Prophetic Crossroads - A Cautionary Tale : Part-4B - Discipleship

Discipleship

“The word “disciple” is derived from discipline. A disciple follows the Master” (A Glossary of Gospel Terms, Disciple, second edition, p. 78, emphasis added).

 

          A disciple is a strict practitioner of their mentor’s example. Christians claim discipleship to Christ verbally while their actions may lack devotion to His discipline. They believe His grace fills the gap in relation to their conduct and profession of belief, no matter the distance. His ability to do so goes without question. All is possible for God. However divine justice requires us to bear responsibility as well. [1]

          Failure to understand our responsibility as part of the covenant relationship is where we fall short. Christ bears our suffering for sin if we surrender our sins and follow His example. [2] To the extent we are sincere in pursuing a devout course of discipleship His grace covers the immense deficit. Failure to repent places the responsibility for suffering consequences squarely upon us. [3]

          The Atonement of Christ was structured after this pattern to transform our hearts from their natural state to a godly state. [4] Christ’s Atonement is free to all but godly justice requires the sinner to bear responsibility as well. Once we are cleansed from sin through the Savior’s Atonement we must choose to press on “in Christ” [5] to become His children and joint heirs with Him.[6]

 

“Each stage of development has conditions, limitations, and an agenda. Right now one is only accountable for seeking a fullness of what pertains to mortality. “We are not here to ‘get exalted.’ We are here to continue the progression which began a long time before our current birth [pre-mortality]. At the moment, you are being ‘added upon’ by what you experience here (see Abraham 6:2). At some point, you will have received what you need in this sphere, and can move on to the next stage of development. When you have gained everything you need from this life, you will have received the ‘fullness’ from God. It is called the ‘fullness’ because it is all that can be obtained here. It is not possible, however, to inherit everything God ultimately offers while here.” Jesus lived as the example, proving the pattern for redemption from the Fall as he progressed from grace to grace, until he received a fullness, or in other words, grew in light and truth until he was filled with truth and stands as the light of the world. And in this way He qualified to be called to become the Son of God, because He received not of the fullness at the first. And I, John, bear record that He received a fullness of the glory of the Father. And He received all power, both in heaven and on earth, and the glory of the Father was with Him, for he dwelt in Him. The Lord explained in the “Answer to Prayer for Covenant” that the fullness is to receive the truth of all things, and this too from me, in power, by my word and in very deed (T&C 157:53)" (A Glossary of Gospel Terms, Fullness, second edition, pp.115-116; emphasis added).

 

There are differing opinions on how discipleship is accomplished. Those interpretations may or may not measure the degree one practices their Master’s discipline.

          Misinterpretations about how God’s grace applies in our lives influences a person’s approach to discipleship that is not always harmonious with the Lord’s example.

          In Lehi’s dream of the Tree of Life, Lehi beheld the rod of iron [word of God] leading to the Tree with the most desirable fruit. The rod ran parallel to the straight and narrow path leading to the Tree. As multitudes pressed forward there arose mists of darkness, like a thick fog making it impossible to navigate the strait path by sight alone. Dark mists are lies, deceptions, and temptations of Satan.

          Pressing through dark mists is impossible without grasping the rod of iron and relying on the rod guiding us through the mists to the Tree. This is due to our impaired vision [lack of light and truth].

 

“Then I saw an iron railing extending along the riverbank, leading to the tree next to me. I also saw a straight and narrow path that ran along the iron railing all the way to the tree beside me. [7] It also led by the source of the river to a large and spacious field, as big as the earth itself. And I saw innumerable throngs of people, many of them pressing forward so they could reach the path that led to the tree I was standing next to. They moved forward and started on the path leading to the tree. Then a great dark cloud came up and those who had started on the path lost their way, wandering off and becoming lost [they failed to take hold of the iron railing]. And I saw others pressing forward. They came and caught hold of the end of the iron railing and moved forward through the dark clouds, clinging to the iron railing until they arrived and ate some of the fruit from the tree. After they had eaten fruit from the tree, they looked around as if ashamed [released their grip on the rod of iron?]” (CofC 1 Nephi 2:10; emphasis added).

 

          It is instructive to consider how events described in Lehi’s dream played out in Lehi’s life. In Jerusalem is where he first partook of the fruit. [8] After Lehi experienced visions he wrote them down and taught them to his children [Lehi’s way of beckoning to them]. [9] This is a pattern for those God reveals Himself to. They write by the inspiration of God to testify and instruct their children. [10] Nephi followed his father’s example in writing revelations, prophecies and instructions the Lord gave him for his benefit and the benefit of his children [the reason I write these papers]. [11] 

          Adam, down through the Patriarch’s came to know God and received revelations and prophecies from Him. [12] Righteous fathers wrote the content and it became scripture for instructing their children in language and doctrine. Those who followed this pattern formed a “Priesthood” perpetuating through many generations. [13]

         After the fall of Adam their language became defiled. This led to a loss of light and truth as it passed to their posterity. [14] These fathers possessed knowledge of God and His economy. Tempered by their wife’s wisdom, their posterity was instructed by harmonizing gifts from righteous fathers and mothers for their children’s instruction. This is why the Lord gave to Joseph Smith a temple endowment dating back to Adam and Eve. Joseph Smith knew this Priesthood would be returned in the last days. [15] It is essential for the kingdom of God on Earth’s preparation for a union with the kingdom of God in Heaven.

          Laying hold of the rod of iron or word of God is not solely obeying God’s commandment. There are practical reasons we overlook by over-simplifying the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

As corrupt as some of the scriptures have become they remain the purest words and language. They are the teachings of Jesus Christ and His true disciples. That is why Nephi delighted in writing and pondering scripture. [16] Like Nephi, when we feast on the Lord’s word the Spirit of God sanctifies us as we gain enlightenment.

          Surrendering to our ignorance of scripture and relying on others to lead us keeps us from finding the Lord and becoming true disciples. We remain mired in mists of darkness relying solely upon institutional righteousness. Staying on the straight and narrow path is only accomplished when we seek the Lord and His word while navigating through Satan’s dark mists. Seeing may be believing but when you pass through dark fog your vision is impaired. If we have words of Christ and true discipleship in our hearts our language and thoughts become sanctified. We receive means for partaking of the most precious fruit and beckoning our posterity to follow us in righteousness.

 

Give Diligent Heed to the Words of Eternal Life

 

          Christ was the literal embodiment of the Father’s words. [17] Only by doing the will of the Father in all things could Jesus present Himself as our example. As such He leads us to the throne of our Father in Heaven.

 

“Jesus said bluntly, I am the bread that gives life; he that follows the path with me will never hunger for light; and any who believe on me shall never thirst for truth.

Unfortunately, as I have already told you, even though you have seen me, you do not believe me. But my Father has provided some who will heed my words, and those who follow me I will safely keep. I am descended from above as a Messenger sent to follow Father Ahman’s plan. Father’s plan is that by completing my ascent I will have the power to rescue creation, losing nothing. Moreover, those who are here on this journey with me will be added upon for evermore if they have faith in me. They will rise up to likewise generate endless lives, worlds without end. (RE T&C 171, Testimony of Saint John 5:16, emphasis added).

 

          The promise of Eternal lives is enjoyed by those who have faith in Christ. Their lives are a constant sacrament of light and truth. Their objective is transformation into the image of the Father and Son, sharing their attributes and preparing to save their own lives while saving others. [18]

          Traditional teachings about the grace of Christ may create misunderstandings of our obligations to God. It is true Christ suffered for us and saved the creation and all mankind. That becomes the net below our trapeze of life. Our agency provides endless opportunity if we awake and arise from dark mists, intently following the examples of Jesus and His disciples.

         We would not approach the Bar Exam or other professional examinations without preparation. We take classes, study instruction materials to learn what is required. We seek internships to gain experience. We do that because our competency and future depend on it.

          Sojourning in life is a grand opportunity we have the privilege of experiencing. It is also most challenging. The scriptures are the textbook. Christ and His disciples are our instructors and family life and parenting is our internship for Godhood. [19] We may experience our lives as circumstances randomly flow to us. Alternatively, we may exercise our agency leading us to eternal glory and endless lives. Choosing the former, as we rise from the dead we may lament over lost opportunities. “. . . return again to their own place, to enjoy that which they are willing to receive, because they were not willing to enjoy that which they might have received.” [20] 

 

          The grace of Christ allows us to survive beyond this life. Our agency determines how far we go beyond. [21] Father Ahman’s plan provides opportunities to increase in light and truth. [22] We must become trustworthy. When God trusts us as much as we trust Him then we are true disciples. We are sent not to do our will but the will of Him that sends us.

          Neglecting opportunities God provides impedes our development toward godliness. It delays our return to His presence by our lack of knowledge.

 

“When you shall make his soul an offering for sin, he shall see his seed; he shall prolong his days, and the pleasure of the Lord shall prosper in his hand. He shall see of the travail of his soul and shall be satisfied; by his knowledge shall my righteous Servant justify many, for he shall bear their iniquities. Therefore will I divide him a portion with the great, and he shall divide the spoil with the strong — because he has poured out his soul unto death, and he was numbered with the transgressors, and he bore the sin of many, and made intercession for the transgressors. (RE Isaiah 19:1, emphasis added)

 

Christ advanced by following precisely what He learned from the Father. He completed His path to Fatherhood by doing as His Father had done. We must learn to become “sentinels,” always in search of truth from the Lord to understand the path.

 

“Christ’s words If you love me, keep my commandments appear several times in the Gospel of John. The words could be better translated to mean: “If you love me, act as a sentinel (or guard), ready to receive further instructions from me.” The current King James translation was based on the recognition that the canon of scripture had closed and revelation had ended. Therefore, they took those things into account as they rendered their translation. But recent revelation indicates that the canon of scripture is not closed; God is sending further instructions, and man must stand ready to receive it. (A Glossary of Gospel Terms, If You Love Me, p.687, emphasis added). 

 

Acting as a sentinel suggests a perpetual effort to look for the word of God in our daily walk. We cannot take wealth, power or prestige with us into the realms that follow. That is why Christ admonishes all to give heed to the words of eternal life:

 

“And I now give unto you a commandment to beware concerning yourselves, to give diligent heed to the words of eternal life, for you shall live by every word that proceeds forth from the mouth of God. For the word of the Lord is truth, and whatever is truth is light, and whatever is light is spirit, even the spirit of Jesus Christ. And the spirit gives light to every man that comes into the world, and the spirit enlightens every man through the world that hearkens to the voice of the spirit, and everyone that hearkens to the voice of the spirit comes unto God, even the Father. And the Father teaches him of the covenant which the Father has renewed and confirmed upon you, which is confirmed upon you for your sakes, and not for yours only, but for the sake of the whole world.

And the whole world lies in sin and groans under darkness and under the bondage of sin, and by this you may know they are under the bondage of sin, because they come not unto me, for whoever comes not unto me is under the bondage of sin. And whoever receives not my voice is not acquainted with my voice and is not of me. And by this you may know the righteous from the wicked, and that the whole world groans under sin and darkness, even now” (T&C 82:18, emphasis added).

 

          These verses are complex but worth unpacking. The Lord begins with the command to give “diligent heed” to the words of eternal life. Eternal is another name for God, so the words of Eternal life are the words God speaks. [23] We are commanded to live by every word God speaks, without exception. The Savior revealed to Joseph Smith a series of synonymous terms representing different facets of the same thing. The Lord speaks only truth. His words are to be trusted and applied. He cannot lie.

          The truth He speaks is light. If we give diligent heed to the words of eternal life, we increase in light. Our minds become enlightened. Like a room with a dimmer switch, the higher the slide is raised, the greater the intensity of light and greater the clarity of our vision. [24] The clearer our vision, the greater our understanding. We become gatherers of light, we see more clearly discerning between falsehoods and truth. God sent us to Earth with the intent of expanding our light.

 

“Verily I say unto you, he that is ordained of me and sent forth to preach the word of truth by the Comforter, in the spirit of truth, does he preach it by the spirit of truth or some other way? And if by some other way, it is not of God. And again, he that receives the word of truth, does he receive it by the spirit of truth or some other way? If it be some other way, it is not of God. Therefore, why is it that you cannot understand and know that he that receives the word by the spirit of truth, receives it as it is preached by the spirit of truth? Wherefore, he that preaches and he that receives, understand one another, and both are edified and rejoice together. And that which does not edify is not of God, and is darkness. That which is of God is light, and he that receives light and continues in God receives more light, and that light grows brighter and brighter until the perfect day (RE T&C 36:4, emphasis added).

 

          This outlines the process in which we pursue gathering light. It is mutually beneficial because when light is shared by the “spirit of truth,” both understand one another, are edified and rejoice together. If we are gatherers, “sentinels” in constant search of light, one day we will arrive at the “perfect day.” And what is the perfect day? It is attaining perfect understanding, being transformed through the Atonement of Christ into His perfect image and attributes. We see Him as He is and we hope to be like Him. [25]

 

“Whatever is light, is also spirit, or the Spirit of Truth. The Spirit of Truth is classified into three categories. The three categories are explained in the Glossary of Gospel terms:

Capitalization and context of how this term is used result in three different meanings:

spirit of truth — the light given to everyone; a description of something sought after to help guide or answer;

Spirit of truth — an event in which the holy ghost ministers (as in an ordinance), or when Christ takes ownership over something as His; and

Spirit of Truth — a proper noun; a formal name for Christ, in the context of scripture” (A Glossary of Gospel Terms, Spirit of Truth, p.810, emphasis added).

 

          We begin with the spirit of truth given to everyone. As we gather light and truth, we advance to the second category described as an event, where the Holy Ghost ministers to us and the administration becomes a real ordinance of which traditional ordinances only point too. This is the actual event where a person is sanctified, increased in light and truth and adopted by Christ.

          The crossroad this paper refers to points to this level of advancement. We must have sufficient light and truth to advance spiritually so Zion may be established and Christ dwell among us. [26] This will be a “perfect day” but need not be postponed until then. We may pursue it personally. Herein is the offer of great blessings, but also great peril if we don’t rise to the occasion and become qualified to rise and remain. There is no effort assuring the success of the New Jerusalem and Zion more than our embrace of truth. We like sentinels must feast upon the words of Christ, learning recognize His voice whenever He speaks. We must hear and give diligent heed. This is the distinction between institutional righteousness and discipleship.

[1] “Now remember, my son, if it weren’t for the plan of redemption — setting it aside — as soon as they were dead, their spirits would be miserable, being cut off from the Lord’s presence. Now there was no means to reclaim people from this fallen state, which they had brought upon themselves because of their own disobedience. Therefore according to justice, the plan of redemption could only be brought about on the condition of mankind’s repentance in this probationary state — that is, this preparatory state. This is the only condition that could allow mercy to take effect without destroying the requirements of justice. Now the requirements of justice couldn’t be ignored. If so, God would stop being God. And so we see that all mankind had fallen, and they were in the grasp of justice — indeed, God’s justice — which forever relegated them to be cut off from His presence. Now the plan of mercy couldn’t be brought about unless an atonement were made. Therefore God Himself will atone for the sins of the world, to bring about the plan of mercy, to meet the demands of justice, so that God can be a perfectly just God, and a merciful God as well. Now repentance couldn’t come to people unless punishment as eternal as the life of man’s soul, was imposed opposite to the plan of happiness, also as eternal as the life of man’s soul, in balance. Now how could a person repent unless they committed sin? How could they commit sin if there wasn’t any law? How could there be a law unless there was a punishment? Now a punishment was affixed and a just law was established, which brought remorse of conscience to mankind. . .” (CofC Alma 19:14-15; emphasis added).

 

[2] “When Aaron had said this, the king bowed down to the Lord on his knees, even lying face down on the ground, and prayed earnestly, saying: O God, Aaron has told me that there is a God. And if there is a God and if you are God, will you make yourself known to me? I’ll give up all my sins so I can know you and be raised from the dead and be saved on the last day. Now when the king had said these words, he passed out, and he looked like he was dead” (CofC Alma 13:10; emphasis added).

[3] “Wherefore, I command you by my name, and by my almighty power that you repent, repent so that I don't smite you by the rod of my mouth, and by my wrath, and by my anger, and your sufferings be sore — how sore you know not, how exquisite you know not, yea, how hard to bear you know not. 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, which suffering caused myself, even God, the greatest of all, to tremble because of pain, and to bleed at every pore, to suffer both body and spirit, and would that I might not drink the bitter cup and shrink. Nevertheless, glory be to the Father, and I partook and finished my preparations unto the children of men. Wherefore, I command you again by my almighty power that you confess your sins, so that you don't suffer these punishments of which I have spoken, of which in the smallest, yea, even in the least degree you have tasted at the time when I withdrew my spirit” (RE T&C 4:5-6; emphasis added).

[4] “. . . Men and women, in their natural state, are out of harmony with God and have been since the Fall of Adam. This disharmony will continue from eternity to eternity, unless they yield to the guidance of the Holy Spirit, abandon their fallen nature, and become holy through the atonement of the Lord Jesus Christ. They should strive to become like a child, humble, meek, patient, and full of love, willing to accept everything that the Lord deems appropriate for them, as a child obeys their parents” (Mosiah 1:16; emphasis added).

[5] “Now, my dear people, after you’ve made your way onto this straightforward and narrow path, I want to ask if everything is done? I tell you: No. Because you’ve only come to this point by Christ’s word, with unshaken faith in Him, relying exclusively on the merits of Him who’s powerful to save. Therefore you must press on resolutely with constancy, purpose, and a firm belief in Christ, having a complete brightness of hope and a love for God and for all mankind. This is what the Father has said: If you press forward, feasting on Christ’s word, and persevere to the end, you will have eternal life” (CofC 2 Nephi 13:4; emphasis added).

[6] “Therefore, brethren, we are debtors not to the flesh, to live after the flesh, for if you live after the flesh, you shall die unto sin. But if you through the spirit do put to death the deeds of the body, you shall live unto Christ. For as many as are led by the spirit of God, they are the sons of God. For you have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear, but you have received the spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father. The spirit itself bears witness with our spirit that we are the children of God. And if children, then heirs — heirs of God and joint-heirs with Christ, if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together. . .” (RE Romans 1:34; emphasis added).

[7] There are many interpretations and misinterpretations of Lehi’s dream. Attention to detail is imperative. The man beckoning Lehi to follow him is never associated with the “rod of iron,” the “straight path,” or the Tree of Life. The man in white is linked to mists of darkness Lehi seeks to be delivered from. The dream doesn’t say what the man in white said to persuade Lehi to follow him. A logical conclusion ironically shares the name of the current institutional curriculum, “Come Follow Me.”

[8] “Wherefore, it came to pass that my father Lehi, as he went forth, prayed unto the Lord, yea, even with all his heart in behalf of his people. And it came to pass as he prayed unto the Lord, there came a pillar of fire and dwelt upon a rock before him, and he saw and heard much. And because of the things which he saw and heard, he did quake and tremble exceedingly. And it came to pass that he returned to his own house at Jerusalem. And he cast himself upon his bed, being overcome with the spirit and the things which he had seen. And being thus overcome with the spirit, he was carried away in a vision, even that he saw the Heavens open and he thought he saw God sitting upon his throne, surrounded with numberless concourses of angels in the attitude of singing and praising their God. And it came to pass that he saw one descending out of the midst of Heaven, and he beheld that his luster was above that of the sun at noonday. And he also saw twelve others following him, and their brightness did exceed that of the stars in the firmament. And they came down and went forth upon the face of the earth. And the first came and stood before my father and gave unto him a book and bade him that he should read [record of heaven, word of God]. And it came to pass that as he read he was filled with the spirit of the Lord [that is what happens when we immerse ourselves in the word of God]. And he read, saying, Woe, woe [condition of deep suffering, three woe’s suggests ascending levels of intensity] unto Jerusalem, for I have seen thine [Jerusalem’s] abominations. Yea, and many things did my father read concerning Jerusalem: that it should be destroyed and the inhabitants thereof; many should perish by the sword and many should be carried away captive into Babylon. And it came to pass that when my father had read and saw many great and marvelous things [light and truth], he did exclaim many things unto the Lord, such as, Great and marvelous are thy works, O Lord God Almighty! Thy throne is high in the Heavens, and thy power, and goodness, and mercy are over all the inhabitants of the earth; and because thou art merciful, thou wilt not suffer those who come unto thee that they shall perish! And after this manner was the language of my father in the praising of his God, for his soul did rejoice and his whole heart was filled because of the things which he had seen, yea, which the Lord had shewn unto him” (RE 1 Nephi 1:10, emphasis added).

 

[9] “And now I, Nephi, do not make a full account of the things which my father had written, for he hath written many things which he saw in visions and in dreams. And he also hath written many things which he prophesied and spake unto his children, of which I shall not make a full account. But I shall make an account of my proceedings in my days. Behold, I make an abridgment of the record of my father upon plates which I have made with mine own hands. Wherefore, after that I have abridged the record of my father, then will I make an account of mine own life” (RE 1 Nephi 1:4, emphasis added).

 

[10] “And Adam listened unto the voice of God and called upon his sons to repent . . . And then began these men to call upon the name of the Lord, and the Lord blessed them. And a book of remembrance was kept, in which was recorded in the language of Adam, for it was given unto as many as called upon God to write by the spirit of inspiration. And by them their children were taught to read and write, having a language which was pure and undefiled. Now this same Priesthood which was in the beginning [pre-mortality] shall be in the end of the world also [meaning those who establish Zion in the last days follow the same pattern to achieve the same result] (now this prophecy Adam spoke as he was moved upon by the holy ghost) . . .” (RE Genesis 3:14, emphasis added). It is incumbent upon those who establish Zion in the last days to restore this pattern and establish a language, like Adam’s that is pure and undefiled. It comes from Heaven and begins when the Spirit of Elijah is sent by God to restore connections and conversations between Earthly and Heavenly beings. We learn how to “speak with the tongue of Angels” when we receive the holy ghost. [see RE 2 Nephi 14:1]

 

[11] “. . . For I had spake many things unto them, and also my father before his death, many of which sayings are written upon mine other plates, for a more history part are written upon mine other plates. And upon these I write the things of my soul and many of the scriptures which are engraven upon the plates of brass. For my soul delighteth in the scriptures, and my heart pondereth them and writeth them for the learning and the profit of my children. Behold, my soul delighteth in the things of the Lord, and my heart pondereth continually upon the things which I have seen and heard” (RE 2 Nephi 3:6, emphasis added).

 

[12] It is curious to note how the Gentiles briefly followed this pattern while Joseph Smith was alive and it ceased following his death. The significance of that historical fact I leave to your interpretation. Incidentally, it has begun again for those with ears to hear and eyes to see. If you are reading this paper, this may be your introduction to the greater light and knowledge God is manifesting as a continuation of Joseph Smith’s ministry and the Lord’s final witness to the Gentiles.

[13] “. . . So I want to suggest to you, that the real definition of priesthood is an association between, mankind

on the one hand, and those on the other side of the veil on the other hand. It is a brotherhood.

Oh my, and it is potentially also, a sisterhood. And it is a fellowship, and it is a ministry if you

will, in which there is connected together, and the real definition of priesthood is a connection

between, a fellowship between, the "Powers of Heaven" on the one hand, and you on the other.

We can form a fellowship, and have, among themselves. And we have in fact ordained one

another in our various fellowships, and we have called ourselves Elders Quorums, and High

Priest Groups, and Teachers Quorums, and we have called ourselves all kinds of different bodies

of fellowship. They are all, I suppose, a form of priesthood. There are others who have formed

different kinds of associations, and they are a form of priesthood . . .” (Priesthood, Denver Snuffer Jr., p.11; emphasis added).

 

[14] “The glory of God is intelligence, or in other words, light and truth. Light and truth forsake that evil one. Every spirit of man was innocent in the beginning, and God having redeemed man from the Fall, man became again, in their infant state, innocent before God. And that wicked one comes and takes away light and truth, through disobedience, from the children of men, and because of the tradition of their fathers. But I have commanded you to bring up your children in light and truth. But truly I say unto you, my servant Frederick, you have continued under this condemnation. You have not taught your children light and truth according to the commandments, and that wicked one has power as yet over you, and this is the cause of your affliction. And now a commandment I give unto you, and if you will be delivered, you shall set in order your own house, for there are many things that are not right in your house. Truly I say unto my servant Sidney that in some things he has not kept the commandments concerning his children. Therefore, firstly set in order your house. And truly I say unto my servant Joseph, or in other words I will call you friends, for you are my friends and you shall have an inheritance with me. I called you servants for the world’s sake, and you are their servants for my sake. And now truly I say unto you, Joseph, you have not kept the commandments and must needs stand rebuked before the Lord. Your family must needs repent and forsake some things and give more earnest heed unto your sayings or be removed out of their place. What I say unto one, I say to all. Pray always, so that wicked one won't have power in you and remove you out of your place” (RE T&C 93:11-14; emphasis added).

 

[15] “. . . Now this same Priesthood which was in the beginning shall be in the end of the world also (now this prophecy Adam spoke as he was moved upon by the holy ghost). And a genealogy was kept of the children of God (and this was the book of the generations of Adam), saying, In the day that God created man, in the likeness of God made he him; in the image of his own body, male and female, created he them, and blessed them, and called their name Adam in the day when they were created and became living souls in the land, upon the footstool of God” (RE Genesis 3:14; emphasis added).

[16] “Not many days after his death, Laman, Lemuel, and Ishmael’s sons were angry with me because of the Lord’s warnings and correction that I was inspired to tell them based on His word. I taught them many things, as my father did before he died. Much of what was said is written on my other plates, since more historical details are written on them. But on these plates I only write the things within my soul and quotes of the scriptures from the brass plates. My soul delights in the scriptures, and I ponder upon them and write them for my children’s instruction and benefit. My soul rejoices in the things of the Lord, and I continually ponder in my heart what God has shown and told me” (CofC 2 Nephi 3:6; emphasis added).

[17] “The Messenger of the Heavenly Council was in the cosmos, and the cosmos existed through Him, and the cosmos had not acquired His knowledge. He came into His own creation, but those there were unable to understand Him. As many as perceived the Light in Him, to them He gave knowledge to enable them to follow the path to become like Him, begotten children in the family of the Most High God. This is only possible for those who believe through His name. Those who believe through His name are no longer born of blood to follow the appetites of flesh, nor the ambitions of man, but are able to become, like Him, the offspring of God. This one who was Spokesman from the Heavenly Council was made flesh, and He temporarily cast His tent among us, and we could see His knowledge of the path to ascend in light and truth, he was a member of the Family of God, full of the power to ascend and able to display truth to others” (RE T&C 171, Testimony of Saint John 1:3; emphasis added).

 

[18] “. . . the Father and the Son possessing the same mind, the same wisdom, glory, power, and fullness, filling all in all — the Son being filled with the fullness of the mind, glory, and power, or in other words, the spirit, glory, and power of the Father — possessing all knowledge and glory, and the same kingdom: sitting at the right hand of power, in the express image and likeness of the Father — a mediator for man — being filled with the fullness of the mind of the Father, or in other words, the spirit of the Father, which spirit is shed forth upon all who believe on his name and keep his commandments. And all those who keep his commandments shall grow up from grace to grace and become heirs of the Heavenly kingdom and joint-heirs with Jesus Christ, possessing the same mind, being transformed into the same image or likeness, even the express image of him who fills all in all: being filled with the fullness of his glory, and become one in him, even as the Father, Son, and holy spirit are one” (RE T&C 110, Lectures on Faith, Lecture 5:2; emphasis added).

[19] “Here, then, is eternal life—to know the only wise and true God; and you have got to learn how to be Gods yourselves, and to be kings and priests to God, the same as all Gods have done before you, namely, by going from one small degree to another, and from a small capacity to a great one; from grace to grace, from exaltation to exaltation, until you attain to the resurrection of the dead, and are able to dwell in everlasting burnings, and to sit in glory, as do those who sit enthroned in everlasting power. And I want you to know that God, in the last days, while certain individuals are proclaiming his name, is not trifling with you or me” (Smith Jr., Joseph. Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith (p. 397; emphasis added). (Function). Kindle Edition.

[20] “And again, truly I say unto you, the earth abides the law of a celestial kingdom, for it fills the measure of its creation and transgresses not the law. Wherefore, it shall be sanctified. Yea, notwithstanding it shall die, it shall be quickened again and shall abide the power by which it is quickened. And the righteous shall inherit it, for notwithstanding they die, they also shall rise again, a spiritual body. They who are of a celestial spirit shall receive the same body which was a natural body, even you shall receive your bodies. And your glory shall be that glory by which your bodies are quickened. You who are quickened by a portion of the Celestial glory shall then receive of the same, even a fullness. And they who are quickened by a portion of the terrestrial glory shall then receive of the same, even a fullness. And also, they who are quickened by a portion of the telestial glory shall then receive of the same, even a fullness. And they who remain, shall also be quickened. Nevertheless, they shall return again to their own place, to enjoy that which they are willing to receive, because they were not willing to enjoy that which they might have received. For what does it profit a man if a gift is bestowed upon him, and he receive not the gift? Behold, he rejoices not in that which is given unto him, neither rejoices in him who is the giver of the gift” (RE T&C 86:4; emphasis added).

[21] “When you climb up a ladder, you must begin at the bottom, and ascend step by step, until you arrive at the top; and so it is with the principles of the Gospel—you must begin with the first, and go on until you learn all the principles of exaltation. But it will be a great while after you have passed through the veil before you will have learned them. It is not all to be comprehended in this world; it will be a great work to learn our salvation and exaltation even beyond the grave. . .” (Smith Jr., Joseph. Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith (p. 398; emphasis added). (Function). Kindle Edition.

[22] “The power of the Melchizedek Priesthood is to have the power of "endless lives"; for the everlasting covenant cannot be broken. There are three grand orders of priesthood referred to here. 1st. The King of Shiloam (Salem) had power and authority over that of Abraham, holding the key and the power of endless life. Angels desire to look into it, but they have set up too many stakes. God cursed the children of Israel because they would not receive the last law from Moses. The sacrifice required of Abraham in the offering up of Isaac, shows that if a man would attain to the keys of the kingdom of an endless life; he must sacrifice all things. When God offers a blessing or knowledge to a man, and he refuses to receive it, he will be damned. The Israelites prayed that God would speak to Moses and not to them; in consequence of which he cursed them with a carnal law [Aaronic, Levitical]. What was the power of Melchizedek? 'Twas not the Priesthood of Aaron which administers in outward ordinances, and the offering of sacrifices. Those holding the fulness of the Melchizedek Priesthood are kings and priests of the Most High God, holding the keys of power and blessings. In fact, that Priesthood is a perfect law of theocracy, and stands as God to give laws to the people, administering endless lives to the sons and daughters of Adam. Abraham says to Melchizedek, I believe all that thou hast taught me concerning the priesthood and the coming of the Son of Man; so Melchizedek ordained Abraham and sent him away. Abraham rejoiced, saying, Now I have a priesthood” (Smith Jr., Joseph. Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith (pp. 368-369; emphasis added). (Function). Kindle Edition.”)

[23] “. . . Behold, I am God, Man of Holiness is my name, Man of Counsel is my name, and Endless and Eternal is my name also. . .” (RE Genesis 4:17, emphasis added).

 

[24] “We consider that God has created man with a mind capable of instruction, and a faculty which may be enlarged in proportion to the heed and diligence given to the light communicated from heaven to the intellect; and that the nearer man approaches perfection, the clearer are his views, and the greater his enjoyments, till he has overcome the evils of his life and lost every desire for sin; and like the ancients, arrives at that point of faith where he is wrapped in the power and glory of his Maker and is caught up to dwell with Him. But we consider that this is a station to which no man ever arrived in a moment: he must have been instructed in the government and laws of that kingdom by proper degrees, until his mind is capable in some measure of comprehending the propriety, justice, equality, and consistency of the same. . .” (Smith Jr., Joseph. Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith (pp. 55-56, emphasis added). (Function). Kindle Edition.

[25] “If a person is meek and humble in heart and confesses by the power of the Holy Ghost that Jesus is the Christ, they must have charity. Because if they don’t have charity, they’re nothing; so they must have charity. Charity is long-suffering and kind; it doesn’t envy or brag; it doesn’t insist on its own way; it isn’t easily angered; it doesn’t keep track of wrongs; it takes no pleasure in evil, but rejoices in the truth; it patiently bears all things, always believes, always hopes, and always endures. So, my dear people, if you don’t have charity, you’re nothing, since charity never fails. Therefore hold firmly to charity, which is the greatest of all. Because everything will pass away; but charity is Christ’s pure love, and it endures forever. Those who are found to possess it on the last day, it will go well with them. So, my dear people, pray earnestly to the Father so you can be filled with this love that He’s freely given to all who are true followers of His Son Jesus Christ, so you can become the sons and daughters of God, so when He appears, we’ll be like Him and we’ll see and comprehend Him, so we can have this hope, so we can be purified, just as He is pure. Amen” (CofC Moroni 7:9; emphasis added).

 

[26] “But if they [gentiles] will repent, and hearken unto my words, and harden not their hearts, I will establish my church among them, and they shall come in unto the covenant and be numbered among this the remnant of Jacob, unto whom I have given this land for their inheritance. And they [gentiles] shall assist my people, the remnant of Jacob, and also as many of the house of Israel as shall come, that they may build a city which shall be called the New Jerusalem. And then shall they [gentiles] assist my people, that they may be gathered in, who are scattered upon all the face of the land, in unto the New Jerusalem. And then shall the Powers of Heaven [Angels, Patriarchal Fathers, Spirit of truth, Spirit of Elijah] come down among them [preparatory], and I also will be in the midst [Spirit of Truth, Spirit of Messiah]. And then shall the work of the Father commence at that day, even when this gospel shall be preached among the remnant of this people. Verily I say unto you, at that day shall the work of the Father commence among all the dispersed of my people, yea, even the tribes which have been lost, which the Father hath led away out of Jerusalem. Yea, the work shall commence among all the dispersed of my people, with the Father to prepare the way whereby they may come unto me, that they may call on the Father in my name. Yea, and then shall the work commence with the Father among all nations, in preparing the way [Aaronic, preparatory, Spirit of Elias, spirit of truth] whereby his people may be gathered home to the land of their inheritance. And they shall go out from all nations, and they shall not go out in haste nor go by flight, for I will go before them, saith the Father, and I will be their rearward” (RE 3 Nephi 10:1, emphasis added).

Scott Roderick

(revised)

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