically – doing things they like to do,
sharing things we like to do, working and playing together, going through hard
times and joyous ones together, eating together and talking deeply about the
things that matter most to both – sharing one’s must heartfelt desires and
thoughts; it ultimately means taking up one’s “habitation” together (see John
14:23; D&C 130:3; 1 John 3:24; Revelation 3:20).
A
relationship implies deep love for each other; if we love God, we will keep His
commandments (see John 14:15); if we keep His commandments we will be filled
with light and comprehend Him better – one day you will comprehend Him
completely because you will be precisely like Him (see D&C 130: 18-21;
D&C 88:49, 67; LoF 7:9, 15-16); to truly love Him, we must comprehend Him –
otherwise we only love an idea which we’ve invented, not the true and living
God Himself, who we don’t know and can’t understand.
If we
truly and deeply love someone, we will sacrifice all things for them – we will
lose or sacrifice our lives for them (see John 15:13; Matthew 16:24-26; Helaman
10:4-7); it is the same with God; when we get to the point that we will offer
all things to Him because we love Him, we will know Him because that is what He
has done for us; just as a child can’t understand the love a parent has for
her/him until the child grows up to be a parent themselves, neither can we
comprehend the love the Lord has for us until we follow His example and perform
an atonement to save those depending upon us (see TPJS 390-393).
What does receiving these priesthoods make you?
A
“son” of the “fathers” (84:34 and D&C 2) – Aaronic fathers (Moses and Aaron
who are “sons of Levi”) and Melchizedek fathers (the seed of Abraham who is the
father of the righteous and one of the fathers to whom we must be connected or
be utterly wasted at the Lord’s return); this refers to the “welded link” that
must exist from Adam down to the last Son of God in an unbroken chain of
“fathers” and “sons” (albeit adopted, as taught by Joseph Smith).
The
elect of God (a “son of God”) or one who has been elected into the Church of the
Firstborn who are sons and daughters of God and part of His kingdom or family
or royal blood.
It is
the Abrahamic covenant - this is the same Priesthood that Abraham is seeking
after in Abraham 1 - the “blessings of the fathers” - to possess greater knowledge,
greater righteousness and be a father of nations - to become a rightful heir, a
High Priest (see Abraham 1:2).
What do those who obtain and magnify these
priesthoods receive?
A
“renewed” body through the sanctifying action of the Holy Spirit.
True
messengers/servants (v36).
Christ
in the flesh (v35).
The
Father (v37; D&C 84:19-22; Mosiah 5:15), through or because of the ministry
of the Son, who enables and makes that introduction (see D&C 88:75).
All
that the Father has (v38) or the promise of exaltation and eternal life; they
have knowledge from the Father that they are His and will inherit all He has.
How are these promises received?
By an
oath and covenant (v39).
From
God Himself (v40).
When is the oath and covenant given by the
Father to the individual?
In this
life, which requires a great deal of faith to receive it.
So
that it will be efficacious in the eternities.
Why does the Father desire to extend to us
this High Priesthood through His “oath and covenant”?
He
wants us to KNOW Him, which is eternal life – but we can’t do that unless we
enter His presence and we must have this priesthood or association to be able
to do that.
He
wants us to follow His example and be LIKE Him, which requires us holding the
same power He does so that we may serve and love our brothers and sisters as He
does.
Our
work and our glory becomes enabling the immortality and eternal life of mankind
by ministering, blessing, serving, and persuading all to repent and come UNTO
Christ themselves.
We
become GUIDES to others, pointing the way and bearing testimony of His grace
and greatness, because we have traveled the road ourselves and we KNOW that it
leads to Him; and we KNOW Him as He knows us (or at least to the degree we can,
given our level of progression).
READ
D&C 84:41-42
How do we know that we are NOT talking about
an ordination to the office of High Priest in the Melchizedek Priesthood in the
Church, as we traditionally understand it?
If we
break this covenant with the Father, there is no forgiveness in this world or
the next - it sounds like SON OF PERDITION, which requires being sealed up to
Eternal Life and knowing the Father and the Son (v41).
We
have received the sealing power (JST Gen 14:30-31).
We
have obtained knowledge of God from the Son and a covenant from the Father – we
have perfect knowledge of them and our standing before them which they have
promised us with an oath they cannot break; therefore, to turn away from them
after this is to rebel against the Godhead with full knowledge of what we are
doing.
Who is commanded to receive this priesthood?
ALL
who have been ordained or called (v42).
This
is not just for the “Prophets” - this section of the D&C was given to a
bunch of regular missionaries upon their return.
Who teaches you the way to “magnify” this
priesthood?
The
Father (v47-48).
This
is a great example of things that MUST be learned but CANNOT be taught by man
to man.
What happens to us if we are not faithful in
obtaining this Highest Priesthood?
“Wo”
- a cursing (v42).
When
the Lord offers a gift, He expects us to love Him enough to value it and do
what it takes to receive it.
If
you do not receive this priesthood, you do not receive the fullness of the
gospel and you do not have the knowledge that will save you.
Are we under condemnation for not receiving
this Priesthood in greater numbers?
Yes -
this is the context in which the Lord gives His “condemnation” of the LDS
Church for not taking the Book of Mormon and former commandments seriously -
“not only to say, but to DO according to that which I have written” (v54-59).
As an
aside, what does this context tell you about the true purpose of the Book of
Mormon?
We have been called but a massive majority
have not been chosen, so who does the “choosing”?
Ultimately
the Father chooses, but for all intents and purposes, we choose.
Chosen
is a “SELF-ELECTION”, as we each “elect” to humble ourselves and come unto
Christ, keep His commandments and be filled with light.
READ
D&C 84:43-48
What is the “word of the Lord”?
Word
of the Lord = truth = light = spirit (of Christ).
Light
and truth = intelligence (see D&C 93:36); and Christ was more intelligent
(had more light and truth within Him or in other words, was the embodiment of
the word of the Lord because He fully submitted to it and obeyed it until He
had become one with it) than all the rest (see Abraham 3:19; Alma 13:3-5).
Since
the “word of the Lord” is truth, the power of the word is not in the sound that
it makes (even in one’s head) but in the nature of the truth conveyed; in other
words, it’s about the intelligence (which is light and truth) that the word can
impart – not just to know something that is true but to align one’s life with
that truth (i.e. obedience to commandments); that is how one grows in
intelligence and light, or truth, and “becomes” the “word” of God, as Christ
did – they embody God’s words or truth because they have chosen to follow it to
the degree that it has become them and they have grown in intelligence and
light because of it. It is not just
about being an academic scriptorian – a “scribe” or scholar.
It is
for this reason that “keys” refer to a “key of knowledge” not a “right to
direct or command or authorize” work (or ordinances); an ordinance has power
when it comes from God – when His “word” is bound to honor it because He said
He would and cannot lie; it is also for this reason that words or sounds are
neither good or bad and have no power to harm us (as in “someone’s language was
harmful to these young children who heard it” or a “spell” from Harry Potter
where the inherent sound of the words has a physical effect – but rather the
power is in the truth of the meaning of the intelligence conveyed).
This
is another reason why the vain repetition of words or using a word
thoughtlessly is frowned upon, as the meaning is lost or even forgotten; i.e.
people don’t use “swear” or “curse” words literally but as curses (or in some
cases, they use them as thoughtless filler) – the emotion that accompanies the
use of the word confirms the meaning much more than the meaning of the actual
word or the sound of the word and that is where the actual curse is conveyed –
it’s the negative, hate filled intent of the energy that one gives to another
that is the curse; it’s the opposite of someone healing another with light or
positively charged energy intended to bless.
What is the connection between living by God’s
every word and gaining the Spirit of Christ?
Obedience
to the commandments, which is aligning our behavior with eternal law (or at
least that part of eternal law that the Lord has revealed to us, at our stage
of progression), quickens the individual’s spirit or increases the amount of
light within their spirit.
As
light cleaves to light (see D&C 88:40), the more light one has within them,
the more attracted they are to the Spirit of Christ and the more the Spirit of
Christ is able to abide within them.
Why does the Lord say “live by every word” not
“live by every feeling”?
The
Spirit of truth teaches not by issuing a feeling but by giving the word (intelligence)
of truth (see D&C 91:4; D&C 88:66).
The
Holy Spirit acts on your spirit and your body; your reaction to that
interaction could trigger an emotion, a thought or a physical sensation - but
so could your reaction to a good movie or piece of music – it is critical to
realize that emotions are not the Spirit.
Revelation
is about hearing and understanding Him, not feeling something.
The
Spirit is pure intelligence (see TPJS 328; 151; 51; 149; 2 Nephi 32:5).
How does the Spirit of Christ guide us to
obtain the High Priesthood?
Spirit
gives light to everyone who is born.
It
enlightens (grows within) everyone that hearkens (listens and obeys) it.
Which
is done by keeping the commandments or aligning our behavior with eternal law.
Which
fills us with light, spirit and truth, as a natural consequence.
Until
it leads the person back to the Father to learn of and receive this
covenant/oath.
Is it possible to live by every word that
proceeds from the mouth of God?
Yes,
otherwise we wouldn’t be commanded to do so (see 1 Nephi 3:7; 1 Corinthians
10:13); because
God has promised that He will never give you a commandment that you do not have
the capacity to obey, you can know that the only reason for your disobedience is
a lack of desire (2 Nephi 2:27-28; Alma 40:11-14; JST Matthew 16:26; Alma 5:41;
John 14:15-23; Alma 24:19; JST Mark 8:37) and the only reason for your failure
is a lack of faith.
Implied is that
we can be confident or have faith in the idea that any commandment of which we
are personally aware is within our capacity to fully obey! This is a profound truth that ought to lead
to significant change in our lives.
God
cannot save sinners in their sins, only from their sins (Alma 11:34-35) and
sinning removes one from the path to eternal life by cutting you off from God’s
presence as He cannot tolerate even the least degree of sin (see Alma 45:16).
Becoming
“sinless” in this life or living by every word that proceeds from the mouth of
God requires a great deal of faith in God – if He says we can do it, do we
believe Him? If not, we will never even
attempt it.
As
the goal of the gospel and our mortal probation is to achieve the promise of
our immortality and eternal life, and as Christ is the prototype of the saved being
and is only saved because He is precisely what He is (see LoF 7:9, 15-16), the
objective of the gospel is to produce sinless men and women (see Colossians
1:28; Ephesians 4:13; Mormon 9:3-6; 1 John 3:1-10; Moroni 7:48).
People
who are capable of sin cannot endure God’s presence because as soon as they sin
again (even if initially forgiven), they would rather cease to exist than stay
in His presence (see Alma 38:1; Mormon 9:3-5), so we need to become precisely
like Christ anyway.
The
secret is that, in our current state or at our current level of progression, we
cannot keep ALL of the commandments that Christ kept during His mortal life on
this earth, but we have been told by God that we can “live by every word that
proceeds from His mouth” or in other words, as He gives us commandments, either
universally through the scriptures or personally through revelation, He knows
we already have the ability to keep those commandments if we try our hardest
and rely on Him to sanctify or quicken us, which increases our capabilities and
changes our desires by filling us with additional light, knowledge, truth and
spirit.
If
you continue faithful, God will reveal more and more to you; God will increase
the difficulty of each commandment to correspond to your increasing spiritual
strength.
As
you are able to bear them (sanctification or the strengthening of your
spiritual capabilities), He will eventually reveal to you all the laws that you
must live by to be comfortable in His presence (the Celestial Eternal Law), and
He will extend to you the High Priesthood, through covenant with an oath He
cannot break.
Keeping all of God’s commandments (to the
level of the Celestial law) is the only way to dwell in His presence (1 John
3:19-22; 1 John 3:20-24) in this life and the next.
How can you tell when a person is in
possession of this priesthood?
Their
conduct is altogether different; they possess “love unfeigned” for those to
whom they minister because they have accepted Christ’s “yoke” and walk His walk
– and in return He bestows charity as an endowment or grace or gift of His
Spirit to them.
Since
it is impossible to compel men to salvation, the priesthood can only invite,
and persuade; the priesthood holder acknowledges they have the burden to
persuade and to convince, and cannot simply say something is so because they
have “authority” (D&C 121: 41).
The
Church Under Condemnation
READ
D&C 84:49-53
What is sin?
Sin
is acting and being out of alignment with eternal law, to any degree.
Disobeying
God’s commandments – which is the embodiment of eternal law for us in this
mortal state (it is a subset of the fullness of eternal law).
Why is sin a bondage?
Being
out of alignment with eternal law results in a darkening of the individual’s
spirit – it is the opposite of quickening and results in one not being able to
see things as they really are (truth) and becoming muddled or mistaking truth
for falsehood and visa-versa, which is unbelief (see Alma 12:9-11; D&C
93:24).
Sin
results in losing intelligence (see D&C 93:36-37, 39) and it constrains our
decision making now and our opportunities going forward.
What is the result of this bondage to sin?
The
people will not come unto Christ; this is not a metaphorical concept, they will
not come unto Christ in the flesh, partly because they have lost the desire to
come unto Him, partly because they do not know the way, and partly because they
lack the faith in Christ or obedience to be filled with sufficient light.
They
think it is foolishness – both the need to do it and the possibility of
achieving it, in this life at least.
They
may even suggest that it is evil or a “trick of the adversary” to think that
coming unto Christ is needed – calling good evil; they may redefine what it
means to “come unto Christ” as some metaphorical concept instead of an actual
knowledge of the Lord – again calling evil good…showing how dark or muddled
their minds have become.
Although
it is a bit of a circular argument, those who are under the bondage of sin will
not seek for God, as their minds’ are darkened; and unless or until one comes
unto Christ and the Father in the flesh, they are under the bondage of sin.
How can you know if you are in the bondage of
sin?
You
have not come unto Christ in the flesh.
You
do not receive revelation from Christ – His own voice to you in a way you
cannot deny.
READ
D&C 84:54-59
What brought the Church into condemnation in
1832?
Vanity
– trifling labor that produces nothing of value; emptiness; fruitless desire or
endeavor; want of substance to satisfy desire.
Unbelief
– believing things that are not true or rejecting the truth or some aspect of
the truth and then “dwindling” or losing truth and light as a result (see Alma
12:10-11).
Treating
lightly the things that had been given to the Church, specifically the covenant
of the Book of Mormon.
What is unbelief and how does it darken the
mind?
Unbelief
is believing (which leads to having faith in or taking action based on…) things
that are not true.
Unbelief
will never bear “good” fruit in time or eternity because the tenants upon which
it is based are not true or real.
Unbelief
darkens the mind because it is not true; and truth is light, spirit, glory and
intelligence (see D&C 84:45; D&C 93:36), so the opposite or lack of
light is darkness; in other words, truth is light and falsehood is darkness.
It is
the mind or spirit that is darkened, making it “muddled” or “asleep” or unable
to comprehend things of light (see D&C 88:11; D&C 93:39).
Truth
is understanding or comprehending all things (both things that must be
“ascended” to understand and things that must be “descended” to understand –
see D&C 88:6, 41); one must understand the dark and the light, but it takes
light or intelligence to do this – a darkened mind cannot comprehend the light
(see Alma 12:9-11; D&C 88:49) or the darkness, ironically.
Truth
or light is gained by aligning oneself with eternal law, or in other words,
keeping God’s commandments (see D&C 93:28; D&C 88:36-39, 21-24; D&C
130:18-21).
What does the Lord mean when He accuses the
Church of vanity?
Vanity
= emptiness; fruitless desire or endeavor; trifling labor that produces no
good; untruth (see Webster’s 1828 Dictionary).
Vanity
is uselessness.
Vanity
in this case is assuming that one is saved based on what is given (special
knowledge or relational covenants) - on some “chosen” status.
As a
result of taking lightly the need to actually enter and abide by the covenants
and knowledge offered to the Church by the Lord, which should have led to
coming unto Christ individually as the children of Israel were also invited to
do, it is vain or useless to assume that the Church has anything more than
anyone else in the world – it is like the old adage that not opening one’s
scriptures is the same as not having scripture at all; but in fact the Church
is worse off, as they are condemned for not accepting what was offered to them.
What is condemnation?
Condemnation
= the state of being pronounced or judged or declared to be utterly wrong or
guilty and doomed to a state of punishment; to be censured or blamed; the state
of being unfit for service or use (see 1828 Webster’s Dictionary).
To be
cursed with a judgement for having failed in an obligation.
To be
officially rejected.
How is the Book of Mormon (or
other written scriptures) a covenant?
The Book of Mormon (and the “former commandments” contained
in modern scripture) constitutes a “law and covenant” which the Gentiles and
the Remnant must enter into if they are to be sanctified enough to build Zion.
The Book of Mormon was preserved to come forth in the last
days to restore the Lord’s covenant people – for all who will come (see 3 Nephi
16:5-13; Alma 42:27).
If one abides by or aligns their behavior or performance with
celestial law, they will inherit a celestial glory because they will be filled
with a degree of light which can abide that glory or state (see D&C 93:28; D&C 88:36-39, 21-24;
D&C 130:18-21).
How has the Church treated
lightly the things that it has received?
It has taken lightly (i.e. rejected) the need to receive the
Oath and Covenant of the Priesthood from the Father.
It has taken lightly (i.e. rejected) the Fullness of the
Gospel of Christ as taught and testified to in the Book of Mormon – in other words,
it has rejected the need to come unto Christ in this life as a condition of
salvation in the Celestial Kingdom.
The Gentile Church in the latter days “perceived not the
light and they turned their hearts from Christ because of the precepts of men”
(see John 1:5, 10-12; 1 Nephi 13:35-37).
This rejection of the Fullness of the Gospel has been
articulated recently by current apostles (see Dallin Oaks, Boise ID June 17,
2015 Fireside talk – the “Boise Rescue”; D&C 76:51, 74, 79, 82) but it has
always been the case when you think about the extremely small number of early
Saints who went on to experience the Fullness of the Gospel themselves, with
Hyrum Smith the only other one who received the sealing power, although it was
offered to all who would come unto Christ (see D&C 124:91-96).
What is the result of the Church being under
condemnation?
There
remains a “scourge and judgement” that has been and will continue to be “poured
out” upon the children of Zion.
But
at some point the times of the Gentiles will be past and the opportunity will
be taken from us (see 3 Nephi 16:10-11; D&C 112:23-26).
Was that condemnation ever lifted?
No,
in fact it was reiterated in 1841 (see D&C 124) and in modern times by
President Benson (see Teachings of Ezra Taft Benson, p 51 and 64 or “Cleansing
the Inner Vessel” April 1986 General Conference or “The Book of Mormon” Oct
1986 GC) and Dallin Oaks (“Another Testament of Jesus Christ” June 6,1993 at
CES satellite fireside from BYU).
What will lift the condemnation?
Repenting
by remembering (i.e. practicing) the new covenant contained in the Book of
Mormon and the D&C.
The
condemnation remains only because we will not repent – it is completely up to
us and the Lord continues to feel after us in the hopes that we will heed His
voice and repent (see 3 Nephi 10:6).
What is the purpose of this covenant?
To
establish Zion in the latter days – which will primarily consist of the Remnant
of Israel but will be begun by the Gentiles – they will do the initial
gathering but they must have entered the covenant first themselves.
To
enable a people to enter the rest of the Lord or His glory before the great day
of His coming in glory, so that they might be able to survive that day and not
be utterly wasted, because they, too, have a portion of that glory within them
and can abide in it.
The
covenant enables the sanctification necessary to enter the rest of the Lord in
the flesh; it will enable Christ to manifest Himself to them in word, in power,
and in very deed (see 1 Nephi 14:1-2).
The
purpose of the covenant was not to establish a traditional church but enable
the Church of the Firstborn or Zion on earth.
Does the priesthood of God exist separate from
the Church and what is implied?
Yes,
John the Baptist is the example (see Matthew 21:23-27); the Jewish church
leaders had not given John his authority and yet he demonstrated authority from
God in his works and his teachings; in fact, John “wrested” God’s authority
from the Jews and was the sole “legal administrator” in the affairs of the
kingdom of God, separate from the Church (see TPJS 307-309).
Yes,
the Aaronic priesthood was restored and people were baptized to Christ in 1829,
prior to the establishment of the Church; these baptisms were efficacious with
regards to the covenant with Christ, although they did not bestow membership in
the Church.
Implied
is that the priesthood is not dependent upon the Church to operate (including
performing ordinances), although the Church is dependent upon priesthood to
ensure that what ordinances it performs on earth are honored in heaven.
So if the Church goes into apostasy and loses the
High Priesthood (see D&C 84:23-27; D&C 124:91-96), that does not mean
that individuals within the Church who already possess it (i.e. Joseph and
Hyrum Smith, Moses, etc.) lose their authority although they may be constrained
in its use with regards to the Church or its members (see D&C 84:25);
neither does it mean that others within the Church cannot rise up and obtain
that Priesthood for themselves despite the fact that the leadership or Church
in general does not possess it (see 1 Nephi 1:4-8, 18-20); neither does it mean
that others outside the official “Church” cannot be given the priesthood (see
Matthew 21:23-27; D&C 133:26; Mosiah 11:4-5, 20, 27).
As this power is not dependent upon the
righteousness of the Church but is given to man by God Himself, if the Lord
gives one this power only He can take it away from that individual again; Church
excommunication will not remove it.
What does it mean “not only
to say but to do” what has been written?
Professing belief is not enough, we must align our behavior
with the commandments of God.
Aligning our behavior with the commandments of God is intended
to both a) lead to an internal or spiritual awakening and rebirth, and b) be
the natural result of such a spiritual awakening or rebirth.
God’s law or commandments are written or are “words” so that
we might be able to better receive them; however, we must take them into our
hearts, or receive them from God as a result of being quickened, to truly
understand them and be changed by them.
Signs
Shall Follow Them That Believe
READ
D&C 84:63-73
Why do signs follow an efficacious baptism by
water and fire?
To
give demonstrative proof to both the individual who has entered the covenant
and those who have not that God and His power is real and living!
To
bless those who have entered into the covenant.
To
show that God’s hand is truly in the ordinance (see Mark 16:17-18; Mormon 9:24;
Matthew 9:4-7).
Because
the ordinance is just an invitation to receive a true spiritual gift – in this
case, to receive the Holy Spirit and have one’s spirit be sanctified or changed
or quickened, to be more filled with light and have new desires.
And
those who have this new, intimate relationship with God through His Spirit can
influence the physical world by enabling the power of God to be manifest in it
more obviously, for the blessing of the lives of those around them and to be an
ensign to others that “here is God; come and see for yourselves”.
How do you know if someone
actually possesses the High Priesthood?
They will demonstrate at least some of the signs or fruits
that are the right of that priesthood to perform (see JST Genesis 14:27-33;
Helaman 10:4-11).
But you will not be able to tell this from a Church calling
or their own testimony alone.
God can reveal it to you, if it is His will for you to know;
an example is how God told Abraham that Melchizedek possessed the High
Priesthood and inspired him to leave his country and journey into the wild to
find Melchizedek to receive an ordination, blessing and knowledge of the ways
of God at his hand (see Abraham 1:1-5, 16-19; JST Genesis 14:25-40).
READ
D&C 84:74
What is damnation?
It is
to be stopped in one’s ability to progress and become like God.
It is
to be separated from God’s presence.
What will damn people?
Their
refusal to heed the call of God and His servants who have been born of the
Spirit - and choose not to be baptized by water that they may receive the Holy
Ghost.
What is implied about those who are damned?
They
shall not come into the Father’s kingdom, where Christ and the Father are;
except to be judged and quickly exited again.
It is
not clear to me whether or not they will have additional opportunities or that
they are damned or stopped from progressing into God’s presence completely (it
is clear they won’t in this eternity but will they get additional chances in
future eternities?).
READ
D&C 84:88
What surprise will those that receive Christ’s
servants receive?
They
will find the Lord, because He makes His abode with His servants.
This
will not be obvious to others at first, as they must first “receive” the
servant to find out that the Master is there with the servant.
What is the nature of the relationship the
Lord has with His High Priests (v63)?
He is
with them; He has taken up His abode with them.
He
will go before their faces – He will make a way for them.
He
will be on their right hand side and on their left hand side – He will be their
companion to the degree that they need no others.
His
Spirit will be within them, in their hearts, to animate them, to be intimately
close to them and to help them to be as He is, as they listen to Him and align
their will with the guidance, they receive more light from Him, from moment to
moment via His Spirit (which is the mind of God).
He
will send His angels to protect them and strengthen them and bring them to Him
in the heavens from time to time (to bear them up through the fiery portal).
READ
D&C 84:98-102
What kind of relationship does the Lord want
with all mankind?
He
wants to know us all personally, from the least of us to the greatest.
He
wants us to see eye to eye with Him – to be like Him, to be able to comprehend
Him.
He
wants us to have knowledge of Him (see 3 Nephi 11:14-15).
What does He mean “who remain”?
The
time in earth’s history when “all” the inhabitants of the earth shall know Him
will be when those who don’t already know Him and are unable to withstand His
presence have been utterly wasted and removed from the earth.
This
is referring to the Millennium, after the refining and purging which will sadly
take the lives of the great, great majority of people that live on the earth
today, unless they repent (and the prophesy is that they won’t – including “Israel”).
What is implied about the fact that all will
know Christ, from the least to the greatest?
All
those who know Him have eternal life (see John 17:3), which is the greatest of
all gifts (see D&C 14:7).
Christ’s
definition of what constitutes “least” and what constitutes “greatest” is
different from ours (see Luke 22:24-27).
By
the world’s definition of “least” and “greatest”, there will be a cross-section
of people who will actually come unto Christ and know Him.
What is the “new song” that those who know
Christ will sing?
It is
a song of worship.
It is
a song of rejoicing and redemption or freedom from sin and from the travails of
this mortal life.
It is
the new song mentioned in Psalms 40, Isaiah 42:10, Revelation 14:3 which only
those 144,000 which will be sealed up to eternal life can learn.
