| T.R | Title | User | Personal
Name | Date | Lines |
|---|
| 4.1 | The Godhead | CACHE::LEIGH | Allen Leigh SHR1-3/E29 DTN 237-3255 | Tue Sep 03 1991 18:55 | 166 |
| I believe in God the Eternal Father, and in his Son Jesus
Christ, and in the Holy Ghost. These three Gods are
separate divine beings but comprise one divine group; in
Mormon theology this divine group is known as the Godhead.
Because they are members of the Godhead, it is proper to use
the term "God" to refer to individual members of the Godhead
as well as to the group as a whole. Thus, the Father is
God, Jesus Christ is God, and the Holy Ghost is God, even
though the three are separate and distinct from each other.
Because of this terminology, when the scriptures use the
term "God" it is necessary for one to study the context of
the passage to understand which member of the Godhead is
being referenced, or if the term refers to the Godhead as a
group.
Separate Gods or Personages in Godhead
--------------------------------------
As we study the Gospels, we realize that Jesus had a very
close and personal relationship with his Father. As
examples of this, consider the following passages:
Then said Jesus, Father, forgive them; for they know not
what they do. (Luke 23:34)
And when Jesus had cried with a loud voice, he said,
Father, into thy hands I commend my spirit; and having
said thus, he gave up the ghost. (Luke 23:46)
I can of mine own self do nothing: as I hear, I judge:
and my judgment is just; because I seek not mine own
will, but the will of the Father which hath sent me.
(John 5:30)
And now, O Father, glorify thou me with thine own self
with the glory which I had with thee before the world
was. (John 17:5)
Father, I will that they also, whom thou hast given me,
be with me where I am; that they may behold my glory,
which thou hast given me: for thou lovedst me before
the foundation of the world. (John 17:24)
Jesus saith unto her, Touch me not; for I am not yet
ascended to my Father: but go to my brethren, and say
unto them, I ascend unto my Father, and your Father; and
to my God, and your God. (John 20:17)
And he went a little further, and fell on his face, and
prayed, saying, O my Father, if it be possible, let this
cup pass from me: nevertheless not as I will, but as
thou wilt. (Matthew 3:16-17)
As I read these verses, it seems obvious to me that Jesus is
talking to another Individual, his Father in Heaven. I
don't believe he is talking to himself.
The separation between Jesus and his Father in Heaven is
made clear by the events that occurred when Jesus was
baptized by John the Baptist. Matthew described the baptism
as follows:
And Jesus, when he was baptized, went up straightway out
of the water: and, lo, the heavens were opened unto
him, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a
dove, and lighting upon him: And lo a voice from
heaven, saying, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am
well pleased. (Matthew 3:16-17)
Notice that the separation of the three members of the
Godhead was very clearly recorded by Matthew.
To gain further understanding that the three members of the
Godhead are separate, let us recall that Jesus told his
disciples that he would send them another Comforter, the
Holy Ghost. He told them to tarry in Jerusalem until the
Holy Ghost came. The Holy Ghost could not have been Jesus
returning because the disciples were told when Jesus
ascended to heaven that he "shall so come in like manner as
ye have seen him go into heaven" (Acts 1:9-11), that is with
a resurrected physical body. The Holy Ghost does not have a
resurrected physical body.
Oneness of the Godhead
----------------------
We have seen that the Father, Jesus, and the Holy Ghost are
separate personages. However, the New Testament does refer
to Jesus and the Father as being one. Consider the
following passage:
I and my Father are one. (John 10:30)
If we were to consider this passage without considering the
context of the New Testament as a whole, we might conclude
that the Father and the Son are one God or personage as
stated by the so-called orthodox teaching on the Trinity.
However, if we consider John 10:30 in context with the Bible
as a whole, we realize that Jesus and the Father are one in
some way different than person. Let us review that context.
First, as discussed above we have many references made by
Jesus to his Father, references which only make sense if the
Father and the Son are separate personages.
Second, and this is a key Scripture, Jesus prayed that his
disciples would be "one; as thou, Father, art in me and I in
thee, that they also may be one in us". (John 17:20:22) I
don't think he intended his disciples to jump into one body
and become one person. I do think he wanted them to become
one in unity and purpose but remain separate personages, as
he and the Father are one in unity and purpose but exist as
separate individuals. Jesus described this unity with the
Father.
Then said Jesus unto them, When ye have lifted up the
Son of man, then shall ye know that I am he, and that I
do nothing of myself; but as my Father hath taught me, I
speak these things. And he that sent me is with me:
the Father hath not left me alone; for I do always those
things that please him. (John 8:28-29)
Another Biblical passage that refers to one God is in Paul's
epistle to the disciples in Corinth. Paul referred to the
many idols being worshiped by the pagans and reminded the
Christians that they worshiped one God.
As concerning therefore the eating of those things that
are offered in sacrifice unto idols, we know that an
idol is nothing in the world, and that there is none
other God but one.
For though there be that are called gods, whether in
heaven or in earth, (as there be gods many, and lords
many,)
But to us there is but one God, the Father, of whom are
all things, and we in him; and one Lord Jesus Christ, by
whom are all things, and we by him. (1 Corinthians
8:4-6)
In verse 4 Paul referred to one God, while in verse 6 Paul
clearly denoted God the Father and Jesus Christ as separate
and distinct personages: "there is but one God, the
Father...*and* one Lord Jesus Christ". It seems obvious
that Paul is using the phrase "one God" to refer to the
Godhead; because of the unity between the Father and Jesus,
Paul referred to them as one God even though they are
separate personages. He emphasized "one God" in his
epistles because he was dealing with people who came from
the world of many pagan gods, and he wanted them to focus on
Jesus as the Christ.
In a similar vein, Moses spoke of one God. He was dealing
with people who were familiar with the many Egyptian gods,
and he wanted them to focus on Jehovah. Even though the
Godhead consisted of three Gods or personages, as far as the
people living the lower Law of Moses were concerned there
was one God, Jehovah.
It is important to remember that since the three members of
the Godhead are perfectly united, it is proper to refer to
them as "one God".
|
| 4.2 | The Form of God | CACHE::LEIGH | Let your light shine | Wed Sep 04 1991 08:16 | 235 |
| We have seen that the Godhead is composed of three separate
and distinct personages. Let us now look deeper into the
nature of the Godhead and understand their form.
Image and Likeness of God
-------------------------
In Genesis we read, "And God said, let us make man in our
image, after our likeness....So God created man in his own
image, in the image of God created he him; male and female
created he them. (Genesis 1:26-27)
The Hebrew word translated "God" in that passage is
"Elohiym". This word is plural and means "Gods", especially
the "Supreme God". I believe God the Father (the Supreme
God) was talking to his Son Jesus. Because the Father and
Jesus are separate personages, Moses used "Elohiym" for God,
meaning Gods.
Since Jesus had not been born of Mary, he had no physical
body and was a personage of spirit. Since the Father said
"Let us make man in our image, after our likeness" we learn
important information about spirits. We mortals have bodily
form, that is heads, arms, and legs. I believe that spirits
have "spirit bodies" having heads, arms, and legs. We were
created in the form and likeness of Christ's spirit body.
With this understanding, the following references about God
made by Moses have added significance and are literal:
And it came to pass, as Moses entered into the
tabernacle, the cloudy pillar descended, and stood at
the door of the tabernacle, and the LORD talked with
Moses....And the LORD spake unto Moses face to face, as
a man speaketh unto his friend. (Exodus 33:9-11)
And they will tell it to the inhabitants of this land:
for they have heard that thou LORD are among this
people, that thou LORD are seen face to face, and that
thy cloud standeth over them, and that thou goest before
them, by day time in a pillar of a cloud and in a pillar
of fire by night. (Numbers 14:14)
The LORD talked with you face to face in the mount out
of the midst of the fire. (Deuteronomy 5:4)
Moses did indeed talk to God face to face!
Form of God The Son
-------------------
In wanting to understand Jesus Christ, we are fortunate
because the scriptures testify very strongly to his divine
nature and to the fact that he was resurrected with a body
of flesh and bones, one that looks like our bodies but is
glorified and perfect.
After his resurrection, Jesus appeared to the disciples in
the upper room. Luke recorded that the men were afraid and
thought they had seen a spirit or ghost. Jesus calmed them
by saying, "Why are you troubled? and why do thoughts arise
in your hearts? Behold my hands and my feet, that it is I
myself: handle me and see; for a spirit hath not flesh and
bones, as ye see me have." To give them further proof of his
physical resurrection, he partook of food. (Luke 24:36-43)
Later on, Jesus walked with and taught two disciples who
were traveling to Emmaus. Jesus looked to them like another
person, and they did not realize that they were talking to
the resurrected Lord. Later on, their eyes were "opened"
and they realized they had in fact been talking to the
resurrected Christ. (Luke 23:13-33)
After teaching his disciples for 40 days, Jesus ascended to
heaven with his resurrected body, and two angels told the
disciples that Jesus "shall so come in like manner as ye
have seen him go into heaven" (Acts 1:9-11). He ascended
with his resurrected physical body and will return with that
same body. I believe he has that body today!
If Jesus were a spirit today without his resurrected body,
he would have suffered another death, for death is the
separation of spirit and body. Paul said Christ would not
die again, so he must have his resurrected physical body
today.
Knowing that Christ being raised from the dead dieth no
more; death hath no more dominion over him. (Romans
6:9)
Let me repeat that again for emphasis. Because Jesus
overcame death by his resurrection, he will never die again,
and he *must* have his resurrected body today!
Form Of God The Father
----------------------
Now that we understand that the resurrection of Jesus Christ
was permanent and that he has his resurrected body today, we
are in a position to understand the nature of God the
Father. While talking to Philip, Jesus said, "he that hath
seen me hath seen the Father" (John 14:9). Jesus did not
mean that he and the Father are one personage because the
context of the Bible teaches they are separate. He meant
that he and the Father are not only united in purpose but
united in appearance. Even though he had a mortal body when
he made those statements, he resembled his Father in heaven.
Paul spoke of this resemblance when he said Jesus was "the
express image" of the Father's person. (Hebrews 1:1-3)
After his resurrection, Jesus more closely resembled his
Father, perhaps even exactly resembling the Father.
Thus, I believe that God the Father has a glorified body of
flesh and bones. God's statement in Genesis about the
creation of man now has added significance. When God said,
"Let us make man in our image, after our likeness", He was
saying that we were created in both the image of His
glorified physical body and of Jesus' spirit body.
We have seen that God the Father has a glorified body of
flesh and bones. How do we explain, then, the verses in the
Bible that say God is a spirit? For example, as recorded in
John 4:24, Jesus said
God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship
him in spirit and in truth.
Some people use this verse to substantiate their claim that
God is a spirit without a body. However, in so doing they
use the verse out of context of the Bible as a whole.
So, what did Jesus mean when he said "God is a Spirit"?
The context of that verse concerns a Samaritan woman who
believed the Old Testament prophecies that Christ would
come. Jesus declared to her that people would shortly
worship God in "spirit and in truth", that is they would
worship in the spirit and influence of God. Jesus then said
that "God is a Spirit" and repeated his statement that
people would worship Him in "spirit and in truth".
If Jesus meant that God was a spirit only, he must have also
meant that people would leave their bodies and worship him
with their spirits, since we have both spirits and bodies.
That doesn't make sense. Jesus meant that people would
worship in the influence of God.
Likewise, what Jesus meant by "God is a Spirit" is that God
fills space with his spiritual influence and that people
would worship him via that influence.
Form Of God The Holy Ghost
--------------------------
The Bible speaks of the Holy Ghost in the context of *both*
a personage and an influence. Let us examine some of those
verses.
Personage in Godhead:
But when they shall lead you, and deliver you up, take
no thought beforehand what ye shall speak, neither do ye
premeditate: but whatsoever shall be given you in that
hour, that speak ye: for it is not ye that speak, but
the Holy Ghost. (Mark 13:11)
And the Holy Ghost descended in a bodily shape like a
dove upon him, and a voice came from heaven, which said,
Thou are my beloved Son; in thee I am well pleased.
(Luke 3:22)
For the Holy Ghost shall teach you in the same hour what
ye ought to say. (Luke 12:12)
And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you
another Comforter, that he may abide with you for
ever;...But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom
the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all
things, and bring all things to your remembrance,
whatsoever I have said unto you. (John 14:16,26)
For it seemed good to the Holy Ghost, and to to us, to
lay upon you no greater burden than these necessary
things; (Acts 15:28)
It is clear that these verses refer to the Holy Ghost as an
intelligence because of the personal attributes given to the
Holy Ghost and the use of personal pronouns: Other verses,
however, speak of the Holy Ghost as an influence and being
without form.
Influence:
For he shall be great in the sight of the Lord, and
shall drink neither wine nor strong drink; and he shall
be filled with the Holy Ghost, even from his mother's
womb. (Luke 1:15)
And it came to pass, that, when Elisabeth heard the
salutation of Mary, the babe leaped in her womb; and
Elisabeth was filled with the Holy Ghost: (Luke 1:41)
But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is
come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both
in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and
unto the uttermost part of the earth. (Acts 1:8)
Then Peter, filled with the Holy Ghost, said unto them,
Ye rulers of the people, and elders of Israel, (Acts
4:1)
But he, being full of the Holy Ghost, looked up
stedfastly into heaven, and saw the glory of God, and
Jesus standing on the right hand of God, (Acts 7:55)
It seems apparent, therefore, that the phrase "Holy Ghost"
is used in two ways. First as a personal name for an
intelligent and distinct member of the Godhead, and second
as a name for an influence that "radiates" from the Holy
Ghost. In understanding the difference between the Holy
Ghost and his influence, we might consider the analogy of a
light bulb. There is one light bulb having a distinct form
and shape, but the influence of the bulb is without form or
shape and fills the surrounding area. As we read the
scriptures, we must depend upon the context of the verses to
help us understand how the phrase "Holy Ghost" is being used
in particular verses.
The Bible also uses the name "Holy Spirit" to refer to the
Holy Ghost and his influence. The name "Holy Spirit" is
synonymous with the name "Holy Ghost".
|
| 4.3 | The Virgin Birth of Jesus | CACHE::LEIGH | Let your light shine | Wed Sep 04 1991 08:31 | 74 |
| Jesus Born of a Virgin
----------------------
Isaiah prophesied of the birth of Jesus.
Therefore the Lord himself shall give you a sign;
Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and
shall call his name Immanuel. (Isaiah 7:14)
Luke recorded this sacred event as follows:
And in the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent from
God unto a city of Galilee, named Nazareth, To a virgin
espoused to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of
David; and the virgin's name was Mary.
And the angel came in unto her, and said, Hail, thou
that art highly favoured, the Lord is with thee:
blessed art thou among woman....And the angel said unto
her, fear not, Mary: for thou has found favour with
God. And behold, thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and
bring forth a son, and shalt call his name JESUS. he
shall be great, and shall be called the Son of the
Highest: and the Lord God shall give unto him the
throne of his father David: And he shall reign over the
house of Jacob for ever; and of his kingdom there shall
be no end.
Then said Mary unto the angel, How shall this be, seeing
I know not a man? And the angel answered and said unto
her, The Holy Ghost shall come upon thee, and the power
of the Highest shall overshadow thee: therefore also
that holy thing which shall be born of thee shall be
called the Son of God. (Luke 1:26-35)
Those verses clearly state two important facts:
o The conception of Jesus occurred through the influence
of the Holy Ghost.
o "the Highest" (God the Father) was to be the father of
Jesus.
The scriptures do not give additional details about this
sacred event, perhaps because it is so sacred.
Some persons who oppose the LDS Church claim that the Church
teaches that Jesus was conceived through actual physical
contact between God and Mary. As we have just seen, the
Bible does not teach that, nor does the LDS Church. The
Lord has not revealed and we do not know how the conception
took place, other than God the Father was the physical
father of Jesus and the power of the Holy Ghost made it
possible. It might be that individual Mormons may have made
claims about physical contact, but if so, they are speaking
with their own wisdom and not for the Church.
Through the Power of the Holy Ghost
-----------------------------------
Matthew recorded the following about the birth of Jesus.
Now the birth of Jesus Christ was on this wise: When as
his mother Mary was espoused to Joseph, before they came
together, she was found with child of the Holy Ghost.
(Matthew 1:18)
Since God the Father and the Holy Ghost are separate
personages in the Godhead, the phrase "of the Holy Ghost"
should be interpreted "by the power of the Holy Ghost".
That phrase does not mean that Jesus was the Son of the Holy
Ghost, because we have already seen that "the Highest" was
to be the father of Jesus. The "Highest" is God the Father.
|
| 4.4 | The God to Whom I Pray | CACHE::LEIGH | Let your light shine | Wed Sep 04 1991 08:33 | 71 |
| Manner of Prayer
----------------
Jesus taught the manner of prayer.
After this manner therefore pray ye: Our Father which
art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. (Matthew 6:9)
Jesus thus taught that we have a very special relationship
with God the Eternal Father: he is our spiritual father and
we are his spiritual children.
The Apostle Paul also taught that we are literally children
of God. While at Athens he noticed the Greeks had altars to
various gods, including one TO The UNKNOWN GOD. He took
advantage of these altars to teach them about the true God.
Forasmuch then as we are the offspring of God, we ought
not to think that the Godhead is like unto gold, or
silver, or stone, graven by art and man's device. (Acts
17:29)
In other words, because we are the living spiritual
offspring of a living God, we should not expect God to be
made of gold or metal.
Thus, when I pray, I address God as my literal Father, using
terms similar to "My Father in Heaven", "Heavenly Father",
"Father".
Jesus as Mediator
-----------------
Because of our freedom to choose, we commit sins that
separate us from God. Jesus, however, has no sin and is
thus able to intercede for us with the Father and to plead
with Him in our behalf. In doing this, Jesus thus has a
special relationship to us: he is our mediator with God.
Let us read from the Gospel of John the beautiful words
uttered by Jesus the night before his crucifixion when he
pleaded with the Father for us.
I pray for them; I pray not for the world, but for them
which thou hast given me; for they are thine....Holy
father, keep through thine own name those whom thou hast
given me, that they be be one as we are....I pray not
that thou shouldest take them out of the world, but that
thou shouldest keep them from the evil....Sanctify them
through thy truth. (John 17:9-17)
Jesus spoke to the Father in our behalf. He asked the
Father to bless us, to protect us, to strengthen us.
Paul expressed the mediation of Jesus Christ in this way:
Wherefore he is able also to save them to the uttermost
that come unto God by him, seeing he ever liveth to make
intercession for them. (Hebrews 7:25)
It is Christ that died, yea rather, that is risen again,
who is even at the right hand of God, who also maketh
intercession for us" (Romans 8:34)
Pray in the Name of Jesus
-------------------------
Because Jesus is my Mediator and my Intercessor, I pray to
my Heavenly Father in the name of Jesus Christ, grateful for
the Savior's Atonement and for his love to me!
|
| 4.5 | My Testimony of Jesus Christ | CACHE::LEIGH | Let your light shine | Wed Sep 04 1991 08:35 | 13 |
| I testify that Jesus of Nazareth is the Christ, the Messiah,
the Savior of the world. I testify that only through his
atonement and grace, his blood, can and are sins removed.
I testify that through following him and changing our lives
to be in conformance with his teachings, we can find
happiness in life. He is our great role-model. Let us all
try and emulate him through our lives and have the love,
compassion, and service to others that he has.
I testify that he lives today and will return "in like
manner as ye have seen him go into heaven", the resurrected
Christ, the King of the world!
|
| 4.6 | The Bible as a Source of Truth | CACHE::LEIGH | Let your light shine | Wed Sep 04 1991 18:04 | 127 |
| The Bible must be Interpreted to have any Meaning
-------------------------------------------------
The Bible is a physical object consisting of paper, leather,
ink, glue, etc. By itself it is nothing more than that!
The Bible contains many pages with strange looking symbols,
symbols we call letters and numbers. These symbols
represent information, but the symbols are not the
information. The information comes from the interpretation
or deciphering of the symbols. Because of the sacred nature
of this information, we cherish the Bible as the word of
God.
Let me repeat for emphasis: the Bible by itself is nothing
more than a book containing symbols that represent
information. Only by deciphering the characters on the
pages can information be extracted from the book.
Because the Bible is written in an imperfect language, it is
likely that different people will interpret the Bible
differently. For example, in John we read "I and my Father
are one". (John 10:30) Some people interpret this to mean
that Jesus and the Father are one God, that is one in
person. Others read it to mean that Jesus and the Father
are one in unity. The words from the Bible are the same,
but the meanings derived by different people are quite
different.
The Bible Can Not Be Used As An Infallible Guide to Truth
---------------------------------------------------------
Much as we would like to use the Bible as our guide for
judging truth, we are deceiving ourselves if we say we can
do that. The problem is because we have no infallible way
of deciphering the characters on the pages of the Bible.
A person may read the Bible and say, "What I have just
learned is 100% the Word of God", but he or she is wrong!
What he or she has just learned is only his or her
interpretation of the Bible, nothing more. Hopefully, that
person has enough personal honesty as well as common sense
to recognize and admit that he or she does not have a
perfect command of an imperfect language!
Reading the Bible in Context
----------------------------
As we read the Bible, we can reduce the chance of wrong
interpretation by reading the Bible in context with the
Gospel as a whole. That is, we must avoid taking isolated
passages from the Scripture and using them as a foundation
for our beliefs. Instead, we must take all of the concepts,
all of the stories, all of the historical events, all of the
doctrine and look at the complete picture. Only by doing
this can we hope to understand the true meanings of the
words written in the Bible.
For example, when we hear people say that God the Father and
Jesus are one God and are not separate Gods in one Godhead,
we should immediately be suspicious that those persons do
not understand the Scripture. This is because the concept
that Jesus had a very close and personal relationship with a
separate being, his Father in heaven, is woven throughout
the four Gospels. For example, at Jesus' baptism, the three
personages of the Godhead were clearly manifest as separate
and distinct personages. The context of the Bible as a
whole teaches that the Father and Jesus are separate
personages.
What It Means To Study In Context
---------------------------------
If we study the Bible in context, we will try and see the
"full picture" and understand all aspects of the scriptures.
Let us look at context from two viewpoints.
1. Study to understand the message of the verses. For
example, we read of Jesus praying to his Father. Then
we read of Jesus' baptism and the voice of God coming
from heaven. As we study, we begin to get the
impression that Jesus is a unique person, separate from
his Father in Heaven.
2. Study verses which seem to give different meanings to
understand if these latter verses do or do not agree
with our interpretation of the other verses. We read in
John 10:30 that "I and my Father are one". We realize
we need to resolve an apparent conflict in meaning. Are
Jesus and God separate, or are they one? If they are
one, how are they one?
Through additional study we read John in 17:20:22 where
Jesus prayed that his disciples would be "one; as thou,
Father, art in me and I in thee, that they also may be
one in us". We realize that Jesus wanted his disciples
to be united as he and the Father are united. We
realize that John 10:30 refers to Jesus and the Father
being one in unity and purpose not one in individuality
or person. Through study and attempting to see the full
picture, we finally understand these verses in context.
Reading the Bible with Prayer
-----------------------------
In addition to reading the Bible in context with the full
Gospel, it is essential that we couple our study with
personal prayer to God. The prophets who wrote the Bible
were inspired of God through the Spirit, and if we are to
gain the correct interpretation, it is important that we be
inspired of God as we read the book.
Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the Scripture is
of any private interpretation. For the prophecy came
not in old time by the will of man; but holy men of God
spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost. (2 Peter
1:20-21)
As we study the Bible, let us pray for understanding and
pray for a witness or testimony from the Holy Ghost that the
information is true. If we only pray for understanding, we
may understand the scriptures but not know through the power
of the Holy Ghost that they are true!
|
| 4.7 | Answers to Prayer | CACHE::LEIGH | Let your light shine | Wed Sep 04 1991 18:06 | 271 |
| We Should Pray
--------------
The scriptures teach that we should pray. Jesus taught
Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find;
knock, and it shall be opened unto you. (Matthew 7:7)
And all things, whatsoever ye shall ask in prayer,
believing, ye shall receive. (Matthew 21:22)
Paul taught
Pray without ceasing. (1 Thessalonians 5:17)
Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and
supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made
known unto God. (Philippians 4:6)
We Should Pray To See The Full Picture
--------------------------------------
James taught
If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that
giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it
shall be given him.
But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering. For he that
wavereth is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind
and tossed.
For let not that man think that he shall receive any
thing of the Lord. (James 1:5-7)
The Greek word used in James 1:5 for "wisdom" is "sophia"
which comes from "sophos" which means keenness or quickness
in understanding and dealing with situations. That is,
wisdom involves two things. First, an understanding of the
things being considered. Second, an application of that
knowledge to particular situations. Wisdom is more,
however, than just this application of knowledge. It is
dealing with situations, meaning the person has an insight
into the situation and sees the "full picture" not just
immediate details. Thus, wisdom involves both gaining
knowledge and fitting the pieces together into the correct
relationships.
In other words, James tells us that if we would gain
knowledge and properly understand and use that knowledge, we
should pray to God.
Understanding Answers To Prayer
-------------------------------
In general, there are three types of things we can pray for,
and as we would expect three types of answers to be
received.
If we pray for blessings such as food, protection, or
strength, our prayers are answered in the form of the
particular things that we need.
If we pray for knowledge and wisdom, our prayers are
answered as we study and as our understanding is enlightened
by the Holy Spirit.
If we pray to know if religious truths are in fact true,
that is, if we pray for testimonies of the truths, our
prayers are answered through the influence of the Holy
Spirit. One of the missions of the Spirit is to witness of
truth. Paul referred to this mission when he said that
testimonies of Christ come through the Spirit.
Wherefore I give you to understand, that no man speaking
by the Spirit of God calleth Jesus accursed: and that
no man can say [i.e. know] that Jesus is the Lord, but
by the Holy Ghost. (1 Corinthians 12:3)
For the remainder of this chapter, let us focus on this last
aspect of prayer, the gaining of testimonies or convictions
of religious truths.
We Have Spirit Intelligences
----------------------------
The scriptures teach that man is a dual being and is
composed of both a physical part and a spirit part. The
physical body is as a "house" for the spirit part.
Furthermore we have had fathers of our flesh which
corrected us, and we gave them reverence: shall we not
much rather be in subjection unto the Father of Spirits
and live? (Hebrews 12:9)
Just as we have fathers of our physical bodies, so God is
the father of our spirits. When Jesus taught us to pray to
our Heavenly Father, he was teaching us that God is
literally our father.
From Job we learn that our spirits are intelligent and can
understand and learn.
But there is a spirit in man: and the inspiration of
the Almighty giveth them understanding. (Job 32:8)
The Holy Spirit Communicates With Our Spirits
---------------------------------------------
As I explained above, Paul taught that testimonies of Jesus
Christ come through the influence of the Holy Spirit. One
of the missions of the Spirit is to testify of the
truthfulness of religious knowledge, especially that of the
divinity of Jesus Christ. Paul taught that the Spirit
testifies to us by communication with our spirits.
The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that
we are the children of God: (Romans 8:16)
Now we can better understand Paul's teaching about things of
God being spiritually discerned. Through communication
between the Holy Spirit and our spirits, we gain testimonies
of Christ. We pray with our lips, but the answers come
through a literal, spiritual communication between our
spirits and the Holy Spirit.
But the natural man receiveth not the things of the
Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him:
neither can he know them, because they are spiritually
discerned. (1 Corinthians 2:14)
The "natural man" has broken the lines of communication
between him and the Spirit of God. He approaches things of
God with his intellect, his reason, and his rationalization.
He does not understand things of God because he is using the
wrong method of communication with God. The "spiritual man"
discerns things of God because he approaches God through
prayer and through communication with the Holy Spirit.
We Recognize Spiritual Communication Through Our Feelings
---------------------------------------------------------
Because we are mortal and have physical bodies, we learn
through our physical senses of sight, touch, smell, feel,
and taste. This physical nature of our mortality presents a
dilemma concerning our communication with the Holy Spirit.
We receive information through spiritual communication with
God, but we are limited to our physical senses for
recognition of the messages. In some way, the spiritual
messages must be changed into feelings that our physical
senses can understand and accept. Let us look at Biblical
examples of how this happens.
After Jesus' resurrection he appeared to two disciples who
were walking to the nearby town of Emmaus. The disciples
were contemplating the recent events concerning the
crucifixion and resurrection. They were sad because they
did not clearly understand the prophecies of the
resurrection. Jesus appeared to them, but their "eyes were
holden that they should not know him."
As Jesus walked with them, he explained to them about the
prophecies of Christ and the necessity of the crucifixion
and the reality of the resurrection. At the end of their
journey, he ate with them and then left them. During this
meal, a wonderful thing happened! The Holy Spirit came upon
them and they knew that they had been talking to Jesus.
That Scripture does not mention the Holy Spirit, but based
on Paul's statement in 1 Corinthians 12:3, we know that the
Holy Spirit was there because the two disciples knew that
Jesus was the resurrected Christ.
And it came to pass, as he sat at meat with them, he
took bread, and blessed it, and brake, and gave to them.
And their eyes were opened, and they knew him; and he
vanished out of their sight.
And they said one to another, Did not our heart burn
within us, while he talked with us by the way, and while
he opened to us the scriptures? (Luke 24:30-32)
Through the power of the Holy Spirit, they knew that Christ
had been with them, and they recognized this knowledge
through their feelings which they described as their heart
burning within them.
For another example, let us turn to the Day of Pentecost
when Peter gave his masterful discourse on Jesus Christ.
Thousands of people heard him speak, and they received from
the Holy Spirit testimonies of the truths he was teaching.
They recognized that witness of the Spirit as feelings in
their body, described poetically as feelings in their heart.
Therefore let all the house of Israel know assuredly,
that God hath made that same Jesus, whom ye have
crucified, both Lord and Christ.
Now when they heard this, they were pricked in their
heart, and said unto Peter and to the rest of the
apostles, men and brethren, what shall we do?
Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every
one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission
of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy
Ghost. (Acts 2:36-38)
The people heard Peter and had a feeling in their body which
they described as a "pricking" of their heart, and they knew
that what Peter had said was true.
Paul talked of the feelings we have when we are in
communication with the Holy Spirit.
For the kingdom of God is not meat and drink; but
righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost.
(Romans 14:17)
Jesus talked of the Holy Spirit as a comforter.
But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the
father will send in my name, he shall teach you all
things, and bring all things to your remembrance,
whatsoever I have said unto you.
Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not
as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your
heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid. (John
14:26-27)
Think of a person who is burdened with problems, a person
unable to bear the weight of life. Through study of the
scriptures and through personal prayer to God, and through
the influence of the Holy Spirit, the person receives
assurance that he or she is loved by God and that things
will work out. Think of the peace of mind, the joy in
realizing that the problems can be solved! Peace of mind is
a great sign of spiritual communication from the Holy
Spirit, not only for the solving of problems but also for
witnesses of truth.
Apparently, the Lord uses warmth, joy, and peace as ways for
us to recognize spiritual communication.
Can Our Feelings Be Trusted?
----------------------------
Some people say that our feelings can not be trusted
concerning answers to prayer. They say that testimonies of
Christ come through the Bible as our minds are enlightened
by the Holy Spirit, not through our feelings. In effect,
they are saying that answers to prayer come through our
intellect as we study.
My reply to them is that knowledge and understanding come
through study as our minds are enlightened by the Spirit,
but testimonies come through direct communication with the
Spirit, not through reading words. The two disciples
actually felt a warm feeling inside their body as they
exclaimed, "Did not our heart burn within us" as the Spirit
testified to them of Christ's resurrection and appearance
before them.
We can learn to trust our feelings as we come into greater
harmony and closeness with God through the Holy Spirit.
|
| 4.8 | The New Testament Church | CACHE::LEIGH | Let your light shine | Fri Sep 06 1991 06:16 | 567 |
| When Jesus of Nazareth began his ministry, he taught and
blessed the people. In addition to being a great teacher,
he was the Son of God, the Christ, the Messiah.
Jesus Had Power from His Father
-------------------------------
Jesus received power and authority from his Father in
Heaven.
And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is
given unto me in heaven and in earth. (Matthew 28:18)
These words spake Jesus, and lifted up his eyes to
heaven, and said, Father, the hour is come; glorify thy
Son, that thy Son also may glorify thee:
As thou has given him power over all flesh, that he
should give eternal life to as many as thou hast given
him. (John 17:1-2)
The people recognized he had this authority.
And they were all amazed, and spake among themselves,
saying, What a word is this! for with authority and
power he commandeth the unclean spirits, and they come
out. (Luke 4:36)
Even the unclean spirits recognized and acknowledged him as
the Son of God.
And unclean spirits, when they saw him, fell down before
him, and cried, saying, Thou are the Son of God. (Mark
3:11)
Jesus Ordained the 12 Apostles and Gave Them Authority
------------------------------------------------------
Early in his ministry, Jesus brought together others to help
him with the work.
And when it was day, he called unto him his disciples;
and of them he chose twelve, whom also he named
apostles; (Luke 6:13)
These 12 men were different than the other disciples. They
were ordained by Christ and received power and authority to
perform their work.
And he ordained twelve, that they should be with him,
and that he might send them forth to preach.
And to have power to heal sicknesses, and to cast out
Page 2
devils: (Mark 3:14-15)
And when he had called unto him his twelve disciples, he
gave them power against unclean spirits, to cast them
out and to heal all manner of sicknesses and all manner
of disease. (Matthew 10:1)
Then he called his twelve disciples together, and gave
them power and authority over all devils, and to cure
diseases. And he sent them to preach the kingdom of
God, and to heal the sick. (Luke 9:1)
Ye have not chosen me, but I have chosen you and
ordained you, that ye should go and bring forth fruit,
and that your fruit should remain: that whatsoever ye
shall ask of the Father in my name, he may give it you.
(John 15:16)
Notice the sequence of events:
1. Jesus was given power from his Father.
2. Jesus ordained the 12 Apostles and gave them power to
act in his name.
Jesus explained to the Apostles that with the power he had
given them, their actions and decisions would be his actions
and decisions.
Verily I say unto you, Whatsoever ye shall bind on earth
shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever ye shall loose
on earth shall be loosed in heaven. (Matthew 18:18)
Their teachings and baptisms would be accepted by Christ and
would be valid on earth as well as in heaven. In fact Jesus
told the twelve Apostles that they would help in the
judgment.
And Jesus said unto them, Verily I say unto you, That ye
which have followed me, in the regeneration when the Son
of man shall sit in the throne of his glory, ye also
shall sit upon twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes
of Israel. (Matthew 19:28)
The twelve Apostles did indeed receive power from Jesus when
he ordained them!
Jesus Intended That There Always Be 12 Apostles
-----------------------------------------------
After the ascension of the Lord, the Apostles met with the
disciples in prayer and worship. Peter explained that they
should choose a new Apostle to fill the vacancy left by
Judas. They selected two persons. Then they prayed for
Page 3
guidance and chose Matthias, and he was "numbered with the
eleven apostles".
And in those days Peter stood up in the midst of the
disciples, and said, (the number of names together were
about an hundred and twenty,)
Wherefore of these men which have companied with us all
the time that the Lord Jesus went in and out among us.
Beginning from the baptism of John, unto that same day
that he was taken up from us, must one be ordained to be
a witness with us of his resurrection.
And they appointed two, Joseph called Barsabas who was
surnamed Justus, and Matthias.
And they prayed and said, Thou, lord, which knowest the
hearts of all men, shew whether of these two thou hast
chosen,
That he may take part of this ministry and apostleship
from which Judas by transgression fell, that he might go
to his own place.
And they gave forth their lots; and the lot fell upon
Matthias; and he was numbered with the eleven apostles.
(Acts 1:15,21-26)
It is significant that the first recorded decision of the
Apostles after Christ's ascension was to fill the vacancy in
the Apostleship and keep the number of Apostles at 12!
Another vacancy occurred in the Apostleship when Herod
killed the Apostle James.
Now about that time Herod the king stretched forth his
hands to vex certain of the church. And he killed James
the brother of John with the sword. (Acts 12:1-2)
The Bible does not explicitly say whether anyone was chosen
to fill that vacancy, and we must remember that the Bible
does not give an explicit and clear account of all the
history of the early church. The Bible does, however, speak
of other Apostles besides the original 12 and Matthias,
implying that vacancies were filled.
In many of his epistles Paul introduced himself as an
Apostle.
Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, to
the saints which are at Ephesus, and to the faithful in
Christ Jesus: (Ephesians 1:1)
Both Paul and Barnabas were referred to as being Apostles.
Page 4
Which when the apostles, Barnabas and Paul, heard of,
they rent their clothes, and ran in among the people,
crying out, (Acts 14:14)
Also, Paul spoke of James the brother of Jesus as being an
Apostle.
But other of the apostles saw I none, save James the
Lord's brother. (Galatians 1:19)
The Twelve Apostles were the Foundation of the Church
-----------------------------------------------------
Prior to his ascension to heaven, Jesus told his Apostles to
take the Gospel to all the world; they would carry the
burden of furthering his work.
Then the eleven disciples went away into Galilee, into a
mountain where Jesus had appointed them.
And when they saw him, they worshipped him: but some
doubted.
And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is
given unto me in heaven and in earth.
Go ye therefore,and teach all nations, baptizing them in
the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy
Ghost:
Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have
commanded you: and lo, I am with you always, even unto
the end of the world. Amen. (Matthew 28:16-20)
Jesus' command to "Go ye therefore, and teach all nations"
was not a general call to the ministry for anyone reading
the Bible. It was a specific call given to eleven men to be
the leaders of his church!
As we read the history of the Church as recorded in the book
of Acts, we realize that the Apostles did take the Gospel to
the world. Even though the apostles were not the only
members of the Church, they were the leaders, and the people
looked to them for leadership and guidance.
o The Apostles preached on Pentecost (Acts 2).
o They healed the sick (Acts 3).
o The Christians lived a form of "united order" in which
they shared their earthly possessions.
Page 5
o It was to the Apostles that the people brought their
goods, and the Apostles distributed the items among the
people. (Acts 4,5)
o The Apostles choose seven men to help care for the
widows. (Acts 6)
o Practically everything recorded in the book of Acts
deals with the work of the Apostles among the people.
In writing to the members in Ephesus, Paul explained the
importance of the Apostles to the Church.
Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners,
but fellow citizens with the saints, and of the
household of God;
And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and
prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner
stone;
In whom all the building fitly framed together groweth
unto an holy temple in the Lord: (Ephesians 2:19-21)
Through an analogy of the Church and a building, Paul
explained that Christ is the center or head of the Church
and that the Apostles are the foundation of the Church. He
said the Church with this organization was "fitly framed
together" and "groweth unto an holy temple in the Lord".
Now we can begin to understand the urgency with which the
eleven Apostles filled the vacancy in their group by
choosing Matthias.
The Apostles were Permanent Officers of the Church
--------------------------------------------------
In writing to the Ephesians, Paul taught that the Apostles
and other officers in the Church were to remain in the
Church indefinitely.
And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and
some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers;
For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the
ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ:
Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the
knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto
the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ:
That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and
fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by
the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they
lie in wait to deceive; (Ephesians 4:11-14)
Page 6
Let us discuss the reasons Paul gave for the Apostles and
other officers being in the church.
1. Perfecting of the saints. The "saints" referred to in
the New Testament were not people who have reached some
special status; they were the members of the church,
people like you and me. For example, in beginning his
epistle to the Ephesians, Paul said "Paul, an apostle of
Jesus Christ by the will of God, to the saints which are
at Ephesus, and to the faithful in Christ Jesus:
(Ephesians 1:1). That is, Paul addressed his epistle to
the members of the church (saints) at Ephesus and in
general to all disciples.
The Apostles were included in the Church by Christ to
help the members improve their lives through following
his commandments, that is for the "perfecting of the
saints" as Jesus taught in the Sermon on the Mount when
he told the people to "Love your enemies, bless them
that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray
for them which despitefully use you and persecute
you....Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father
which is in heaven is perfect. (Matthew 5:44,48)
2. Work of the ministry. The Apostles were to conduct the
work of the ministry within the church. They were the
leaders of the church.
3. Edifying of the Body or Church of Christ The Apostles
were to "teach all nations". They were to eliminate
false teachings from the church and lead the people to
Christ. As an example of an Apostle teaching the
church, we have Paul's counsel to the Galatians.
I marvel that ye are so soon removed from him that
called you into the grace of Christ unto another
gospel:
Which is not another; but there be some that trouble
you, and would pervert the gospel of Christ.
But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any
other gospel unto you than that which we have
preached unto you, let him be accursed.
As we said before, so say I now again, If any man
preach any gospel unto you than that ye have
received, let him be accursed. (Galatians 1:6-9)
In the Scripture quoted above from Ephesians chapter 4, Paul
went on to tell how long the Apostles and other officers
should be in the church.
Page 7
Til we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the
knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto
the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ.
(Ephesians 4:13)
That is, Christ's church had a foundation of living
Apostles, and those officers were to remain in the church
until the members became united in their faith and knowledge
of Christ.
I think we will all agree that the people of this world are
not united in faith and knowledge of Christ. I submit then
that, as Paul clearly taught, Christ's church today should
have a foundation of living Apostles!
The Church Contained Other Officers
-----------------------------------
The church contained other officers besides the Apostles.
We have already studied Paul's statement about the church
containing evangelists, pastors, and teachers. In addition
to the twelve Apostles, Jesus called 70 men to serve as
missionaries of the Gospel.
After these things the Lord appointed other seventy
also, and sent them two and two before his face into
every city and place, whither he himself would come.
And the seventy returned again with joy, saying, Lord,
even the devils are subject unto us through thy name.
Behold I give unto you power to tread on serpents and
scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy: and
nothing shall by any means hurt you. (Luke 10:1,17,19)
While engaged in his missionary work, Paul ordained Elders
in every city.
And when they had ordained them elders in every church
[city], and had prayed with fasting, they commended them
to the Lord, on whom they believed. (Acts 14:23)
In writing to Titus, Paul spoke of Titus' assignment to
ordain Elders in every city.
For this cause left I thee in Crete, that thou shouldest
set in order the things that are wanting, and ordain
elders in every city, as I had appointed thee: (Titus
1:5)
These two verses are especially interesting because they
teach that Elders were local officers to be in and lead each
congregation of the church. In contrast to this, the
Apostles were general officers and traveled from city to
Page 8
city.
The picture of the church that emerges from the New
Testament is that it had a specific structure: Jesus Christ
was the corner stone. The 12 Apostles were the foundation
and are general officers. Other officers such as
evangelists, pastors, teachers, and elders existed and were
local officers. In addition, it is clear from the New
Testament that these officers were living people!
Criterion For Being An Apostle - Ordained With Authority
--------------------------------------------------------
Some people say that we can not have living Apostles today,
because no one today can satisfy the Peter's criterion for
being an Apostle. They are referring to the occasion when
Matthias was chosen to replace Judas as an Apostle. Let us
study Peter's comments on that occasion.
In chapter 1 of Acts, we read where Peter explained that
Judas' betrayal of Christ was a fulfillment of prophecy.
Peter referred to Psalms 69:25 as a prophecy of the field
which Judas purchased with the silver coins; Peter said the
field was known among those that dwelled in Jerusalem as
"the field of blood". Peter then referred to Psalms 109:8
as a prophecy that another person would take the place of
Judas in the twelve.
Let his days be few; and let another take his office.
(Psalms 109:8)
In the context of those two prophecies from Psalms, Peter
then said that a man "must be ordained to be a witness with
us of his resurrection (Acts 1:22)". Some versions of the
Bible use the word 'necessary' instead of the phrase 'must
be'. That is, Peter was saying, to use my words, "It was
prophesied in Psalms that another man would take the place
of Judas in the twelve. Therefore it is necessary that we
choose a new Apostle from among those who believe in
Christ."
In explaining that a new Apostle had to be ordained, Peter
referred to the fact that the men being considered had been
with the disciples since the time of John the Baptist. As I
read the verses, I get the understanding that Peter was
describing the background of the men as a general reference
not as a criterion or requirement to be a new Apostle.
Wherefore of these men which have companied with us all
the time that the Lord Jesus went in and out among us,
Beginning from the baptism of John, unto that same day
that he was taken up from us, must one be ordained to be
a witness with us of his resurrection. (Acts 1:21-22)
Page 9
To illustrate my point, let me omit the phrase describing
the background of the two men. Peter's statement about a
new Apostle having to be ordained is then the following:
Wherefore of these men....must [to fulfil prophecy in
Psalms] one be ordained to be a witness with us of his
resurrection. (Acts 1:21-22)
The new Apostle obviously had to be chosen from among the
men who had been already been faithful because no other
people were available for consideration. Pentecost had not
yet come and newer converts to Christ were not yet
available. Thus, as a description of the background of the
men, Peter included the following information: "which have
companied with us all the time that the Lord Jesus went in
and out among us, Beginning from the baptism of John, unto
that same day that he was taken up from us,"
That is, Peter said because of prophecy it was necessary to
choose a new Apostle; Peter was not saying it was necessary
to choose an Apostle who had been with with Jesus since the
days of John. There is nothing in those verses that
suggests that all Apostles had to have been with Jesus since
he was baptized by John. In fact, Paul was an Apostle and
was not a follower of Jesus during Jesus' mortal life.
Those who claim that only men who had been disciples during
Jesus' mortal life could be Apostles admit that Paul is an
exception to their "criterion", but they say that Paul was
an exception to the criterion because Paul was "abnormally"
born. They refer to 1 Corinthians 15:8-9.
And last of all he was seen of me also, as one born out
of due time.
For I am the least of the apostles, that am not meet to
be called an apostle, because I persecuted the church of
God. (1 Corinthians 15:8-9)
Some versions of the Bible use the phrase "abnormally born"
instead of "born out of due time". Paul is enumerating the
persons who saw the resurrected Christ and included himself
as the last person up to that time (not the last who would
ever see the resurrected Christ as some claim). The context
of those verses concerns the fact that Paul had persecuted
the church and was suddenly converted to Christ via a vision
rather than through a gradual association with and
acceptance of Christ.
The word *as* in verse 8 makes it plain that Paul is using a
simile in comparing his conversion to Christ with a
premature birth (one born out of due time). Just as a
premature baby is at a disadvantage compared to a baby who
goes the full term, so Paul felt that his activity in
persecuting the church put him at a disadvantage. His
Page 10
comment says nothing about the pattern to follow when
becoming an Apostle.
In verse 9, Paul said "For I am the least of the apostles,
that am not meet (adequate, sufficient, competent) to be
called an apostle, because I persecuted the church of God."
We see in that verse some of Paul's remorse for his previous
activity. That verse should not be construed to mean that
Paul was an inferior Apostle, because all of his writings as
well as Luke's description in Acts show that (a) Paul
behaved as an Apostle, and (b) the church members and other
Apostles accepted him as such.
Thus, we have in the New Testament, examples of Apostles who
were with Christ as disciples and an Apostle who was
converted to Christ later on. In addition, Barnabas is
mentioned in Acts 14:14 as an Apostle, but it isn't clear
when he was converted to Christ--he is first mentioned in
Acts 4.
It is interesting to note that all references in the New
Testament to the word Apostle except one are the same Greek
word, indicating that the Greek manuscripts make no
distinction between the original 12 Apostles and the later
Apostles who were Matthias, James the Lord's brother, Paul,
and Barnabas. The one exception is a reference to false
apostles and does not refer to the office of Apostle.
If we go back to Acts we can see what it is that makes one
an Apostle.
Beginning from the baptism of John, unto that same day
that he was taken up from us, must one be *ordained* to
be a witness with us of his resurrection. (Acts 1:22
emphasis mine)
Matthias was an Apostle because he was ordained and given
the authority of the Apostleship, the same authority which
Jesus had given to the original 12 through ordination. This
is a key point!
|
| 4.9 | New Testament Church Guided by Revelation | CACHE::LEIGH | Let your light shine | Fri Sep 06 1991 06:21 | 423 |
| In his epistle to the Ephesians, Paul compared the New
Testament church to a building.
Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners,
but fellow citizens with the saints, and of the
household of God;
And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and
prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner
stone;
In whom all the building fitly framed together groweth
unto an holy temple in the Lord: (Ephesians 2:19-21)
Paul described Jesus as being the "chief corner stone",
meaning the church is Jesus' church even though he is
resurrected and has ascended into heaven.
Let us study the New Testament to see the method used by
Christ to guide and direct his church.
The Apostles Chose a Replacement for Judas By Revelation
--------------------------------------------------------
Shortly after the ascension of Jesus, the eleven apostles
met to fill the vacancy in the quorum of apostles that was
caused by the death of Judas.
And in those days Peter stood up in the midst of the
disciples, and said, (the number of names together were
about an hundred and twenty,)
Wherefore of these men which have companied with us all
the time that the Lord Jesus went in and out among us.
Beginning from the baptism of John, unto that same day
that he was taken up from us, must one be ordained to be
a witness with us of his resurrection.
And they appointed two, Joseph called Barsabas who was
surnamed Justus, and Matthias.
And they prayed and said, Thou, lord, which knowest the
hearts of all men, shew whether of these two thou hast
chosen,
That he may take part of this ministry and apostleship
from which Judas by transgression fell, that he might go
to his own place.
And they gave forth their lots; and the lot fell upon
Matthias; and he was numbered with the eleven apostles.
(Acts 1:15,21-26)
Page 2
The eleven Apostles used their own reasoning to select two
men whom they thought would be a qualified replacement for
Judas. Then, and this is important, they prayed for
guidance in making the final choice. The Bible does not
explicitly say that God directed their decision, but I think
we all would agree that the Apostles were in fact inspired
in their final choice.
Jesus Revealed that Gospel Should Be Taken To All Nations
---------------------------------------------------------
During his earthly ministry, Jesus only taught the house of
Israel. However, in his final commission to the Apostles,
Jesus told them to take the Gospel to all nations.
Then the eleven disciples went away into Galilee, into a
mountain where Jesus had appointed them.
And when they saw him, they worshipped him: but some
doubted.
And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is
given unto me in heaven and in earth.
Go ye therefore,and teach all nations, baptizing them in
the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy
Ghost.
Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have
commanded you: and lo, I am with you always, even unto
the end of the world. Amen. (Matthew 28:16-20)
The Apostles did not fully understand their commission to
take the Gospel to all nations. As Jews, they had been
taught that people in other nations were unclean, and they
had difficulty in leaving that teaching behind. This
misunderstanding was a serious problem that was preventing
most of the known world at that time from hearing about
Jesus. The Savior solved the problem by giving direct
revelations to two people, a man named Cornelius and the
Apostle Peter.
There was a certain man in Caesarea called Cornelius, a
centurion of the band called the Italian band,
A devout man, and one that feared God with all his
house, which gave much alms to the people and prayed to
God always.
He saw in a vision evidently about the ninth hour of the
day an angel of God coming in to him, and saying unto
him, Cornelius.
Page 3
And when he looked on him, he was afraid, and said, What
is it Lord? And he said unto him, Thy prayers and thine
alms are come up for a memorial before God.
And now send men to Joppa, and call for one Simon, whose
surname is Peter:
He logeth with one Simon a tanner, whose house is by the
sea side: he shall tell thee what thou oughtest to do.
And when the angel which spake unto Cornelius was
departed, he called two of his household servants, and a
devout soldier of them that waited on him continually;
And when he had declared all these things unto them, he
sent them to Joppa. (Acts 10:1-8)
While these men were traveling to Joppa, Peter received a
vision in which he saw a vessel that contained many animals
and fowls. Peter was commanded by God to kill and eat the
animals, but he refused.
And [Peter] saw heaven opened, and a certain vessel
descending unto him, as it had been a great sheet knit
at the four corners, and let down to the earth.
Wherein were all manner of four footed beasts of the
earth, and wild beasts, and creeping things, and fowls
of the air.
And there came a voice to him, Rise, Peter; kill, and
eat.
But Peter said, Not so, Lord; for I have never eaten any
thing that is common or unclean. (Acts 10:11-14)
The Lord then told Peter
And the voice spake unto him again the second time, What
God hath cleansed, that call not thou common. (Acts
10:15)
Peter did not understand the meaning of the vision, and
while he was thinking about that event, the messengers from
Cornelius arrived. At their request, Peter accompanied the
messengers to Caesarea and met with Cornelius.
After talking with Cornelius, Peter understood the meaning
of the vision given to him in Joppa, and he said
Then Peter opened his mouth, and said, Of a truth I
perceive that God is no respecter of persons:
But in every nation he that feareth him, and worketh
righteousness is accepted with him. (Acts 10:34-35)
Page 4
Through revelation to a living prophet, Jesus corrected a
serious problem in the church.
Apostles Guided by Revelation Concerning Circumcision
-----------------------------------------------------
Another serious problem developed in the church, again
involving Jewish customs that were being retained by the
Christians. Certain people were teaching that the
Christians had to be circumcised as they had under the Law
of Moses.
And certain men which came down from Judea taught the
brethren, and said, Except ye be circumcised after the
manner of Moses, ye cannot be saved. (Acts 15:1)
This problem caused great dissension in the church, and
Paul, Barnabas, and a few others were sent to Jerusalem to
bring this problem to the attention of the Apostles,
indicating they recognized the Apostles as the foundation of
the church.
The Apostles began discussing the problem. Peter spoke and
reminded them that God had recently directed him to take the
Gospel to the Gentiles, and he expressed his feelings that
the Gentiles should not be required to submit to
circumcision. Paul and Barnabas spoke, and then the Apostle
James arose and agreed with Peter about the Gentiles not
needing circumcision. He suggested that letters be sent to
the Gentiles explaining this decision and encouraging them
stay away from idol worship, fornication, and other sins.
The Apostles agreed and wrote the letters in which they said
For it seemed good to the Holy Ghost, and to us, to lay
upon you no greater burden than these necessary things;
That ye abstain from meats offered to idols, and from
blood, and from things strangled, and from fornication:
from which if ye keep yourselves, ye shall do well.
Fare ye well. (Acts 15:28-29)
Notice that the Apostles acknowledged that they had been
inspired of God in their decision: "For it seemed good to
the Holy Ghost...". Again, we have a serious problem being
solved by direct revelation from God to living Apostles and
prophets!
Apostles Freed From Prison By Angel
-----------------------------------
In addition to receiving divine guidance from the Lord, the
Apostles received visions from the Lord and from angels.
Page 5
Early in their ministry, the Apostles were imprisoned by the
Jewish leaders.
Then the high priest rose up, and all they that were
with him, (which is the sect of the Sadducees,) and were
filled with indignation,
And laid their hands on the apostles, and put them in
the common prison.
But the angel of the Lord by night opened the prison
doors, and brought them forth, and said,
Go stand and speak in the temple to the people all the
words of this life. (Acts 5:17-20)
Through a miraculous visit of an angel, the Apostles were
freed and then told what to do.
Peter Freed From Prison By Angel
--------------------------------
Later in his ministry, Peter was imprisoned by Herod.
Now about that time Herod the king stretched forth his
hands to vex certain of the church.
And because he saw it pleased the Jews, he proceeded
further to take Peter also. (Then were the days of
unleavened bread.)
And when he had apprehended him, he put him in prison,
and delivered him to four quaternions of soldiers to
keep him; intending after Easter to bring him forth to
the people.
And, behold, the angel of the Lord came upon him, and a
light shined in the prison: and he smote Peter on the
side, and raised him up, saying, Arise up quickly, and
his chains fell off from his hands.
And the angel said unto him, Gird thyself, and bind on
thy sandals. And so he did, And he saith unto him, Cast
thy garment about thee, and follow me.
And he went out, and followed him; and wist not that it
was true which was done by the angel; but thought he saw
a vision.
When they were past the first and the second ward, they
came unto the iron gate that leadeth unto the city;
which opened to them of his own accord: and they went
out, and passed on through one street; and forthwith the
angel departed from him.
Page 6
And when Peter was come to himself, he said, Now I know
of a surety, that the Lord hath sent his angel, and hath
delivered me out of the hand of Herod, and from all the
expectation of the people of the Jews. (Acts
12:1,3-4,8-11)
Again, through the intervention of an angel, Peter was freed
from prison.
Philip Guided by Angel In His Missionary Work
---------------------------------------------
Philip, one of the seven men chosen by the Apostles to
assist them in the work of the ministry, traveled through
out the area teaching of Christ and baptizing the people.
He was given directions concerning his work by an angel.
And the angel of the Lord spake unto Philip, saying,
Arise, and go toward the south unto the way that goeth
down from Jerusalem unto Gaza, which is desert.
And he arose and went: and, behold, a man of Ethiopia,
an eunuch of great authority under Candace queen of the
Ethiopians, who had the charge of all her treasure, and
had come to Jerusalem for to worship.
Was returning, and sitting in his chariot read Esaias
the prophet.
Then the Spirit said unto Philip, Go near, and join
thyself to this chariot. (Acts 8:26-29)
After teaching the Eunuch of Jesus and baptizing him, the
Holy Ghost again sent Philip to another place.
And when they were come up out of the water [the
baptism], the Spirit of the Lord caught away Philip,
that the eunuch saw him no more: and he went on his way
rejoicing.
But Philip was found at Azotus: and passing through he
preached in all the cities til he came to Caesarea.
(Acts 8:39-40)
Paul Converted Through Visions
------------------------------
Paul, who, as Saul, had been fighting the church, was
converted through visions received by himself and by a
person named Ananias.
Page 7
And as he journeyed, he came near Damascus: and
suddenly there shined around about him a light from
heaven:
And he fell to the earth, and heard a voice saying unto
him, Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me?
And he said, Who art thou, Lord? And the Lord said, I
am Jesus whom thou persecutest: it is hard for thee to
kick against the pricks.
And he trembling and astonished said, Lord, what wilt
thou have me to do? And the Lord said unto him, Arise
and go into the city, and it shall be told thee what
thou must do.
And there was a certain disciple at Damascus, named
Ananias; and to him said the Lord in a vision, Ananias.
and he said, Behold, I am here, Lord.
And the Lord said unto him, Arise, and go into the
street which is called Straight, and inquire in the
house of Judas for one called Saul, of Tarsus: for,
behold, he prayeth. (Acts 9:3-6,10-11)
Through these miraculous visions, Jesus brought a special
leader into the church.
Angels Prophesy of Second Coming of Christ
------------------------------------------
Prior to the active ministry of the Apostles, when Jesus
ascended into heaven after spending 40 days preparing his
leaders, two angels appeared to the Apostles and prophesied
that Christ would return.
And when he had spoken these things, while they beheld,
he was taken up; and a cloud received him out of their
sight.
And while they looked steadfastly toward heaven as he
went up, behold, two men stood by them in white apparel;
Which also said, ye men of Galilee, why stand ye gazing
up into heaven? this same Jesus, which is taken up from
you into heaven, shall so come in like manner as ye have
seen him go into heaven. (Acts 1:9-11)
The Apostle John Visited By An Angel
------------------------------------
The Apostle John declared in the beginning of his revelation
that he had been visited by an angel.
Page 8
The Revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave unto him,
to shew unto his servants things which must shortly come
to pass; and he sent and signified it by his angel unto
his servant John; (Revelation 1:1)
The New Testament Church
------------------------
From reading these scriptures, we see a picture of the New
Testament church in which visions and angels were common.
The church was indeed Christ's church, and he guided it
through direct revelation from the Heavens to living
Apostles and prophets on the earth!
|
| 4.10 | Authority from God | CACHE::LEIGH | Let your light shine | Fri Sep 06 1991 06:25 | 330 |
| In previous lessons, we have discussed the Savior's church
as described in the New Testament. Let us review some of
the characteristics that identified that church.
Jesus Had Power from His Father
-------------------------------
Jesus received power and authority from his Father in
Heaven.
And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is
given unto me in heaven and in earth. (Matthew 28:18)
These words spake Jesus, and lifted up his eyes to
heaven, and said, Father, the hour is come; glorify thy
Son, that thy Son also may glorify thee: As thou has
given him power over all flesh, that he should give
eternal life to as many as thou hast given him. (John
17:1-2)
Jesus Ordained the 12 Apostles and Gave Them Authority
------------------------------------------------------
In establishing his church, Jesus chose 12 men to be
leaders, men who would carry his work to the world, men who
would be shepherds to the people. These 12 men were
different than the other disciples, because they received
authority from Christ through ordination.
And when it was day, he called unto him his disciples;
and of them he chose twelve, whom also he named
apostles; (Luke 6:13)
And when he had called unto him his twelve disciples, he
gave them power against unclean spirits, to cast them
out and to heal all manner of sicknesses and all manner
of disease. (Matthew 10:1)
Ye have not chosen me, but I have chosen you and
ordained you, that ye should go and bring forth fruit,
and that your fruit should remain: that whatsoever ye
shall ask of the Father in my name, he may give it you.
(John 15:16)
Notice the sequence of events:
1. Jesus was given power from his Father.
2. Jesus ordained the 12 Apostles and gave them power to
act in his name.
It is important to understand the significance of the
ordination of the Apostles by the Savior. Their ordination
Page 2
was not an imaginary thing; it was an actual ordinance in
which Jesus gave authority to the Apostles.
The Seventy Were Ordained With Authority
----------------------------------------
In addition to the twelve Apostles, Jesus called 70 men to
serve as missionaries of the Gospel.
After these things the Lord appointed other seventy
also, and sent them two and two before his face into
every city and place, whither he himself would come.
And the seventy returned again with joy, saying, Lord,
even the devils are subject unto us through thy name.
Behold I give unto you power to tread on serpents and
scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy: and
nothing shall by any means hurt you. (Luke 10:1,17,19)
Seven Men Ordained With Authority To Assist The Twelve
------------------------------------------------------
The Apostles called seven men into the ministry to assist
the Apostles. These men were ordained by the Apostles and
given authority.
And in those days, when the number of the disciples was
multiplied, there arose a murmuring of the Grecians
against the Hebrews, because their widows were neglected
in the daily ministration.
Then the twelve called the multitude of the disciples
unto them, and said it is not reason that we should
leave the word of God, and serve tables.
Wherefore, brethren, look ye out among you seven men of
honest report, full of the Holy Ghost and wisdom, whom
we may appoint over this business
And the saying pleased the whole multitude: and they
chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy
Ghost, and Philip, and Prochorus, and Nicanor, and
Timon, and Parmenas, and Nicolas a proselyte of Antioch:
Whom they set before the apostles: and when they had
prayed, they laid their hands on them. (Acts 6:1-6)
Page 3
Paul And Barnabas Given Authority As Missionaries
-------------------------------------------------
Prior to their departure as missionaries, Paul and Barnabas
received authority by the laying on of the hands of
prophets.
Now there were in the church that was at Antioch certain
prophets and teachers; as Barnabas, and Simeon that was
called Niger, and Lucius of Cyrene, and Manaen, which
had been brought up with Herod the tetrarch, and Saul.
As they ministered to the Lord, and fasted, the Holy
Ghost said, Separate me Barnabas and Saul for the work
whereunto I have called them.
And when they had fasted and prayed, and laid their
hands on them, they sent them away. (Acts 13:1-3)
Elders Were Ordained In Every City
----------------------------------
While engaged in his missionary work, Paul ordained Elders
in every city.
And when they had ordained them elders in every church,
and had prayed with fasting, they commended them to the
Lord, on whom they believed. (Acts 14:23)
In writing to Titus, Paul spoke of Titus' assignment to
ordain Elders in every city.
For this cause left I thee in Crete, that thou shouldest
set in order the things that are wanting, and ordain
elders in every city, as I had appointed thee: (Titus
1:5)
These two verses are especially interesting because they
teach that Elders were local officers to be in and lead each
congregation of the church. In contrast to this, the
Apostles were general officers and traveled from city to
city.
Two Divisions in the Authority of God
-------------------------------------
Earlier in this chapter, we discussed the selection of seven
men who were to assist the Apostles and who were given
authority via the laying on of the Apostles hands. One of
these men was Philip. Due to the havoc being caused by
Saul, the members scattered to different locations and
taught Christ as they went.
Page 4
Philip went to Samaria where many people accepted his
message and were baptized. An interesting and significant
thing then happened. Philip did not give people the Holy
Ghost. Instead, the Apostles came from Jerusalem and gave
the Holy Ghost to the people. Even though Philip had been
ordained by the Apostles and had authority to baptize, he
apparently did not have authority to give the Holy Ghost.
But when they believed Philip preaching the things
concerning the kingdom of God, and the name of Jesus
Christ, they were baptized, both men and women.
Then Simon himself believed also: and when he was
baptized, he continued with Philip, and wondered,
beholding the miracles and signs which were done.
Now when the apostles which were at Jerusalem heard that
Samaria had received the word of God, they sent unto
them Peter and John:
Who when they were come down, prayed for them, that they
might receive the Holy Ghost:
(For as yet he was fallen upon none of them: only they
were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.)
Then laid they their hands on them, and they received
the Holy Ghost. (Acts 8:12-17)
There were apparently two divisions or types of authority
received from Christ. Philip held a lower authority which
included the power to baptize. The Apostles held a higher
authority which enabled them to confer the Holy Ghost.
These two divisions can also be seen in the ministries of
John the Baptist and Jesus. John baptized with water and
Jesus baptized with the Holy Ghost.
Authority Of God Given Through Men Already Having It
----------------------------------------------------
In Hebrews we read of the authority of God and the manner in
which it is given to man.
For every high priest taken from among men is ordained
for men in things pertaining to God, that he may offer
both gifts and sacrifices for sins:
Who can have compassion on the ignorant, and on them
that are out of the way; for that he himself also is
compassed with infirmity.
And by reason hereof he ought, as for the people, so
also for himself, to offer for sins.
Page 5
And no man taketh this honour unto himself, but he that
is called of God, as was Aaron. (Hebrews 5:1-4)
The context of that Scripture (from Chapter 4) concerns
Christ as our great high priest. Chapter 5 then uses Christ
as a type and talks of the responsibilities of men who hold
the authority of God. Just as Christ offered himself a
sacrifice for sin, so should we sacrifice for sin through
service to others. Just as Christ had compassion on the
ignorant, so should we.
Then, verse 4 tells us that people can not assume the
authority of God. People only receive that authority by the
same procedure in which it was given to Aaron. Verse 5
explains that even Jesus did not assume the authority but
received it from his Father.
Let us read from the Old Testament the method by which Aaron
received the authority of God.
And take thou unto thee Aaron thy brother, and his sons
with him, from among the children of Israel, that he may
minister unto me in the priest's office, even Aaron,
Nadab and Abihu, Eleazar and Ithamar, Aaron's sons.
(Exodus 28:1)
Aaron did not receive his calling directly from God but
received it via Moses who already had the authority. Thus,
the pattern described in Hebrews 5:4 is that men receive the
authority of God only by being called to the ministry by
persons who have the authority. Now we can see the
importance of the scriptures cited earlier in this chapter
that describe Jesus giving the authority to the Apostles,
and they in turn giving it to others.
We can see this pattern in the manner in which Joshua was
called by the Lord.
And the LORD said unto Moses, Take thee Joshua the son
of Nun, a man in whom is the spirit, and lay thine hand
upon him:
And set him before Eleazar the priest and before all the
congregation: and give him a charge in their sight.
And Moses did as the Lord commanded him: and he took
Joshua, and set him before Eleazar the priest, and
before all the congregation:
And he laid his hands upon him, and gave him a charge,
as the LORD commanded by the hand of Moses. (Numbers
27:18-19,22-23)
Some people will say, "Well, that method pertained to the
Old Testament, to the Law of Moses. It doesn't apply to the
Page 6
New Testament and to the Gospel of Christ." In reply, I say,
"It does apply to the New Testament and to the Gospel of
Christ, because (a) it was the method used by Jesus and by
the Apostles throughout the New Testament era, and (b) it is
the method referred to in Hebrews 5:4 which states
And no man taketh this honour unto himself, but he that
is called of God, as was Aaron. (Hebrews 5:4)
A Modern-day Parable Of Authority
---------------------------------
Consider the following story that illustrates the importance
of the pattern from Hebrews 5:4.
One day you are poking around your attic, and you discover
an old trunk that belonged to your great grandfather. In
looking through the trunk, you find a certificate that
certified that your great grandfather was appointed
constable of the town. While reminiscing about your great
grandfather, you feel a strong desire to be constable and
thus serve your town.
So, armed with the certificate from the trunk, you embark on
your "ministry". A few days later, you come upon a person
disturbing the peace, and you attempt to place him in jail.
Recognizing that you are not really a constable, the person
asks, "By what authority do you act?" You respond by showing
him the certificate and describing the strong feeling you
experienced.
Were you really empowered by the town to be constable? Of
course not, that is silly; all you had was an old
certificate that certified someone else was constable. So
it is today. People feel strong urges to serve Christ.
They take a written record describing people in years past
who did have the authority of God (the Bible), and they use
that record as their justification for assuming a calling
from God.
|
| 4.11 | The Great Apostasy Begins | CACHE::LEIGH | Let your light shine | Sat Sep 07 1991 19:56 | 313 |
|
Identifying Traits of Jesus' Church
-----------------------------------
We have discussed in previous lessons the Church of Jesus
Christ as established by Jesus of Nazareth and as described
in the New Testament. We have seen that that church can be
characterized by the following traits.
1. Jesus was the corner stone or head of the church.
(Ephesians 2:19-21)
2. The twelve Apostles were the foundation of the church.
(Ephesians 2:19-21)
3. Christ ordained the Apostles and gave them power and
authority. (John 15:16, Luke 9:1)
4. The Apostles ordained other officers and gave them power
and authority. (Acts 6:5-6, Acts 14:23, Titus 1:5)
5. Jesus guided his church through revelation to the
Apostles. (Acts 1:22-25, Acts 10, Acts 15)
6. Visitations by angels were common and expected by the
people. (Acts 1:9-11, Acts 5:17-20, Acts 12:1-11, Acts
8:26-29, Revelation 1:1)
7. Visions were common. (Acts 11, Acts 9:1-11)
8. Jesus intended that Apostles always be the foundation of
the church until the world is united in faith and
knowledge of Christ. (Acts 1:15-26, Ephesians 4:11-14)
Apostles Tried To Keep The Church Unified
-----------------------------------------
In performing their role as the foundation of the church,
the Apostles taught the Gospel and spread the message of
Jesus Christ.
But Peter, standing up with the eleven, lifted up his
voice, and said unto them. Ye men of Judaea, and all ye
that dwell at Jerusalem, be this known unto you, and
hearken to my words:
Therefore let all the house of Israel know assuredly,
that God hath made that same Jesus, whom ye have
crucified, both Lord and Christ. (Acts 2:14,36)
They rebuked transgressors.
But a certain man named Ananias, with Sapphira his wife,
sold a possession,
And kept back part of the price, his wife also being
privy to it, and brought a certain part, and laid it at
the apostles feet.
But Peter said, Ananias why hath Satan filled thine
heart to lie to the Holy Ghost, and to keep back part of
the price of the land?
Whiles it remained, was it not thine own? and after it
was sold, was it not in thine own power? Why hast thou
conceived this thing in thine heart? thou hast not lied
unto men, but unto God. (Acts 5:1-4)
When points of doctrine and church practices were not clear,
the Apostles made decisions in the matter and notified the
church. They provided leadership and did all they could to
strengthen the new church.
Wherefore my sentence is, that we trouble not them,
which from among the Gentiles are turned to God:
But that we write unto them, that they abstain from
pollutions of idols, and from fornication, and from
things strangled, and from blood.
Then it pleased the apostles and elders, with the whole
church, to send chosen men of their own company to
Antioch with Paul and Barnabas; namely, Judas surnamed
Barsabas, and Silas, chief men among the brethren:
And they wrote letters by them after this manner; The
apostles and elders and brethren send greeting unto the
brethren which are of the Gentiles in Antioch and Syria
and Cilicia: (Acts 15:19-20,22-23)
Truly, the Apostles were the foundation of the church.
Apostasy Began To Creep Into The Church
---------------------------------------
Even though the Apostles tried to keep the church unified,
things were difficult. Persecution from the Jews and from
the Romans and other Gentiles was severe. Many Christians
clung to their old beliefs and tried to combine them with
the principles of the Gospel. Others yielded to the
persecution and drifted away from the church. The Apostles
and other leaders recognized what was happening and tried to
stop it.
For there are many unruly and vain talkers and
deceivers, specially they of the circumcision:
Whose mouths must be stopped, who subvert whole houses,
teaching things which they ought not, for filthy lucre's
sake.
Unto the pure all things are pure: but unto them that
are defiled and unbelieving is nothing pure; but even
their mind and conscience is defiled.
They profess that they know God; but in works they deny
him, being abominable, and disobedient, and unto every
good work reprobate. (Titus 1:10-11,15-16)
Little children, it is the last time: and as ye have
heard that antichrist shall come, even now are there
many antichrists; whereby we know that it is the last
time.
They went out from us, but they were not of us; for if
they had been of us, they would no doubt have continued
with us; but they went out, that they might be made
manifest that they were not all of us. (1 John 2:18-19)
Jude warned the members to be diligent in their faith
because wicked men had entered the church.
Beloved, when I gave all diligence to write unto you of
the common salvation, it was needful for me to write
unto you, and exhort you that ye should earnestly
contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the
saints.
For there are certain men crept in unawares, who were
before of old ordained to this condemnation, ungodly
men, turning the grace of our God into lasciviousness,
and denying the only Lord God, and our Lord Jesus
Christ. (Jude 3-4)
Paul pleaded with the Christians to cease being divided in
their beliefs and become united in Christ.
Now I beseech you, brethren, by the name of our Lord
Jesus Christ, that ye all speak the same thing, and that
there be no divisions among you; but that ye be
perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the
same judgment.
For it hath been declared unto me of you, my brethren,
by them which are of the house of Chloe, that there are
contentions among you.
Now this I say, that every one of you saith, I am of
Paul; and I of Apollos; and I of Cephas; and I of
Christ.
Is Christ divided? was Paul crucified for you? or were
ye baptized in the name of Paul? (1 Corinthians
1:10-13)
Paul expressed surprise that the members were so quickly
adopting false teachings and practices.
I marvel that ye are so soon removed from him that
called you into the grace of Christ unto another gospel:
Which is not another; but there be some that trouble
you, and would pervert the gospel of Christ.
But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other
gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto
you, let him be accursed.
As we said before, so say I now again, If any man preach
any other gospel unto you than that ye have received,
let him be accursed. (Galatians 1:6-9)
Try as they might, due to slow modes of transportation and
poor communication between themselves and the Christians who
were scattered throughout the known world, the Apostles were
unable to stem the tide of wickedness and apostasy within
the church.
Apostles Knew The Church Would Be Destroyed By Apostasy
-------------------------------------------------------
The Apostles knew through inspiration that wickedness would
overtake the Church and they prophesied of that happening.
Many Christians thought the Second Coming of Christ would
soon come. Paul warned them that it would not come until a
falling away from the truth had occurred in which Satan
would run rampant.
Now we beseech you, brethren, by the coming of our Lord
Jesus Christ, and by our gathering together unto him,
That ye be not soon shaken in mind, or be troubled,
neither by spirit, nor by word, nor by letter as from
us, as that the day of Christ is at hand.
Let no man deceive you by any means: for that day shall
not come, except there come a falling away first, and
that man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition; (2
Thessalonians 2:1-3)
Paul challenged Timothy to preach the word of Christ, to
reprove and rebuke those that need it, and to teach the
doctrines of Christ with patience. It was necessary for
Timothy to do this, Paul warned, because at a future time,
the church members would forsake the truth and turn to
teachers who taught false doctrine.
For the time will come when they will not endure sound
doctrine: but after their own lusts shall they heap to
themselves teachers, having itching ears;
And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and
shall be turned unto fables. (2 Timothy 4:3-4)
Paul warned Timothy that
Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter
times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to
seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils;
Speaking lies in hypocrisy; having their conscience
seared with a hot iron;
Forbidding to marry, and commanding to abstain from
meats, which God hath created to be received with
thanksgiving of them which believe and know the truth.
(1 Timothy 4:1-3)
This know also, that in the last days perilous times
shall come.
For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous,
boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents,
unthankful, unholy,
Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false
accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that
are good,
Traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more
than lovers of God;
Having a form of godliness, but denying the power
thereof: from such turn away.
For of this sort are they which creep into houses, and
lead captive silly women laden with sins, led away with
divers lusts,
Ever learning and never able to come to the knowledge of
the truth. (2 Timothy 3:1-7)
Peter warned of false teachers who would enter and corrupt
the church.
But there were false prophets also among the people,
even as there shall be false teachers among you, who
privily shall bring in damnable heresies, even denying
the Lord that brought them, and bring upon themselves
swift destruction.
And many shall follow their pernicious ways; by reason
of whom the way of truth shall be evil spoken of.
And through covetousness shall they with feigned words
make merchandise of you: whose judgment now of a long
time lingereth not, and their damnation slumbereth not.
(2 Peter 2:1-3)
Jude warned
But beloved, remember ye the words which were spoken
before of the apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ;
How they told you there should be mockers in the last
time, who should walk after their own ungodly lusts.
Those be they who separate themselves, sensual, having
not the Spirit. (Jude 17-19)
Luke recorded Paul's warning that apostasy would destroy the
church, that is, the flock of Christ would not be spared.
For I know this, that after my departing shall grievous
wolves enter in among you, not sparing the flock.
And also of your own selves shall men arise, speaking
perverse things to draw away disciples after them.
(Acts 20:29-30)
With The Apostles Gone, The Apostasy Blossomed
----------------------------------------------
Because of wickedness and persecution, the Apostles were
scattered, trying to put out fires of wickedness and keep
the church together. However, one by one the Apostles were
killed, and the time came that only John was left. Then he
disappeared, and spiritual darkness reigned.
|
| 4.12 | The Great Apostasy Continues | CACHE::LEIGH | Let your light shine | Sat Sep 07 1991 19:57 | 169 |
|
In our previous discussion we studied the New Testament
prophecies of an apostasy from the true Church of Jesus
Christ and the evidences from the New Testament that the
apostasy had begun during the lives of the Apostles.
Let us now look briefly at history to see the growth of the
apostasy.
First Century AD
----------------
Writing of the conditions marking the close of the first
century and the beginning of the second, Eusebius cited the
testimony of an earlier historian, Hegesippus, who lived
immediately following the apostolic period.
The same author, [Hegesippus] relating the events of the
times, also says, if there were any at all that
attempted to pervert the sound doctrine of the saving
gospel, they were yet skulking in dark retreats; but
when the sacred choir of apostles became extinct, and
the generation of those that had been privileged to hear
their inspired wisdom had passed away, then also the
combinations of impious error arose by the fraud and
delusions of false teachers. These also, as there were
none of the apostles left, henceforth attempted, without
shame to preach their false doctrine against the gospel
of truth. Such is the statement of Hegesippus.
(Eusebius, Eccles. Hist., Book III, chap. 32, as
quoted in "Ready References", pp. 70-71. "Ready
References" is a scripture-study guide published by the
Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.)
Second Century AD
-----------------
Writing of the ceremonies used in the church during the
second century, Mosheim said.
There is no institution so pure and excellent which the
corruption and folly of man will not in time alter for
the worse, and load with additions foreign to its nature
and original design. Such, in a particular manner, was
the fate of Christianity. In this century, many
unnecessary rites and ceremonies were added to the
Christian worship, the introduction of which was
extremely offensive to wise and good men....Both Jews
and heathens were accustomed to a vast variety of
pompous and magnificent ceremonies in their religious
service. And as they considered these rites as an
essential part of religion, it was but natural that they
should behold with indifference, and even with contempt,
the simplicity of the Christian worship, which was
destitute of those idle ceremonies that rendered their
service so specious and striking. To remove then, in
some measure, this prejudice against Christianity, the
bishops thought it necessary to increase the number of
rites and ceremonies, and thus to render the public
worship more striking to the outward senses....The
rulers of the church adopted, therefore, certain
external ceremonies, that thus they might captivate the
senses of the vulgar, and be able to refute the
reproaches of their adversaries. (Mosheim, Eccles.
Hist., Century II, Part II, chap. 4:1, 2,3, by
Archibald Maclaine, 1819, as quoted in "Ready
References, p. 71)
Third Century AD
----------------
Concerning the third century, Mosheim wrote
All of the records of this century mention the
multiplication of rites and ceremonies in the Christian
church. Several of the causes that contributed to this,
have been already pointed out; to which we may add, as a
principal one, the passion which now reigned for the
Platonic philosophy, or rather, for the popular Oriental
superstition concerning demons, adopted by the
Platonists and borrowed, unhappily, from them by the
Christian doctors. For there is not the least doubt,
but that many of the rites, now introduced into the
church, derived their origin from the reigning opinions
concerning the nature of demons, and the powers and
operations of invisible beings. Hence the use of
exorcisms and spells, the frequency of fasts, and the
aversion to wedlock. (Mosheim, Eccles. Hist., Century
III, Part II, chap. 4:1, 4, by Archibald Maclaine,
1819, as quoted in "Ready References, pp. 71-72)
Fourth Century AD
-----------------
While the Roman emperors were studious to promote the
honour of Christianity, by the auspicious protection
they afforded to the church, and their most zealous
efforts to advance its interests, the inconsiderate, and
the ill-directed piety of the bishops cast a cloud over
the beauty and simplicity of the gospel, by the
prodigious number of rites and ceremonies which they had
invented to embellish it....The rites and institutions,
by which the Greeks, Romans, and other nations, had
formerly testified their religious veneration for
fictitious deities, were now adopted, with some slight
alterations by Christian bishops, and employed in the
service of the true God. (Mosheim, Eccles. Hist.,
Century IV, Part II, chap. 4:1, 4, by Archibald
Maclaine, 1819, as quoted in "Ready References, p. 72)
The Roman emperor Constantine adopted Christianity as the
state religion, and the officers of the church became both
politically as well as religiously powerful. The apostasy
was complete!
What of the Reformation?
------------------------
During the Reformation, the reformers recognized that the
Catholic church was apostate. John Wesley wrote
It does not appear that those extraordinary gifts of the
Holy Spirit were common in the Church for more than two
or three centuries. We seldom hear of them after that
fatal period when the Emperor Constantine called himself
a Christian....The cause of this was not, as has been
supposed, because there was no more occasion for them,
because all the world was become Christians. This is a
miserable mistake; not a twentieth part of it was then
nominally Christian. The real cause of it was that the
love of many, almost all Christians, so-called, was
waxed cold. The Christians had no more of the spirit of
Christ than the other heathens. (John Wesley's Works,
Vol. VII, 89; 26-27, as quoted in "Ready References, p.
73)
The reformers recognized the apostasy had taken place, and
they attempted to bring back the purity of early
Christianity. However, they found themselves in a dilemma.
They had no authority from God, and they could not receive
authority from the Catholic church. They could not receive
authority from anyone. So, they turned to the Bible and
began to teach that a feeling of being called by God was
sufficient and that authority given through ordination by
the laying on of hands by someone having authority was not
necessary.
I am reminded of a "parable" of a dead tree. The tree was
once living and beautiful. But due to neglect, it had died.
Others wanting to enjoy the beauty of the tree tried to
bring life to the tree by pruning a branch here and pruning
one there. But to their sadness, the tree remained lifeless
because its roots were dead. They did not realize that what
was needed was the planting of a new tree.
The reformers were great men. I believe they were called by
God to break down the political power of the Catholic
church, a power that prevented freedom of religion. I
believe that God wanted to plant a new tree by restoring the
Gospel of Jesus Christ through the intervention of divine
messengers, angels, who would give the authority of God
through the laying on of their hands on the heads of new
Apostles and prophets called by God! I testify in the name
of Jesus Christ that that restoration happened.
|
| 4.13 | The Orthodox Teaching of the Trinity | CACHE::LEIGH | Let your light shine | Sat Sep 07 1991 19:58 | 123 |
|
In previous discussions we have seen that a departure or
apostasy from the truth occurred during the years following
the death of the Apostles. An important evidence of this
apostasy is the distortion that occurred in church beliefs
about the nature of God, the result being a doctrine known
today as the Trinity.
Origin of the Orthodox Teaching of the Trinity
----------------------------------------------
The Bible teaches that the members of the Godhead are
separate personages but one in unity, and I believe the
early Christians worshiped that type of God.
However, wickedness and persecution grew. Church members
adopted sinful practices from their neighbors. Through
their epistles, the Apostles tried to correct the church,
but they were scattered and communication between them and
the various churches was slow. The people continued in
wickedness.
As a result of persecution, the Apostles were killed, and
because of slow transportation and communication, the
Apostles were not able to choose new men to replace those
who had been killed. By about 100 AD, John, the last
Apostle, had disappeared, and the church languished in
apostasy.
Paul had prophesied that this would happen:
For I know this, that after my departing shall grievous
wolves enter in among you, *not sparing* the flock.
Also of your own selves shall men arise, speaking
perverse things, to draw away disciples after them.
(Acts 20:29-30, emphasis mine)
For first of all, when ye come together in the church, I
hear that there be divisions among you; and I partly
believe it. (I Corinthians 11:18)
I marvel that ye are so soon removed from him that
called you into the grace of Christ unto another gospel:
Which is not another; but there be some that trouble
you, and would pervert the gospel of Christ.
But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach *any
other* gospel unto you than that which we have preached
unto you, let him be accursed.
As we said before, so say I now again, If any man preach
any other gospel unto you than that ye have received,
let him be accursed. (Galatians 1:6-9, emphasis mine)
I believe that by the fourth century the apostasy was
complete, in fulfillment of Paul's prophesy that the flock
or church would not be spared. That is, by not having
living Apostles who received revelations from God for the
church the church destroyed itself and was no longer the
Church of Jesus Christ.
Creeds Replaced Revelation
--------------------------
The Bishops over the churches in individual cities contended
with each other. Philosophers introduced changes in the
doctrine. Bitterness and rivalry ensued.
One of the conflicts in the apostate church concerned
whether the Son was coequal with the Father since he had
been created by the Father. Constantine brought the Bishops
together in the Council of Nice in 325 AD to settle these
conflicts. The result of this was the Nicene Creed which
states among other things that the Father and the Son were
one in substance.
Later another creed, known as the Athanasian Creed, was
formed. This creed states
We worship one God in Trinity, and Trinity in Unity,
neither confounding the persons, nor dividing the
substance. For there is one person of the Father,
another of the Son, and another of the Holy Ghost. But
the Godhead of the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost, is all
one; the glory equal, the majesty coeternal. Such as
the Father is, such is the Son, and such is the Holy
Ghost. The Father uncreate, the Son uncreate, and the
Holy Ghost uncreate. The Father incomprehensible, the
Son incomprehensible, and the Holy Ghost
incomprehensible. The Father eternal, the son eternal,
and the Holy Ghost eternal. And yet there are not three
eternals, but one eternal. As also there are not three
incomprehensibles, nor three uncreated; but one
uncreated, and one incomprehensible. So likewise the
Father is Almighty, the son Almighty, and the Holy Ghost
Almighty; and yet there are not three Almighties, but
one Almighty. So the Father is God, the Son is God, and
the Holy Ghost is god, and yet there are not three Gods
but one God."
Imagine! People claiming to be the Church of Jesus Christ
and not being able to agree on the nature of God! Jesus
taught it was "life Eternal, that they might know thee the
only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent" (John
17:3). Life eternal to know God, and yet it required the
intervention of the Roman emperor to bring the apostate
Christians together to agree on the nature of God!
The Athanasian Creed is an example of a political technique:
if you can't get two opposing sides to compromise, just put
both ideologies into the creed and everyone will be happy.
Is there one God? Is the Godhead separate personages? Take
your pick; the Athanasian Creed will support you!
By and large, most Christians today believe in one God.
These people are sincere and think their belief in one God
comes from the Bible, but it doesn't. Their belief comes
from the Catholic Bishops who met under the influence of
Constantine in 325 AD.
|
| 4.14 | The Restoration Begins | CACHE::LEIGH | Let your light shine | Mon Sep 09 1991 16:40 | 308 |
|
With the death of the Apostles, the Church of Jesus Christ
that existed during the New Testament era no longer had a
foundation. Decisions were made and practices and policies
were changed without the inspiration from God that had come
to the Apostles. The authority of God was no longer given
through the laying on of hands. Apostasy had set in, and
that period of time was truly a "dark ages".
Peter Had Spoken Of A Restoration Of All Things
-----------------------------------------------
Peter prophesied of a future time when new revelation would
come from God. He told the Jews to repent and be converted
to Christ so their sins could be forgiven when a time of
"refreshing" would come from God.
Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins
may be blotted out, when the times of refreshing shall
come from the presence of the Lord;
And he shall send Jesus Christ, which before was
preached unto you;
Whom the heaven must receive until the times of
restitution of all things, which God hath spoken by the
mouth of all his holy prophets since the world began.
(Acts 3:19-21)
Peter said that at the "times of refreshing", God would send
Jesus Christ, the same Jesus which had been among the Jews.
He said Jesus would not come until a "times of restitution
of all things" had occurred. There is no need of a
restoration of "all things" if "all" things have not been
lost or taken. Certainly, "all" things would include the
priesthood of God!
I bear testimony in the name of Jesus Christ that the
"restitution of all things" spoken of by Peter has begun and
will continue until Jesus comes in his second coming.
Reformation Prepared Way for The Restoration
--------------------------------------------
Because of political power, the Catholic Church had absolute
control over the religious thinking of the times. Persons
who disagreed were silenced, sometimes with death.
The Holy Ghost, however, went throughout the land and began
to prepare the way for the "restitution of all things".
People hungered to read the scriptures without the
intervention of the clergy. People began to realize that
the current religious practices were different than those
described in the scriptures. The sparks of revolt against
the Catholic church spread into open flames of rebellion.
Through the political intervention of sympathetic rulers,
Protestant churches were formed, and the course to freedom
of religious thought was set. Even though the reformers
claimed no authority from God but used the Bible as their
authority and guide, they paved the way for religious
freedom. This freedom was necessary if new Apostles and
prophets were to be raised by God and not killed by the
political powers controlling the religious organizations.
Restoration Of The Gospel
-------------------------
In the early 1800's, Western New York was part of the
frontier. People were active in religion, and many
religious revivals were held. One town having religious
activity was Palmyra, New York. Living on a farm not far
from Palmyra was a family named Smith, consisting of the
parents Joseph and Lucy, and the children Alvin, Hyrum,
Joseph, Samuel, William, Don Carlos, Sophronia, Catherine,
and Lucy. Joseph (the son) described the religious
excitement in the area.
Some time in the second year after our removal to
Manchester, there was in the place where we lived an
unusual excitement on the subject of religion. It
commenced with the Methodists, but soon became general
among all the sects in that region of country. Indeed,
the whole district of country seemed affected by it, and
great multitudes united themselves to the different
religious parties, which created no small stir and
division amongst the people, some crying, "Lo, here!"
and others, "Lo there!" Some were contending for the
Methodist faith, some for the Presbyterian, and some for
the Baptist.
For, notwithstanding the great love which the converts
to these different faiths expressed at the time of their
conversion, and the great zeal manifested by the
respective clergy, who were active in getting up and
promoting this extraordinary scene of religious feeling,
in order to have everybody converted, as they were
pleased to call it, let them join what sect they
pleased; yet when the converts began to file off, some
to one party and some to another, it was seen that the
seemingly good feelings of both the priests and the
converts were more pretended than real; for a scene of
great confusion and bad feeling ensued--priest
contending against priest, and convert against convert;
so that all their good feelings one for another, if they
ever had any, were entirely lost in a strife of words
and a contest about opinions. (Joseph Smith--History
1:5-6)
Joseph was interested in religion and wanted to join a
church. However, because of the differing claims and
contention, he was confused.
In the midst of this war of words and tumult of
opinions, I often said to myself: What is to be done?
Who of all these parties are right; or, are they all
wrong together? If any one of them be right, which is
it and how shall I know it? (Joseph Smith--History
1:10)
Joseph turned to the Bible for guidance.
While I was laboring under the extreme difficulties
caused by the contests of these parties of religionists,
I was one day reading the epistle of James, first
chapter and fifth verse, which reads: 'If any of you
lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men
liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given
him'.
Never did any passage of Scripture come with more power
to the heart of man than this did at the time to mine.
It seemed to enter with great force into every feeling
of my heart. I reflected on it again and again, knowing
that if any person needed wisdom from God, I did; for
how to act I did not know, and unless I could get more
wisdom than I then had, I would never know; for the
teachers of religion of the different sects understood
the same passages of Scripture so differently as to
destroy all confidence in settling the question by an
appeal to the Bible.
At length I came to the conclusion that I must either
remain in darkness and confusion, or else I must do as
James directs, that is, ask of God. I at length came to
the determination to "ask of God," concluding that if he
gave wisdom to them that lacked wisdom, and would give
liberally, and not upbraid, I might venture.
So, in accordance with this, my determination to ask of
God, I retired to the woods to make the attempt. It was
on the morning of a beautiful, clear day, early in the
spring of eighteen hundred and twenty. It was the first
time in my life that I had made such an attempt, for
amidst all my anxieties I had never as yet made the
attempt to pray vocally.
After I had retired to the place where I had previously
designed to go, having looked around me, and finding
myself alone, I kneeled down and began to offer up the
desires of my heart to God. I had scarcely done so,
when immediately I was seized upon by some power which
entirely overcame me, and had such an astonishing
influence over me as to bind my tongue so that I could
not speak. Thick darkness gathered around me, and it
seemed to me for a time as if I were doomed to sudden
destruction.
But, exerting all my powers to call upon God to deliver
me out of the power of this enemy which had seized upon
me, and at the very moment when I was ready to sink into
despair and abandon myself to destruction--not to an
imaginary ruin, but to the power of some actual being
from the unseen world, who had such marvelous power as I
had never before felt in any being--just at this moment
of great alarm, I saw a pillar of light exactly over my
head, above the brightness of the sun, which descended
gradually until it fell upon me.
It no sooner appeared than I found myself delivered from
the enemy which held me bound. When the light rested
upon me I saw two Personages, whose brightness and glory
defy all description, standing above me in the air. One
of them spake unto me, calling me by name and said,
pointing to the other--'This is My Beloved Son. Hear
Him!' (Joseph Smith--History 1:11-17)
I testify that God the Eternal Father and his Son Jesus
Christ appeared to Joseph Smith!
My object in going to inquire of the Lord was to know
which of all the sects was right, that I might know
which to join. No sooner, therefore, did I get
possession of myself, so as to be able to speak, than I
asked the Personages who stood above me in the light,
which of all the sects was right (for at this time it
had never entered into my heart that all were
wrong)--and which I should join.
I was answered that I must join none of them, for they
were all wrong; and the Personage who addressed me said
that all their creeds were an abomination in his sight;
that those professors were all corrupt; that: "they
draw near to me with their lips, but their hearts are
far from me, they teach for doctrines the commandments
of men, having a form of godliness, but they deny the
power thereof."
He again forbade me to join with any of them; and many
other things did he say unto me, which I can not write
at this time.... (Joseph Smith--History 1:18-20)
In a subsequent discussion, I will explain how Joseph
received the authority of God from divine messengers,
angels, sent from the presence of God to bestow the
authority via the laying on of hands.
Knowledge Restored Through Joseph's Vision
------------------------------------------
Through this vision in the spring of 1820, we learn the
following.
1. God and Jesus Christ both have glorified and perfect
bodies of flesh and bone. They are distinct, separate
personages.
2. None of the churches at that time were accepted by
Christ and had the authority of God.
3. The "professors" or clergy of the churches were corrupt.
4. The creeds taught by the churches were false. Examples
of such creeds are the Nicene and Athanasian creeds
which teach the "mystery" of the trinity. It is
significant that the first knowledge restored in the
restitution of all things was a true knowledge of God,
for Jesus said it was life eternal to know God (John
17:3).
The Churches Are All Wrong
--------------------------
Jesus told Joseph that he must join none of the existing
churches for they were all wrong. Jesus DID NOT mean that
the people in those churches had no faith in Christ. Jesus
DID NOT mean that the people did not have their prayers
answered. Jesus DID NOT mean that the people were bad or
evil.
Jesus DID mean that none of the churches had the authority
of God. Jesus DID mean that the churches were teaching
false creeds and doctrines, teachings which had been
introduced after the death of the Apostles by corrupt and
misguided Bishops and other officials. Jesus DID mean that
there was much more to the Gospel of Jesus Christ than that
found in the available churches.
Do Mormons Worship Joseph Smith?
--------------------------------
Non-Mormons have asked if Mormons worship Joseph Smith.
They have asked this question because Mormons often talk
about Joseph Smith, much as I expect the early Christians
probably talked a lot about Paul. I can understand how
non-Mormons who hear us talk about Joseph-Smith-this and
Joseph-Smith-that might think we worship him, and I
apologize for any such confusion that may have arisen.
To us Joseph was the prophet through whom the Lord restored
the church. We respect him as a prophet, but we do not
worship him! We worship God the Eternal Father through
Jesus Christ as mediator.
Your Challenge
--------------
I have given you my testimony that a complete apostasy from
Christ's church occurred during the dark ages and that God
withdrew his authority from the church. I have testified to
you that Joseph Smith was called as a latter-day Apostle and
prophet. I hope you understand the significance of this
story. What do you do next? Do you discard my testimony as
that of a misguided fanatic? Do you blindly accept it?
James, I think, explains what you should do.
If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that
giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it
shall be given him.
But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering. For he that
wavereth is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind
and tossed.
For let not that man think that he shall receive any
thing of the Lord. (James 1:5-7)
Ask God if what I have told you is true. Ask Him if there
was a complete apostasy. Ask Him if Joseph Smith did see
Him in the spring of 1820.
|
| 4.15 | Visitations of the Angel Moroni | CACHE::LEIGH | Let your light shine | Mon Sep 09 1991 16:45 | 83 |
|
For three years after his vision in the spring of 1820,
Joseph Smith contemplated the event.
On the evening of September 21, 1823, he knelt in prayer to
God to ask of his status before Him. He described the event
as follows:
While I was thus in the act of calling upon God, I
discovered a light appearing in my room, which continued
to increase until the room was lighter than at noonday,
when immediately a personage appeared at my bedside,
standing in the air, for his feet did not touch the
floor.
He had on a loose robe of most exquisite whiteness. It
was a whiteness beyond anything earthly I had ever seen;
nor do I believe that any earthly thing could be made to
appear so exceedingly white and brilliant. His hands
were naked, and his arms also, a little above the wrist;
so, also, were his feet naked, as were his legs, a
little above the ankles. His head and neck were also
bare. I could discover that he had no other clothing on
but this robe, as it was open, so that I could see into
his bosom.
Not only was his robe exceedingly white, but his whole
person was glorious beyond description, and his
countenance truly like lightning. The room was
exceedingly light, but not so very bright as immediately
around his person. When I first looked upon him, I was
afraid; but the fear soon left me.
He called me by name, and said unto me that he was a
messenger sent from the presence of God to me, and that
his name was Moroni; that God had a work for me to do;
and that my name should be had for good and evil among
all nations, kindreds, and tongues, or that it should be
both good and evil spoken of among all people.
He said there was a book deposited, written upon gold
plates, giving an account of the former inhabitants of
this continent, and the source from whence they sprang.
He also said that the fulness of the everlasting Gospel
was contained in it, as delivered by the Savior to the
ancient inhabitants; (Joseph Smith--History 1:30-34)
Joseph saw in vision the location of the plates, buried in a
nearby hill. After Moroni left, Joseph went to the hill,
pried up a large rock, and saw the plates in a hole lined
with rocks. Moroni appeared and forbade Joseph to take the
plates. He told Joseph that for the next four years, he
must come to that spot and be instructed by Moroni about the
ancient peoples. Joseph complied with Moroni's instructions
and visited the hill each year to be taught.
Accordingly, as I had been commanded, I went at the end
of each year, and at each time I found the same
messenger there, and received instruction and
intelligence from him at each of our interviews,
respecting what the Lord was going to do, and how and in
what manner his kingdom was to be conducted in the last
days. (Smith--History 1:54)
Finally, on the visit for the fourth year, the time came for
Joseph to receive the plates.
At last the time arrived for obtaining the plates....On
the twenty-second day of September, one thousand eight
hundred and twenty-seven, having gone as usual at the
end of another year to the place where they were
deposited, the same heavenly messenger delivered them up
to me with this charge: that I should be responsible
for them; that if I should let them go carelessly, or
through any neglect of mine, I should be cut off; but
that if I would use all my endeavors to preserve them,
until he, the messenger, should call for them, they
should be protected. (Joseph Smith--History 1:59)
I give you my witness that Joseph Smith did receive the
plates from the angel Moroni, and that the book which
resulted from the translation of those plates is another
testament of Jesus Christ!
|
| 4.16 | The Book of Mormon, Another Testament of Jesus Christ | CACHE::LEIGH | Let your light shine | Tue Sep 10 1991 17:52 | 104 |
|
The previous chapter explained how Joseph Smith received a
set of gold plates from the Angel Moroni. Joseph translated
the plates through revelation from God, and the resulting
book is known today as the Book of Mormon, Another Testament
of Jesus Christ. In order to understand about the Book of
Mormon, let us draw a comparison between it and the Bible.
The Holy Bible, Testaments of Jesus Christ
-------------------------------------------
The Bible was written by ancient men who lived in the
Palestinian area. As prophets, these men received
revelation from God and recorded their visions and teachings
on scrolls or other materials. These writings were
translated and are available today as the Holy Bible. I
accept the Bible as being the word of God and look to it for
knowledge and testimonies of Jesus Christ.
The Book of Mormon, Another Testament of Jesus Christ
-----------------------------------------------------
The Book of Mormon was written by ancient men who lived in
the American continents. The men were also prophets and
received revelation from God. They recorded their visions
and teachings on plates made of gold. The plates were
translated and are available today as the Book of Mormon. I
accept the Book of Mormon as the word of God, and I look to
it for knowledge and testimonies of Jesus Christ. To me, it
is another testament of Jesus Christ.
The Story of the Book of Mormon
-------------------------------
The Book of Mormon begins in the year 600 B.C. in
Jerusalem. A prophet named Lehi was warned by God that
Jerusalem was about to be destroyed and that he should take
his family and flee the city. Lehi obeyed God, and the
family traveled to the Red sea, constructed a ship, and came
to the American continents. Upon their arrival, they began
to till the ground and build their homes.
Not all of Lehi's family were righteous. Two sons, Laman
and Lemuel, rebelled against their father, and the righteous
members of the family eventually separated themselves from
the rebellious ones. Thus, two groups sprang up in the
land. The righteous people were known as Nephites, being
named after Nephi a younger son of Lehi. The unrighteous
people were known as Lamanites being named after Laman.
The Nephites had prophets, and these men prophesied of Jesus
Christ, testified to the need for a Messiah, and explained
the atonement. They told the people to repent and gave them
signs by which they would know of the birth and later of the
death of Jesus.
For 600 years, the two groups coexisted in the land,
sometimes at peace, but usually at war.
The spiritual high-point of the Book of Mormon is the visit
to the Nephites by the resurrected Jesus Christ. This
occurred after his ascension to heaven as described in Acts
1.
For almost 200 years after the Savior's visit, the Nephites
and Lamanites were one people and lived in righteousness.
However, the people began to pursue the riches of the world,
and they let jealousies and envy take hold in their hearts.
They again separated into two groups, and for the next 200
years great wickedness and wars covered the land.
Finally the last great war occurred, and the Nephite nation
was destroyed. Only stragglers remained and they were
hunted by the Lamanites and killed.
One of the few remaining Nephites was the prophet of the
people, a man named Moroni. His father, Mormon, had been
the prophet before him but had been killed. Prior to his
death, Mormon gave his son Moroni the metal plates upon
which had been written the history and religious life of the
people. Included with the plates was a small set of plates
upon which Mormon had abridged the 1000 years of history.
Moroni named the abridgment the Book of Mormon after his
father.
Moroni closed the abridgment with his testimony of Christ.
Yea, come unto Christ, and be perfected in him, and deny
yourselves of all ungodliness; and if ye shall deny
yourselves of all ungodliness, and love God with all
your might, mind and strength, then is his grace
sufficient for you, that by his grace ye may be perfect
in Christ; and if by the grace of God you are perfect in
Christ, ye can in nowise deny the power of God.
And again, if ye by the grace of God are perfect in
Christ, and deny not his power, then are ye sanctified
in Christ by the grace of God, through the shedding of
the blood of Christ, which is in the covenant of the
Father unto the remission of your sins, that ye become
holy, without spot. (Moroni 10:32-33)
|
| 4.17 | Jesus Christ Appeared in Ancient America | CACHE::LEIGH | Let your light shine | Tue Sep 10 1991 17:54 | 112 |
|
As the time for Christ's crucifixion approached, great
wickedness covered the land, infecting both the Nephites and
the Lamanites. The chief judge of the Nephite government
was slain, and the government was overthrown. The few
people who remembered the signs given by the prophets of
Christ's death looked forward to the appearance of the
signs, knowing that the Son of God was slain for the sins of
the world.
A great storm arose. Thunder! Lightnings! Cities burned!
Other cities sank into the sea! Earthquakes! For the space
of three hours, great destruction occurred. Then...darkness
covered the land, a darkness so thick that no light of any
kind could be seen.
As the people mourned for their loved ones who had been
killed, a voice was heard from the heavens.
Wo, wo, wo unto this people; wo unto the inhabitants of
the whole earth except they shall repent; for the devil
laugheth, and his angels rejoice, because of the slain
of the fair sons and daughters of my people; and it is
because of their iniquity and abominations that they are
fallen.
And many great destructions have I caused to come upon
this land, and upon this people, because of their
wickedness and their abominations.
O all ye that are spared because ye were more righteous
than they, will ye not now return unto me, and repent of
your sins, and be converted, that I may heal you?
Behold, I am Jesus Christ the Son of God. I created the
heavens and the earth, and all things that in them are.
I was with the Father from the beginning. I am in the
Father, and the Father in me; and in me hath the Father
glorified his name. (3 Nephi 9:2,12-13,15)
The Resurrected Jesus Christ Appeared To The Nephites
-----------------------------------------------------
The people were so astonished at hearing the voice that they
ceased to mourn and there was silence in the land. Later,
the people discussed with each other the wondrous thing that
had happened. While they were talking, they again heard a
voice from the heaven, but they could not understand it.
They heard the voice again and understood it not. The third
time the voice came, they understood what was being said.
And behold, the third time they did understand the voice
which they heard; and it said unto them:
Behold my Beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased, in
whom I have glorified my name--hear ye him.
And it came to pass, as they understood they cast their
eyes up again towards heaven; and behold, they saw a Man
descending out of heaven; and he was clothed in a white
robe; and he came down and stood in the midst of them;
and the eyes of the whole multitude were turned upon
him, and they durst not open their mouths, even one to
another, and wist not what it meant, for they thought it
was an angel that had appeared unto them. (3 Nephi
11:6-8)
I bear my witness that the resurrected Jesus Christ appeared
to the Nephites!
Behold I am Jesus Christ, whom the prophets testified
shall come into the world.
And behold, I am the light and the life of the world:
and I have drunk of that bitter cup which the Father
hath given me, and have glorified the Father in taking
upon me the sins of the world, in the which I have
suffered the will of the Father in all things from the
beginning.
And it came to pass that when Jesus had spoken these
words the whole multitude fell to the earth; for they
remembered that it had been prophesied among them that
Christ should show himself unto them after his ascension
into heaven.
And it came to pass that the Lord spake unto them
saying:
Arise and come forth unto me, that ye may thrust your
hands into my side, and also that ye may feel the prints
of the nails in my hands and in my feet, that ye may
know that I am the God of Israel, and the God of the
whole earth, and have been slain for the sins of the
world.
And it came to pass that the multitude went forth, and
thrust their hands into his side, and did feel the
prints of the nails in his hands and in his feet; and
this they did do, going forth one by one until they had
all gone forth, and did see with their eyes and did feel
with their hands, and did know of a surety and did bear
record, that it was he, of whom it was written by the
prophets, that should come.
And when they had all gone forth and had witnessed for
themselves, they did cry out with one accord, saying:
Hosanna! Blessed be the name of the Most High God! And
they did fall down at the feet of Jesus, and did worship
him. (3 Nephi 11:10-17)
|
| 4.18 | Why Another Book of Scripture? | CACHE::LEIGH | Let your light shine | Tue Sep 10 1991 17:56 | 111 |
|
It is a teaching of orthodox Christianity that the Bible is
the only book of Scripture. We are often asked, "Why do you
have your own Bible?" Our answer is, "We don't; we have the
same Bible as you". What the people are really asking is,
"Why do you have another book of Scripture?"
God is God of All Nations
-------------------------
Through revelation from God, Nephi received the answer to
that question.
But behold, there shall be many--at that day when I
shall proceed to do a marvelous work among them, that I
may remember my covenants which I have made unto the
children of men, that I may set my hand again the second
time to recover my people, which are of the house of
Israel;
And also, that I may remember the promises which I have
made unto thee, Nephi, and also unto thy father, that I
would remember your seed; and that the words of your
seed should proceed forth out of my mouth unto your
seed; and my words shall hiss forth unto the ends of the
earth, for a standard unto my people, which are of the
house of Israel;
And because my words shall hiss forth--many of the
Gentiles shall say: A Bible! A Bible! We have got a
Bible, and there cannot be any more Bible.
But thus saith the Lord God; O fools, they shall have a
Bible; and it shall proceed forth from the Jews, mine
ancient covenant people. And what thank they the Jews
for the Bible which they receive from them? Yea, what
do the Gentiles mean? Do they remember the travails,
and the labors, and the pains of the Jews, and their
diligence unto me, in bringing forth salvation unto the
Gentiles?
O ye Gentiles, have ye remembered the Jews, mine ancient
covenant people? Nay; but ye have cursed them, and have
hated them, and have not sought to recover them. But
behold, I will return all these things upon your own
heads; for I the Lord have not forgotten my people.
Thou fool, that shall say: A Bible, we have got a
Bible, and we need no more Bible. Have ye obtained a
Bible save it were by the Jews?
Know ye not that there are more nations than one? Know
ye not that I the Lord your God, have created all men,
and that I remember those who are upon the isles of the
sea; and that I rule in the heavens above and in the
earth beneath; and I bring forth my word unto the
children of men, yea, even upon all nations of the
earth?
Wherefore murmur ye, because that ye shall receive more
of my word? Know ye not that the testimony of two
nations is a witness unto you that I am God, that I
remember one nation like unto another? Wherefore, I
speak the same words unto one nation like unto another.
And when the two nations shall run together the
testimony of the two nations shall run together also.
And I do this that I may prove unto many that I am the
same yesterday, today, and forever; and that I speak
forth my words according to mine own pleasure. And
because that I have spoken one word ye need not suppose
that I can not speak another; for my work is not yet
finished; neither shall it be until the end of man,
neither from that time henceforth and forever.
Wherefore, because that ye have a Bible ye need not
suppose that it contains all my words; neither need ye
suppose that I have not caused more to be written.
For I command all men, both in the east and in the west,
and in the north, and in the south, and in the islands
of the sea, that they shall write the words which I
speak unto them; for out of the books which shall be
written I will judge the world, every man according to
that which is written.
For behold, I shall speak unto the Jews and they shall
write it; and I shall also speak unto the Nephites and
they shall write it; and I shall also speak unto the
other tribes of the house of Israel, which I have led
away, and they shall write it; and I shall also speak
unto all nations of the earth and they shall write it.
And it shall come to pass that the Jews shall have the
words of the Nephites, and the Nephites shall have the
words of the Jews; and the Nephites and Jews shall have
the words of the lost tribes of Israel; and the lost
tribes of Israel shall have the words of the Nephites
and the Jews.
And it shall come to pass that my people, which are of
the house of Israel, shall be gathered home unto the
lands of their possessions; and my word also shall be
gathered in one. And I will show unto them that fight
against my word and against my people, who are of the
house of Israel, that I am God, and that I covenanted
with Abraham that I would remember his seed forever. (2
Nephi 29:1-14)
|
| 4.19 | Biblical Prophecies of the Book of Mormon | CACHE::LEIGH | Let your light shine | Tue Sep 10 1991 17:58 | 167 |
|
Jesus Has Other Sheep
---------------------
Jesus told the Jews
I am the good shepherd, and know my sheep, and am known
of mine. As the Father knoweth me, even so know I the
Father: and I lay down my life for the sheep. And
other sheep I have which are not of this fold; them also
I must bring, and they shall hear my voice; and there
shall be one fold, and one shepherd. (John 10:14-16)
When Jesus visited the Nephites, he told them
And verily I say unto you, that ye are they of whom I
said: Other sheep I have which are not of this fold;
them also I must bring, and they shall hear my voice;
and there shall be one fold, and one shepherd.
And they [the Jews] understood not, for they supposed it
had been the Gentiles; for they understood not that the
Gentiles should be converted through their preaching.
And they understood me not that I said they shall hear
my voice; and they understood me not that the Gentiles
should not at any time hear my voice--that I should not
manifest myself unto them save it were by the Holy
Ghost.
But behold, ye have both heard my voice, and seen me;
and ye are my sheep, and ye are numbered among those
whom the Father hath given me. (3 Nephi 15:21-24)
Sticks of Judah and of Joseph
-----------------------------
From the ancient prophet Ezekiel, we have a prophecy of two
written records.
The word of the Lord came again unto me, saying,
Moreover, thou son of man, take thee one stick, and
write upon it, For Judah, and for the children of Israel
his companions: then take another stick, and write upon
it, For Joseph, the stick of Ephraim, and for all the
house of Israel his companions: and join them one to
another into one stick; and they shall become one in
thine hand. (Ezekiel 37:15-16)
The Bible is the Stick of Judah. I witness that the Book of
Mormon is the Stick of Joseph. Today, we have them in one
hand as testaments of Jesus Christ!
Joseph's Blessing
-----------------
In giving his last blessing to his 12 sons, Jacob said the
following to his son Joseph.
Joseph is a fruitful bough, even a fruitful bough by a
well; whose branches run over the wall; (Genesis 49:22)
Lehi was a descendant of Joseph, and when he brought his
family across the ocean, he fulfilled the prophecy that
Joseph's branches would run over the wall.
What About The Book Of Revelation, Chapter 22?
----------------------------------------------
People often refer to the Book of Revelation, chapter 22,
with the claim that it forbids other books of Scripture
besides the Bible. Let us look at the verses.
For I testify unto every man that heareth the words of
the prophecy of this book. If any man shall add unto
these things, God shall add unto him the plagues that
are written in this book;
And if any man shall take away from the words of the
book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part out
of the book of life, and out of the holy city, and from
the things which are written in this book. (Revelation
22:18-19)
John said that no one should add to or take away from "the
prophecy of this book". It is clear that John was referring
to his book of Revelation and not the Bible itself, for the
following reasons:
1. When John wrote the verses quoted above, the Bible did
not exist as a book. The various manuscripts were
canonized into the Bible at a later date.
2. The Book of Revelation is a book of prophecy while the
Bible is a book of testimony. In Revelation 1:1 we
read, "The Revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave
unto him, to shew unto his servants things which must
shortly come to pass; and he sent and signified it by
his angel unto his servant John:" That verse is a clear
indication that Revelation is a book of prophecy. The
Bible, on the other hand, is a book of testimony of
Jesus. It contains two testaments of Jesus Christ, the
old testament and the new testament.
From another viewpoint, John said that no *man* should add
to or take from the book of prophecy. He did not say that
*God* could not add to the prophecy. If the Book of Mormon
is true, then it was added by God not by man. Thus, it is
very important for you to read the Book of Mormon and ask in
prayer if it is true.
Remember Deuteronomy
--------------------
In Deuteronomy there is a verse that is similar to
Revelation 22:18-19.
Ye shall not add unto the word which I command you,
neither shall ye diminish ought from it, that ye may
keep the commandments of the LORD your God which I
command you. (Deuteronomy 4:2)
If that verse were interpreted in the way that some people
interpret Revelation 22:18-19, most of the Bible would have
to be discarded since it came after Deuteronomy was given.
I think that in both Deuteronomy and Revelation, the Lord
was not talking about the media used to record his
revelations. I think he was talking about us being obedient
to all his commandments rather than us picking and choosing
the ones we would obey.
Moroni's Challenge
------------------
Shortly before closing the Book of Mormon, Moroni explained
how you can know if the book is of God.
And when ye shall receive these things, I would exhort
you that ye would ask God, the Eternal Father, in the
name of Christ, if these things are not true; and if ye
shall ask with a sincere heart, with real intent, having
faith in Christ, he will manifest the truth of it unto
you, by the power of the Holy Ghost. And by the power
of the Holy Ghost ye may know the truth of all things.
(Moroni 10:4-5)
Moroni's challenge to you is to
o Read the Book of Mormon
o Ask God in the name of Jesus Christ if the Book of
Mormon is true
o Be sincere in your search for truth, having a strong
desire to have your prayer answered, having faith in
Christ.
Moroni promised you that if you do these things, God by the
power of the Holy Ghost would reveal to you that the Book of
Mormon is true! I give you my testimony that I know by the
power of the Holy Ghost that the Book of Mormon is true.
|
| 4.20 | The Book of Mormon Testifies of Jesus Christ | CACHE::LEIGH | Let your light shine | Thu Sep 12 1991 06:15 | 232 |
|
I have presented the Book of Mormon as another testament of
Jesus Christ. Let us read verses from the Book of Mormon
that teach of Jesus.
Nephi Sees The Birth Of Jesus Of Nazareth
-----------------------------------------
Nephi, who left Jerusalem with his father in 600 B.C., saw
in vision the birth of Jesus of Nazareth.
And it came to pass that he [the Spirit of the Lord who
came to Nephi in vision] said unto me: Look! And I
looked as if to look upon him, and I saw him not; for he
had gone from before my presence. And it came to pass
that I looked and beheld the great city of Jerusalem,
and also other cities. and I beheld the city of
Nazareth; and in the city of Nazareth I beheld a virgin,
and she was exceedingly fair and white.
And it came to pass that I saw the heavens open; and an
angel came down and stood before me; and he said unto
me: Nephi, what beholdest thou? And I said unto him:
A virgin, most beautiful and fair above all other
virgins.
And he said unto me: Knowest thou the condescension of
God? And I said unto him: I know that he loveth his
children; nevertheless, I do not know the meaning of all
things. And he said unto me: Behold, the virgin whom
thou seest is the mother of the Son of God, after the
manner of the flesh.
And it came to pass that I beheld that she was carried
away in the Spirit; and after she had been carried away
in the Spirit for the space of a time the angel spake
unto me, saying: Look!
And I looked and beheld the virgin again, bearing a
child in her arms. And the angel said unto me; Behold
the Lamb of God, yea, even the Son of the Eternal
Father!... (1 Nephi 11:12-21)
Lehi Teaches Redemption Comes Through Jesus Christ
--------------------------------------------------
Lehi, the prophet who brought his family out of Jerusalem in
600 B.C., taught his son Jacob about the Redemption.
Nevertheless, Jacob, my firstborn in the wilderness,
thou knowest the greatness of God; and he shall
consecrate thine afflictions for thy gain. Wherefore,
thy soul shall be blessed, and thou shalt dwell safely
with thy brother Nephi; and thy days shall be spent in
the service of thy God. Wherefore, I know that thou are
redeemed, because of the righteousness of thy Redeemer;
for thou hast beheld that in the fulness of time he
cometh to bring salvation unto men.
And thou hast beheld in thy youth his glory; wherefore,
thou are blessed even as they unto whom he shall
minister in the flesh; for the Spirit is the same,
yesterday, today, and forever. And the way is prepared
from the fall of man, and salvation is free.
And men are instructed sufficiently that they know good
from evil. And the law is given unto men. And by the
law no flesh is justified; or, by the temporal law they
were cut off; and also, by the spiritual law they perish
from that which is good, and become miserable forever.
Wherefore, redemption cometh in and though the Holy
Messiah; for he is full of grace and truth. Behold, he
offereth himself a sacrifice for sin, to answer the ends
of the law, unto all those who have a broken heart and a
contrite spirit; and unto none else can the ends of the
law be answered.
Wherefore, how great the importance to make these things
known unto the inhabitants of the earth, that they may
know that there is no flesh that can dwell in the
presence of God, save it be through the merits, and
mercy, and grace of the Holy Messiah, who layeth down
his life according to the flesh, and taketh it again by
the power of the Spirit, that he may bring to pass the
resurrection of the dead, being the first that should
rise.
Wherefore, he is the firstfruits unto God, inasmuch as
he shall make intercession for all the children of men;
and they that believe in him shall be saved. And
because of the intercession for all, all men come unto
God; wherefore, they stand in the presence of him, to be
judged of him according to the truth and holiness which
is in him. Wherefore, the ends of the law which the
Holy One hath given, unto the inflicting of the
punishment which is affixed, which punishment that is
affixed is in opposition to that of the happiness which
is affixed, to answer the ends of the atonement-- (2
Nephi 3:2-10)
Jacob (brother of Nephi) Taught The Grace Of Christ
---------------------------------------------------
After his father Lehi's death, Jacob, taught the people
about the grace of Christ.
Wherefore, my beloved brethren, reconcile yourselves to
the will of God, and not to the will of the devil and
the flesh; and remember, after ye are reconciled unto
God, that it is only in and through the grace of God
that ye are saved. Wherefore, may God raise you from
death by the power of the resurrection, and also from
everlasting death by the power of the atonement, that ye
may be received into the eternal kingdom of God, that ye
may praise him through grace divine. Amen. (2 Nephi
10:24-25)
Nephi, Jacob, And Another Brother Joseph Taught Christ
------------------------------------------------------
Wherefore we labored diligently among our people, that
we might persuade them to come unto Christ, and partake
of the goodness of God, that they might enter into his
rest, lest by any means he should swear in his wrath
[due to their wickedness] they should not enter in, as
in the provocation in the days of temptation while the
children of Israel were in the wilderness. Wherefore,
we would to God, that we could persuade all men not to
rebel against God, to provoke him to anger, but that all
men would believe in Christ, and view his death, and
suffer his cross and bear the shame of the world;...
(Jacob 1:7-8)
King Benjamin Teaches Christ
----------------------------
About 124 B.C., the righteous Nephite King Benjamin taught
his people of Jesus Christ.
For behold, the time cometh, and is not far distant,
that with power, the Lord Omnipotent who reigneth, who
was, and is from all eternity to all eternity, shall
come down from heaven among the children of men, and
shall dwell in a tabernacle of clay, and shall go forth
amongst men, working mighty miracles, such as healing
the sick, raising the dead, causing the lame to walk,
the blind to receive their sight, and the deaf to hear,
and curing all manner of diseases. And he shall cast
out devils, or the evil spirits which dwell in the
hearts of the children of men.
And lo, he shall suffer temptations, and pain of body,
hunger, thirst, and fatigue, even more than man can
suffer, except it be unto death; for behold, blood
cometh from every pore, so great shall be his anguish
for the wickedness and the abominations of his people.
And he shall be called Jesus Christ, the Son of God, the
Father of heaven and earth, the Creator of all things
from the beginning; and his mother shall be called Mary.
And lo, he cometh unto his own, that salvation might
come unto the children of men even through faith on his
name; and even after all this they shall consider him a
man, and say that he hath a devil, and shall scourge
him, and shall crucify him.
And he shall rise the third day from the dead; and
behold he standeth to judge the world; and behold, all
these things are done that a righteous judgment might
come upon the children of men. For behold, and also his
blood atoneth for the sins of those who have fallen by
the transgression of Adam, who have died not knowing the
will of God concerning them, or who have ignorantly
sinned. But wo, wo unto him who knoweth that he
rebelleth against God; For salvation cometh to none such
except it be through repentance and faith on the Lord
Jesus Christ. (Mosiah 3:5-12)
The People Are Converted Through King Benjamin's Discourse
----------------------------------------------------------
And now, it came to pass that when King Benjamin had
made an end of speaking the words which had been
delivered unto him by the angel of the Lord, that he
cast his eyes round about on the multitude, and behold
they had fallen to the earth, for the fear of the Lord
had come upon them. And they had viewed themselves in
their own carnal state, even less than the dust of the
earth. And they all cried aloud with one voice, saying:
O have mercy, and apply the atoning blood of Christ that
we may receive forgiveness of our sins, and our hearts
may be purified; for we believe in Jesus Christ, the Son
of God, who created heaven and earth, and all things;
who shall come down among the children of men.
And it came to pass that after they had spoken these
words the Spirit of the Lord came upon them, and they
were filled with joy, having received a remission of
their sins, and having peace of conscience, because of
the exceeding faith which they had in Jesus Christ who
should come, according to the words which king Benjamin
had spoken unto them. (Mosiah 4:1-3)
The Prophet Alma Teaches Of A Spiritual Rebirth
-----------------------------------------------
About 83 B.C., a Nephite prophet named Alma taught of the
change that comes to those who accept Christ.
And now behold, I ask of you, my brethren of the church,
have ye spiritually been born of God? Have ye received
his image in your countenances? Have ye experienced
this might change in your hearts? Do ye exercise faith
in the redemption of him who created you? Do you look
forward with an eye of faith, and view this mortal body
raised in immortality, and this corruption raised in
incorruption, to stand before God to be judged according
to the deeds which have been done in the mortal body?
(Alma 5:14-15)
The next chapter will give additional verses that testify of
Jesus Christ.
|
| 4.21 | Conversion to Jesus Christ Changes Lives | CACHE::LEIGH | Let your light shine | Thu Sep 12 1991 06:18 | 217 |
|
In the previous chapter, we read verses from the Book of
Mormon that testify of Jesus Christ. Let us continue.
Amulek Teaches Redemption and Resurrection
------------------------------------------
About 82 B.C., a missionary named Amulek held a debate with
a corrupt lawyer named Zeezrom. During the debate, Amulek
taught the redemption of Christ.
And he [Christ] shall come into the world to redeem his
people; and he shall take upon him the transgressions of
those who believe on his name; and these are they that
shall have eternal life, and salvation cometh to none
else.
Therefore the wicked remain as though there had been no
redemption made, except it be the loosing of the bands
of death; for behold, the day cometh that all shall rise
from the dead and stand before God, and be judged
according to their works.
Now there is a death which is called a temporal death;
and the death of Christ shall loose the bands of this
temporal death, that all shall be raised from this
temporal death. The spirit and the body shall be
reunited again in its perfect form; both limb and joint
shall be restored to its proper frame, even as we now
are at this time; and we shall be brought to stand
before God, knowing even as we know now, and have a
bright recollection of all our guilt. (Alma 11:40-43)
The subsequent story of Zeezrom's conversion and activity as
a missionary is one of the great stories of the Book of
Mormon
Lamanites Converted To Christ
-----------------------------
About 90 to 77 B.C., Nephite missionaries had great success
in teaching the Gospel to the Lamanites.
And they [Lamanites] did also bury their weapons of war,
according as their brethren had, and they began to be a
righteous people; and they did walk in the ways of the
Lord, and did observe to keep his commandments and his
statutes.
Yea, and they did keep the law of Moses; for it was
expedient that they should keep the law of Moses as yet,
for it was not all fulfilled. But notwithstanding the
law of Moses, they did look forward to the coming of
Christ, considering that the law of Moses was a type of
his coming, and believing that they must keep those
outward performances until the time that he should be
revealed unto them.
Now they did not suppose that salvation came by the law
of Moses; but the law of Moses did serve to strengthen
their faith in Christ; and thus they did retain a hope
through faith, unto eternal salvation, relying upon the
spirit of prophecy, which spake of those things to come.
(Alma 25:14-16)
The story of these Christian Lamanites is one of the
beautiful stories of faith in the Book of Mormon.
Ammon Glories In The Lord
-------------------------
Ammon, one of the Nephite missionaries that taught the
Lamanites, praised God for his opportunity to serve the Lord
as a missionary.
And now, these are the words of Ammon to his brethren,
which say thus: My brothers and my brethren, behold I
say unto you, how great reason we have to rejoice; for
could we have supposed when we started from the land of
Zarahemla that God would have granted unto us such great
blessings?
And now, I ask, what great blessings has he bestowed
upon us? Can ye tell?
Behold, I answer for you; for our brethren, the
Lamanites, were in darkness, yea, even in the darkest
abyss, but behold, how many of them are brought to
behold the marvelous light of God! And this is the
blessing which hath been bestowed upon us, that we have
been made instruments in the hands of God to bring about
this great work.
Behold, thousands of them do rejoice, and have been
brought into the fold of God.
Behold, the field was ripe, and blessed are ye, for ye
did thrust in the sickle, and did reap with your might,
yea, all the day long did ye labor; and behold the
number of your sheaves! And they shall be gathered into
the garners, that they are not wasted.
Yea, they shall not be beaten down by the storm at the
last day; yea, neither shall they be harrowed up by the
whirlwinds; but when the storm cometh they shall be
gathered together in their place, that the storm cannot
penetrate to them; yea, neither shall they be driven
with fierce winds whithersoever the enemy listeth to
carry them.
But behold, they are in the hands of the Lord of the
harvest, and they are his; and he will raise them up at
the last day.
Blessed be the name of our God; let us sing his praise,
yea, let us give thanks to his holy name, for he doth
work righteousness forever.
For if we had not come up out of the land of Zarahemla,
these our dearly beloved brethren, who have so dearly
beloved us, would still have been racked with hatred
against us, yea, and they would also have been strangers
to God. (Alma 26:1-9)
Alma Describes His Conversion To Christ
---------------------------------------
Alma, son of the prophet of the Lord, was not converted to
the Lord. Instead, he went about trying to destroy the
church. He was later converted through the ministration of
an angel, and he described the event to his son Helaman.
For I went about with the sons of Mosiah [Mosiah was the
king], seeking to destroy the church of God; but behold,
God sent his holy angel to stop us by the way.
And behold, he spake unto us, as it were the voice of
thunder, and the whole earth did tremble beneath our
feet; and we all fell to the earth, for the fear of the
Lord came upon us.
But behold, the voice said unto me: Arise. And I arose
and stood up, and beheld the angel.
And he said unto me: If thou wilt of thyself be
destroyed, seek no more to destroy the church of God.
And it came to pass that I fell to the earth; and it was
for the space of three days and three nights that I
could not open my mouth, neither had I the use of my
limbs.
And the angel spake more things unto me, which were
heard by my brethren, but I did not hear them; for when
I heard the words--If thou wilt be destroyed of thyself,
seek no more to destroy the church of God--I was struck
with such great fear and amazement lest perhaps I should
be destroyed, that I fell to the earth and I did hear no
more.
But I was racked with eternal torment, for my soul was
harrowed up to the greatest degree and racked with all
my sins.
Yea, I did remember all my sins and iniquities, for
which I was tormented with the pains of hell; yea, I saw
that I had rebelled against my God, and that I had not
kept his holy commandments.
Yea, and I had murdered many of his children, or rather
led them away unto destruction; yea, and in fine so
great had been my iniquities, that the very thought of
coming into the presence of my God did rack my soul with
inexpressible horror.
Oh, thought I, that I could be banished and become
extinct both soul and body, that I might not be brought
to stand in the presence of my God to be judged of my
deeds.
And now, for three days and for three nights was I
racked, even with the pains of a damned soul.
And it came to pass that as I was thus racked with
torment, while I was harrowed up by the memory of my
many sins, behold, I remembered also to have heard my
father prophesy unto the people concerning the coming of
one Jesus Christ, a Son of God, to atone for the sins of
the world.
Now, as my mind caught hold upon this thought, I cried
within my heart: O Jesus, thou Son of God, have mercy
on me, who am in the gall of bitterness, and am
encircled about by the everlasting chains of death.
And now, behold, when I thought this, I could remember
my pains no more; yea, I was harrowed up by the memory
of my sins no more.
And oh, what joy, and what marvelous light I did behold;
yea, my soul was filled with joy as exceeding as was my
pain!
Yea, I say unto you, my son, that there could be nothing
so exquisite and so bitter as were my pains. Yea, and
again I say unto you, my son, that on the other hand,
there can be nothing so exquisite and sweet as was my
joy. (Alma 36:6-21)
There are many other wonderful stories about conversions to
Jesus Christ in the Book of Mormon, stories that teach that
lives are changed when people accept Christ and follow Him.
|
| 4.22 | The Restoration Continues | CACHE::LEIGH | Let your light shine | Mon Sep 16 1991 06:15 | 130 |
|
In previous lessons, we discussed how the Lord began
restoring his Church to the earth. The Restoration began
with the visitation of God the Eternal Father and the Lord
Jesus Christ to Joseph Smith in the Spring of 1820. It
continued with the appearance of the Angel Moroni in
September, 1823 and yearly visits by Moroni for the next
four years.
Through these visitations, Joseph Smith learned that God's
church was not on the earth at that time. He learned the
true nature of God. He received a second volume of
Scripture as an additional testament of Jesus Christ.
Restoration Of Authority To Perform Baptisms
--------------------------------------------
The Restoration continued with the appearance in May, 1829
of the resurrected John the Baptist to Joseph Smith and a
person named Oliver Cowdery. Oliver was acting as scribe
during the translation of the Book of Mormon from the gold
plates.
We still continued the work of translation, when, in the
ensuing month (May, 1829), we on a certain day went into
the woods to pray and inquire of the Lord respecting
"baptism for the remission of sins, that we found
mentioned in the translation of the plates. While we
were thus employed, praying and calling upon the Lord, a
messenger from heaven descended in a cloud of light, and
having laid his hands upon us, he ordained us, saying:
Upon you my fellow servants, in the name of Messiah,
I confer the Priesthood of Aaron, which holds the
keys of the ministering of angels, and of the gospel
of repentance, and of baptism by immersion for the
remission of sins; and this shall never be taken
again from the earth until the sons of Levi do offer
again an offering unto the Lord in righteousness.
He said this Aaronic Priesthood had not the power of
laying on hands for the gift of the Holy Ghost, but that
this should be conferred on us hereafter; and he
commanded us to go and be baptized, and gave us
directions that I should baptize Oliver Cowdery, and
that afterwards he should baptize me.
Accordingly we went and were baptized. I baptized him
first, and afterwards he baptized me--after which I laid
my hands upon his head and ordained him to the Aaronic
Priesthood and afterwards he laid his hands on me and
ordained me to the same Priesthood--for so we were
commanded.
The messenger who visited us on this occasion and
conferred this Priesthood upon us, said that his name
was John, the same that is called John the Baptist in
the New Testament, and that he acted under the direction
of Peter, James and John, who held the keys of the
Priesthood of Melchizedek, which Priesthood, he said,
would in due time be conferred on us, and that I should
be called the first Elder of the Church, and he (Oliver
Cowdery) the second. It was on the fifteenth day of
May, 1829, that we were ordained under the hand of this
messenger, and baptized. (Joseph Smith--History
1:68-72)
It is important to notice that Joseph and Oliver were
commanded to ordain each other to the Aaronic Priesthood
after they were baptized. This is because in the New
Testament, the proper order of events was for a person to be
baptized and then be ordained with authority. In the case
of the restoration of authority by John the Baptist, it was
necessary that John first give authority. Joseph and Oliver
were commanded to follow the proper order by performing the
baptisms and then ordaining each other with authority.
Restoration Of The Authority Of The Apostles
--------------------------------------------
Approximately one month after the visitation of John the
Baptist, Joseph and Oliver were again visited by divine
messengers. These messengers were the ancient Apostles,
Peter, James, and John. They laid their hands on the heads
of Joseph and Oliver and gave them the power of the
Apostleship.
And also with Peter, and James, and John, whom I have
sent unto you, by whom I have ordained you and confirmed
you to be Apostles, and especial witneses of my name,
and bear the keys of your ministry and of the same
things which I revealed unto them.
Unto whom I have committed the keys of my kingdom, and a
dispensation of the gospel for the last times; and for
the fulness of times, in the which I will gather
together in one all things, both which are in heaven and
which are on earth; (D & C 27:12-13)
Organization Of The Church Of Jesus Christ
------------------------------------------
With the authority of the Apostles restored to the earth,
Jesus directed Joseph Smith to organize a church having a
foundation of Apostles and prophets. Obedient to that
command, he organized the Church on April 6, 1830, having
six members as required by New York State law.
The rise of the Church of Christ in these last days,
being one thousand eight hundred and thirty years since
the coming of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ in the
flesh, it being regularly organized and established
agreeable to the laws of our country, by the will and
commandments of God, in the fourth month, and on the
sixth day of the month which is called April-- (D & C
20:1)
The name of the church was specified by Jesus in a
revelation given to Joseph Smith.
For thus shall my church be called in the last days,
even The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
(D & C 115:4)
That is, it is the Church of Jesus Christ which has members
(Saints) living in the latter-days prior to the Second
Coming.
|
| 4.23 | The Pentecostal Pattern | CACHE::LEIGH | Let your light shine | Mon Sep 16 1991 06:19 | 56 |
|
On the Day of Pentecost, the Holy Ghost visited the Apostles
and the multitude of persons assembled in Jerusalem. Peter
preached a powerful sermon and bore his testimony that Jesus
was Lord and Christ. The multitude were "pricked in their
heart" (they received a witness of the Holy Ghost that what
Peter had said was true), and they asked Peter what they
should do now that they had faith in Christ. Luke described
the event as follows.
Now when they heard this, they were pricked in their
heart, and said unto Peter and to the rest of the
apostles, Men and brethren, what shall we do?
Then Peter said unto them, repent, and be baptized every
one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission
of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy
Ghost.
For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and
to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our
God shall call.
And with many other words did he testify and exhort,
saying Save yourselves from this untoward generation.
Then they that gladly received his word were baptized:
and the same day there were added unto them about three
thousand souls.
And they continued stedfastly in the apostles' doctrine
and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in
prayers....Praising God, and having favour with all the
people. And the Lord added to the church daily such as
should be saved. (Acts 2:37-42,47)
This was a significant event, because it was the first
activity of the Apostles in fulfillment of their charge to
"teach all nations". This event set the pattern for
subsequent events. That pattern consisted of the following
steps.
1. The people developed faith in Christ
2. They repented of their sins
3. They were baptized for the remission of their sins
4. They received the gift of the Holy Ghost
5. They lived the commandments of God
Through this process, the "Lord added to the church daily
such as should be saved."
Let us consider each of the steps in detail.
|
| 4.24 | Faith | CACHE::LEIGH | Let your light shine | Mon Sep 16 1991 06:20 | 65 |
|
Faith Is The First Principle Of The Gospel
------------------------------------------
The multitude on Pentecost developed faith that Jesus of
Nazareth was the promised Christ. Faith is considered the
first principle of the Gospel, because without faith all
else will fail. With faith people develop hope, and with
hope people try, and with trying people succeed.
For God so loved the world, that he gave his only
begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not
perish, but have everlasting life. For God sent not his
Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the
world through him might be saved. (John 3:16-17)
Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye
shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the
wicked. (Ephesians 6:16)
Jesus said unto him, If thou canst believe, all things
are possible to him that believeth. (Mark 9:23)
But without faith it is impossible to please him: for
he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that
he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.
(Hebrews 11:6)
Is Faith Alone Sufficient?
--------------------------
Many people think that belief in Christ is sufficient for
one to receive a remission of sins. Let us look at some of
the scriptures they quote.
And brought them out, and said, Sirs, what must I do to
be saved? And they said, Believe on the Lord Jesus
Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house. (Acts
16:30-31)
That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord
Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath
raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. For with
the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the
mouth confession is made unto salvation....For whosoever
shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.
(Romans 10:9-10,13)
In these verses, Paul tells what one must do to be saved
(which I interpret to mean receive forgiveness or remission
of sins). He said to "call upon the name of the Lord" and
"Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ". Did he *say* that those
things are all one has to do? No. Did he *imply* that
those things are all one has to do? No. He merely said
that one had to do those things, and I agree with him! One
does have to call on the name of the Lord and believe on
Jesus Christ to receive remission of sins.
In order to find out if those things are all one has to do
to receive remission of sins or be saved, we must turn to
other verses and study the context of the whole Bible. That
is, we must see if the Bible teaches if other things besides
faith and confession of Christ are necessary for forgiveness
of sins.
|
| 4.25 | Christ is the Gift | CACHE::LEIGH | Let your light shine | Tue Sep 17 1991 12:32 | 34 |
|
In the previous discussion, we discussed the question, "Are
faith and confession of Christ sufficient for forgiveness of
sins." Let us look at another Scripture that is often quoted
by persons who teach that belief in Christ is sufficient.
For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of
yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest
any man should boast. (Ephesians 2:8-9)
In those verses, Paul states the very important principle
that salvation comes by way of the grace of Christ, and I
agree 100%. Christ performed his atonement and paid the
penalty for all sin. None of us can do anything to cause
sins to be forgiven. Only Jesus can do that!
Paul also said salvation was a gift of God. People usually
think of this as a gift from God to us. However, Paul had a
different kind of gift in mind. The Greek word translated
"gift" is "doron" which does mean "gift", but more
specifically a gift in the sense of a sacrifice or an
offering.
In the verses from Ephesians, Paul *is not* saying that
Jesus gave us the gift of salvation through grace. Instead,
he *is* saying that Jesus gave himself as an offering, a
sacrifice, that we might receive forgiveness of our sins.
A beautiful description of the atonement!
Thus, we see that Ephesians 2:8-9 *does not* say that our
salvation is given by God to us as a free gift as many
people advocate. That Scripture *does* say that Christ gave
himself as a gift or offering in performing his atonement.
|
| 4.26 | Salvation is Conditional | CACHE::LEIGH | Let your light shine | Tue Sep 17 1991 12:33 | 105 |
|
In the previous chapter we discussed Paul's statement in
Ephesians about salvation. We concluded that Christ himself
is the gift referred to.
For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of
yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest
any man should boast. (Ephesians 2:8-9)
In addition to thinking that the word "gift" refers to
salvation instead of to Christ, many people also misconstrue
the "gift" to mean something that Paul did not intend. To
understand this, let us look at Ephesians 2:8-9 from two
view points:
1. Jesus gave himself as a completely unconditional gift.
2. Jesus gave himself as a conditional gift.
If salvation through Jesus Christ is unconditional, then
salvation from sins is a universal salvation in which all
persons regardless of their righteousness or unrighteousness
as the case may be will be saved. I do not believe in
universal salvation from sin, and I do not think the Bible
teaches such salvation.
Salvation Through Jesus Christ Is Conditional
---------------------------------------------
Thus, we must conclude that salvation is conditional, that
is, Jesus has stipulated that certain conditions must be
observed before he will allow his atonement, his blood, to
cleanse us from our sins.
Jesus performed the atonement, and he has the right to
stipulate conditions that we must meet if we are to receive
remission of sins. It is important, then, that we
understand the conditions upon which the atonement is
offered to us by the Savior.
I think we all agree that if a person does not have belief
and faith in Jesus and acceptance of him as the Savior, that
person will not receive forgiveness of sin. Does the
person's faith and confession of Jesus remove the sins? Of
course not, that is nonsense; only Jesus' blood through his
atonement removes sins, but Jesus requires that we have
faith before he will allow his atonement to remove our sins.
Likewise, Luke 13:3 tells us that we must repent or perish.
Does our repentance remove our sins? Of course not, that
also is nonsense, but Jesus requires repentance before he
will forgive our sins.
Matthew 7:21-23 tell us that obedience to God's commandments
is necessary if we are to be saved in the kingdom of God.
Does our obedience remove our sins? Of course not, that is
nonsense. As with repentance and faith, Jesus requires
obedience before he will allow his atonement and suffering
to remove our sins.
To borrow a term from electronics, remission of sin comes
through Christ's blood, but faith, repentance, and obedience
are TRIGGERS that allow his blood to remove our sins. If
you read the four Gospels from this viewpoint, you will see
that everything Jesus did had one objective: our changing
our lives through faith, repentance, and righteous living
such that we become more like him.
Necessary But Not Sufficient
----------------------------
How then do we explain the many verses that say that those
who believe in Jesus will be saved?
And brought them out, and said, Sirs, what must I do to
be saved? And they said, Believe on the Lord Jesus
Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house. (Acts
16:30-31)
To understand the relationship between the verses that say
we are saved through faith and the verses that say
repentance and obedience are necessary, let me borrow a term
from mathematics: "NECESSARY BUT NOT SUFFICIENT".
In proving mathematical theorems, it is common to have
logical steps that are part of the proof (that is they are
necessary) but are not sufficient to complete the proof.
Likewise, various verses of the Bible give necessary
conditions for salvation, but they do not give all of the
necessary conditions. To get all of the conditions for
salvation, we have to take the context of the Bible and see
the whole picture.
When Paul and Silas told the jailer that if he believed in
Jesus he would be saved, Paul was telling the jailer that
faith is necessary. Paul did not say that the only thing
the jailer had to do was have faith. Paul gave a necessary
but not sufficient condition for salvation. The jailer was
new to the Christian religion, and Paul talked to him from a
very elementary viewpoint much as we would talk to a small
child. Paul gave the jailer "milk" before the "meat".
|
| 4.27 | Faith and Works | CACHE::LEIGH | Let your light shine | Tue Sep 17 1991 19:31 | 187 |
|
True Faith Leads To Christ-Like Works
-------------------------------------
Jesus taught that those who have faith in him have a grave
responsibility to live as he did, a life of righteousness
and service. Thus, faith leads one to perform Christ-like
works.
Faith And Works Can Not Be Separated
------------------------------------
James taught the relationship between faith and works in his
epistle.
If a brother or sister be naked, and destitute of daily
food, And one of you say unto them, Depart in peace, be
ye warmed and filled; notwithstanding ye give them not
those things which are needful to the body; what doth it
profit? (James 2:15-16)
James went on to say
Yea, a man may say, Thou hast faith, and I have works:
shew me thy faith without thy works, and I will shew
thee my faith by my works. Thou believest that there is
one God; thou doest well: the devils also believe and
tremble. But wilt thou know, O vain man, that faith
without works is dead?
Was not Abraham our father justified by works, when he
had offered Isaac his son upon the altar? Seest thou
how faith wrought with his works, and by works was faith
made perfect? And the Scripture was fulfilled which
saith, Abraham believed God, and it was imputed unto him
for righteousness: and he was called the Friend of God.
Ye see then how that by works a man is justified, and
not by faith only. Likewise also was not Rahab the
harlot justified by works, when she had received the
messengers, and had sent them out another way? For as
the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without
works is dead also. (James 2:18-26)
In those verses James said the following: Faith without
works is dead. Faith is made perfect through works. Man is
justified by works [coupled with faith] not by faith only.
Faith without works is dead.
I think we will all agree that no one can be saved with dead
faith. We must have good works if we are to be justified.
The conclusion I reach from studying James is that faith and
works can not be separated.
This means that all of the verses that say we will be saved
if we believe in Jesus and call upon his name REALLY mean
that if we believe in Jesus and do good works we will be
saved!
Salvation From Sin Conditioned On Good Works
--------------------------------------------
I believe that Jesus' gift of salvation from sin is given
with the condition that we obey his commandments. I am not
preaching "salvation through works", because works can not
save anyone--only Christ's atonement saves us! If Christ
had not performed his Atonement, I could live a perfect life
and make no mistakes of any kind but I would never enter the
kingdom of God!
Let us now go back and read the teachings of Jesus from the
four Gospels; notice the emphasis he puts on our living
clean, Christ-like lives. Above all else, Jesus was
concerned that we live as he did, changing our habits and
attitudes such that we become more like him.
Ye have heard that it was said by them of old time, Thou
shalt not commit adultery: But I say unto you, That
whosoever looketh on a woman to lust after her hath
committed adultery with her already in his heart.
(Matthew 5:27-28)
Ye have heard that it hath been said, Thou shalt love
thy neighbour, and hate thine enemy. But I say unto
you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do
good to them that hate you, and pray for them which
despitefully use you, and persecute you; (Matthew
5:43-44)
For if ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly
Father will also forgive you; But if ye forgive not men
their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your
trespasses. (Matthew 6:14-15)
Judge not, that ye be not judged. (Matthew 7:1)
Therefore all things whatsoever ye would that men should
do to you, do ye even to them: for this is the law and
the prophets. (Matthew 7:12)
Salvation Does Not Come Via The Law
-----------------------------------
In his epistles, Paul taught that salvation did not come
from the law but come from faith. Some people construe his
teachings to mean that he was referring to the law of
Christ's Gospel and hence we are saved by faith only, and
good works are not needed for nor are part of salvation.
However, in reality, Paul was talking about the Law of Moses
not the Gospel law.
Let us look at Galatians 3. Paul is trying to get the
people to realize that the ceremonies of the Jewish law will
not bring them salvation. They must have faith in Christ
(and subsequently good works that are tied to faith) to
receive salvation.
This only would I learn of you, Received ye the Spirit
by the works of the law, or by the hearing of
faith?...But that no man is justified by the law in the
sight of God, it is evident: for, The just shall live
by faith. And the law is not of faith: but, The man
that doeth them shall live in them. Christ hath
redeemed us from the curse of the law....Wherefore the
law was our schoolmaster to bring us unto Christ, that
we might be justified by faith. But after that faith is
come, we are no longer under a schoolmaster. (Galatians
3:2,11-13,24-25)
It is clear that Paul is referring to the Law of Moses. All
of the ceremonies and blood sacrifices of the Old Testament
had but one purpose--to teach the people that Jesus the
Messiah, the Christ would give himself as the final
sacrifice. The Law of Moses was truly a schoolmaster to
bring them to Christ. And as Paul said in verse 25, after
Christ performed his atonement, the schoolmaster which is
the Law of Moses was no longer needed.
Paul Taught Works
-----------------
It is clear from Paul's writings that he believed we had to
have good works and that we would be accountable to God for
our works.
Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are
these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness,
lasciviousness, Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance,
emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies,
Envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such
like: of the which I tell you before as I have also
told you in time past, that they which do such things
shall not inherit the kingdom of God. (Galatians
5:19-21)
Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the
kingdom of God? Be not deceived: neither fornicators,
nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor
abusers of themselves with mankind, Nor thieves, nor
covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners,
shall inherit the kingdom of God. (1 Corinthians
6:9-10)
Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a
man soweth, that shall he also reap. For he that soweth
to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he
that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life
everlasting. And let us not be weary in well doing:
for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.
(Galatians 6:7-9)
Paul clearly said that wicked people will not inherit the
kingdom of God, and that we shall reap (receive the kingdom
of God) if we faint not (endure to the end in righteous
living).
I believe that Paul's statements apply to Christians who
sincerely have accepted Jesus as their Savior and then later
reject him and turn to a life of wickedness; their later
acts over rule their earlier conversion, and they loose
their salvation! Their faith in Christ was not sufficient
for their salvation; they needed but did not have righteous
acts.
|
| 4.28 | Love | CACHE::LEIGH | Let your light shine | Tue Sep 17 1991 19:31 | 60 |
|
Jesus taught that we must have a Christ-like love for each
other.
A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one
another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one
another. (John 13:34)
This need for love taught beautifully in John 15, where
Jesus describes himself as the vine or the way to salvation.
He said we are the branches of the vine, and we must perform
righteous deeds of service to others if we are to have
salvation; we must serve others not out of obligation but
out of love. We can not obtain salvation without
Christ-like service to others.
First, Jesus said we must have righteous works or we will be
removed (purged) from the vine, and those who have righteous
works must increase their works (more fruit).
I am the true vine, and my Father is the husbandman.
Every branch in me [people who have accepted Christ]
that beareth not fruit he taketh away: and every branch
that beareth fruit, he purgeth it, that it may bring
forth more fruit. (John 15:1-2)
Jesus went on to explain the type of works we must have.
If ye keep my commandments, ye shall abide in my love;
even as I have kept my Father's commandments, and abide
in his love. These things have I spoken unto you, that
my joy might remain in you, and that your joy might be
full.
This is my commandment, That ye love one another, as I
have loved you. Greater love hath no man than this,
that a man lay down his life for his friends. Ye are my
friends if ye do whatsoever I command you. (John
15:12-14)
In those verses, Christ explained what perfect love is: the
love God has for his son Jesus, and the love Jesus has for
us, and the love that we must have for our fellow men. This
love has to be so strong that we would willingly give our
lives to assist others. Most of us will not be called upon
to literally give up our lives for others, but we are called
upon to give our lives in service to others.
The message I get from John 15 is that Christ is the vine
and we are the branches, and that if we do not keep the
commandments of God and serve others through love, the
Father will prune us from the vine. Hence, salvation is not
given to anyone until the great day of judgment when the
Father will determine who has endured to the end in
obedience to God and in service to others.
Our obedience and service do NOT bring us salvation, but
they are necessary conditions which Christ has stipulated we
must observe before he will allow his atonement to cleanse
our lives.
|
| 4.29 | Repentance | CACHE::LEIGH | Let your light shine | Tue Sep 17 1991 19:32 | 102 |
|
Repentance Is Necessary
-----------------------
On the day of Pentecost, Peter told those who listened to
his message to repent (Acts 2:38). Earlier, Jesus had
taught repentance, not just teaching it but stating that it
is absolutely necessary.
Except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish. (Luke
13:3,5)
Peter taught
Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins
may be blotted out, when the times of refreshing shall
come from the presence of the Lord; (Acts 3:19)
When Simon tried to buy the authority to confer the Holy
Ghost by the laying on of hands, Peter rebuked him and said
Repent therefore of this thy wickedness, and pray God,
if perhaps the thought of thine heart may be forgiven
thee. (Acts 8:22)
Notice the order of Peter's rebuke: repent, prayer,
forgiveness.
We Must Endure To The End In Faithfulness
-----------------------------------------
From another viewpoint, we can understand why repentance is
necessary. Jesus, in describing the latter days, said the
following
And many false prophets shall arise, and shall deceive
many. And because iniquity shall abound, the love of
many shall wax cold. But he that shall endure unto the
end, the same shall be saved. (Matthew 24:11-13)
It is not sufficient to accept Christ and then to sit back
and say, "I've got it made, I'm saved". As long as we live
and have free agency, we can select evil instead of good.
Through sin we can become separated from God and let our
love of God "wax cold". We must be faithful to God until
the end when we will all stand before the judgment bar of
God to be judged according to our works (see Revelation
20:12-13).
Characteristics of True Repentance
----------------------------------
True repentance involves several steps. First, we must
recognize and admit to ourselves that we have sinned, not
just sinning in general but specific sins, specific acts.
We must confess our particular sins to God and to those whom
we have sinned against.
If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and
the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is
faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse
us from all unrighteousness. (1 John 1:8-9)
Next, we must have true, sincere sorrow for our actions. We
must really wish we had not done the particular things. We
must have guilt which leads us to repentance.
Now I rejoice, not that ye were made sorry, but that ye
sorrowed to repentance: for ye were made sorry after a
godly manner, that ye might receive damage by us in
nothing. For godly sorrow worketh repentance to
salvation not to be repented of: but the sorrow of the
world worketh death. (2 Corinthians 7:9-10)
Third, we must make restitution is so far as is possible to
those whom we have harmed.
Fourth, we must change our lives such that we do not repeat
the sins.
Wherefore putting away lying, speak every man truth with
his neighbour: for we are members one of another. Be
ye angry, and sin not; let not the sun go down upon your
wrath: Neither give place to the devil. Let him that
stole steal no more. (Ephesians 4:25-28)
And Last, we must forgive those whom we have sinned against
and those who sin against us.
Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour,
and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all
malice: And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted,
forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake
hath forgiven you. (Ephesians 4:31-32)
We see that repentance really is the way in which we change
our lives to be like the Savior. Truly as Jesus said
Except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish. (Luke
13:3,5)
|
| 4.30 | Baptism | CACHE::LEIGH | Let your light shine | Tue Sep 17 1991 19:32 | 244 |
|
On the day of Pentecost, Peter referred to baptism as being
for the remission of sins.
Then Peter said unto them, repent, and be baptized every
one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission
of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy
Ghost. (Acts 2:38)
Baptism by John the Baptist is also referred to as being for
the remission of sins.
John, did baptize in the wilderness, and preach the
baptism of repentance for the remission of sins (Mark
1:4)
To understand what Peter meant by the "remission of sins",
let us turn to Paul and his explanation of the symbolism
behind baptism.
Baptism Symbolizes Death, Burial, & Resurrection of Jesus
----------------------------------------------------------
In his epistle to the Romans, Paul gave a beautiful
explanation of the symbolism behind baptism. Paul explained
that baptism symbolizes the death, burial, and resurrection
of the Savior, that is it is a new birth. Just as Jesus
went into the grave with a mortal body and came forth in the
resurrection with a glorified and perfect body of flesh and
bones, so we enter the water of baptism as sinful persons
and come forth from the water into a newness of life, having
been forgiven of our sins.
Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into
Jesus Christ were baptized into his death?
Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death:
that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the
glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in
newness of life. For if we have been planted together
in the likeness of his death, we shall be also in the
likeness of his resurrection: Knowing this that our old
man is crucified with him, that the body of sin might be
destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin. For
he that is dead is freed from sin. (Romans 6:3-7)
We enter the water of baptism as an "old man" of sin. That
"old man" is crucified with Jesus by being buried in the
water, and we come forth from the water forgiven, and our
"old man" is dead; hence we are freed from sin. We come
forth from the water born again into a newness of life.
Jesus Also Referred to Baptism As A Birth
-----------------------------------------
Jesus referred to baptism as a birth when speaking to
Nicodemus; perhaps this is the source of Paul's analogy in
Romans 6. In verse 3, Jesus told Nicodemus that one had to
be born again to see the kingdom of God. Nicodemus did not
understand the metaphor of being "born again" and asked how
that could happen. In verse 5, Jesus explained what he had
meant by being "born again", that one had to be born of
water and also of the Spirit. Please observe that verse 5
was given as an explanation of verse 3.
There was a man of the Pharisees, named Nicodemus, a
ruler of the Jews:
The same came to Jesus by night, and said unto him,
Rabbi, we know that thou art a teacher come from God:
for no man can do these miracles that thou doest, except
God be with him.
Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say
unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the
kingdom of God.
Nicodemus saith unto him, How can a man be born when he
is old? can he enter the second time into his mother's
womb, and be born?
Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except
a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot
enter into the kingdom of God. (John 3:1-5)
To understand what Jesus meant by being born again of water
and of the Spirit, let us turn to Matthew's account of the
ministry of John the Baptist.
I indeed baptize you with water unto repentance: but he
that cometh after me is mightier than I, whose shoes I
am not worthy to bear: he shall baptize you with the
Holy Ghost, and with fire: (Matthew 3:11)
John baptized with water in the River Jordan and prophesied
that Jesus would baptize with the Holy Ghost. Thus, there
are two baptisms, one of water and one of spirit. Paul
likened baptism to a death, burial, and rebirth, and Jesus
spoke of being born of water and of spirit if one is to
enter the kingdom of God. It seems clear to me that in John
3:3-5, Jesus was in fact referring to the two baptisms
mentioned by John, and that baptism in water is essential if
one is to enter the kingdom of God.
Baptism Is Only A Symbol
------------------------
Baptism in water is only a symbol--it does NOT wash away
sins as water washes away dirt. Christ's blood through his
atonement removes the sins, and we symbolize that in
baptism, as explained by Paul.
When we accept Jesus as the Savior, the Messiah, the Son of
God, we agree to take his name upon us and to represent him
to the world; we become ambassadors for him. We agree to
live his commandments and to do all that we can to bring
souls to him. We symbolize this relationship by being
baptized in water and afterwards receiving the baptism of
the Spirit. We go into the water, having repented of our
sins and changed our lives, just as he went into the grave.
We come out of the water into a newness of life, having been
forgiven of our sins, just as he came forth from the grave.
We strive to live a better life just as he lived a perfect
life. Baptism in water is truly a beautiful symbol of our
commitment to Christ!
Paul spoke of this symbolism.
For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ
have put on Christ. (Galatians 3:27)
Jesus Though Sinless Was Baptized
---------------------------------
Another event occurred in the New Testament that I would
like to mention because it brings out the importance of
baptism. At the beginning of his ministry, Jesus went to
John and was baptized by him. John recognized that Jesus
was without sin and said "I have need to be baptized of
thee, and comest thou to me?" (Matthew 3:14) Jesus, however,
said his baptism was necessary and John proceeded to baptism
him even though Jesus was sinless.
And Jesus answering said unto him, Suffer it to be so
now; for thus it becometh us to fulfil all
righteousness. Then he suffered him. (Matthew 3:15)
John's baptism was for the remission of sins (Mark 1:4). If
Jesus, he being sinless, had need to be baptized for the
remission of sins, then how much more need have we who are
sinful to be baptized?
True Repentance Must Precede Baptism
------------------------------------
Peter, in speaking on Pentecost, told the multitude to
repent and be baptized. That order is important! If we are
to enter the water of baptism and come forth forgiven to a
newness of life, we must have forsaken our sins through
repentance as discussed earlier. If we are baptized without
true repentance, we make a mockery of Christ's resurrection.
Other Verses Concerning Baptism
-------------------------------
Peter referred to Noah's time and the flood saving Noah's
family from the sinful world in which they had been living.
He likened that to the saving of us by baptism as a
representation of Christ's resurrection.
Which sometime were disobedient, when once the
longsuffering of God waited in the days of Noah, while
the ark was a preparing, wherein few, that is, eight
souls were saved by water.
The like figure whereunto even baptism doth also now
save us (not the putting away of the filth of the flesh,
but the answer of a good conscience toward God,) by the
resurrection of Jesus Christ. (1 Peter 3:20-21)
Paul referred to the cleansing effect of the atonement of
Christ as symbolized by baptism.
Husbands, love your wives even as Christ also loved the
church, and gave himself for it; That he might sanctify
and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word,
That he might present it to himself a glorious church,
not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that
it should be holy and without blemish. (Ephesians
5:25-27)
In his grand commission to the Apostles to take the Gospel
to the world, Jesus commanded them to baptize.
Go ye therefore,and teach all nations, baptizing them in
the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy
Ghost. (Matthew 28:19)
Mark's account of that grand commission said baptism was
necessary for salvation.
And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and
preach the gospel to every creature. He that believeth
and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth
not [and hence does not repent or be baptized] shall be
damned. (Mark 16:15-16)
Some people have pointed out that verses 15 and 16 of Mark
16 are not in some of the older manuscripts. However, the
absence of those verses from some manuscripts does not imply
that they are not inspired, because we do not know if they
were inspired and were lost from some manuscripts or were
not inspired but added to other manuscripts.
Does "Baptism" Mean Water Baptism?
----------------------------------
In this discussion, we have seen that there are two
baptisms, one of water and one of the Holy Spirit. Persons
who say that water baptism is not necessary point out that
the verses that speak of baptism might be referring to
baptism of the Spirit and not baptism of water. These
people do have a valid argument, because the same Greek work
is used for both water and Spirit baptisms.
In some cases, the context is clear that the word "baptism"
does refer to water baptism. In other cases, the context is
not clear, and we are faced with the dilemma, is it water or
Spirit or both?
To those who suggest that the word "baptism" might be
referring to baptism of the Spirit, I say this: if context
does not allow us to determine which baptism is being
referred to, then we must interpret "baptism" to refer to
both baptism of water and of the Spirit, because there is no
compelling reason to accept either "water" or "Spirit" as
the meaning of "baptism".
|
| 4.31 | The Holy Ghost | CACHE::LEIGH | Let your light shine | Tue Sep 17 1991 19:33 | 195 |
|
John the Baptist prophesied that Jesus would come with the
baptism of the Holy Ghost.
I indeed baptize you with water unto repentance: but he
that cometh after me is mightier than I, whose shoes I
am not worthy to bear: he shall baptize you with the
Holy Ghost, and with fire: (Matthew 3:11)
The Holy Ghost or Holy Spirit did not come to the Apostles
during Jesus' ministry, but Jesus promised the Apostles that
the Holy Ghost would come to them afterwards.
And I will pray the father, and he shall give you
another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever;
Even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive,
because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him: but ye
know him; for he dwelleth with you, and shall be in
you....But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom
the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all
things, and bring all things to your remembrance,
whatsoever I have said unto you. (John 14:16-17,26)
Holy Ghost Came on Pentecost
----------------------------
Shortly before his ascension to heaven, Jesus told the
Apostles that the time was near for them to receive the Holy
Ghost.
For John truly baptized with water; but ye shall be
baptized with the Holy Ghost not many days hence....But
ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is
come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both
in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and
unto the uttermost part of the earth. (Acts 1:5,8)
On the Day of Pentecost, when thousands were assembled from
all parts of the known world, the Holy Ghost came, and the
Apostles were finally baptized in the Spirit.
And when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were
all with one accord in one place. And suddenly there
came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind,
and it filled all the house where they were sitting.
And there appeared unto them cloven tongues like as of
fire, and it sat upon each of them. And they were all
filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with
other tongues, as the spirit gave them utterance.
And there were dwelling at Jerusalem Jews, devout men,
out of every nation under heaven. Now when this was
noised abroad, the multitude came together, and were
confounded, because that every man heard them speak in
his own language. And they were all amazed and
marvelled, saying one to another, Behold are not all
these which speak Galilaeans? And how hear we every man
in our own tongue, wherein we were born? (Acts 2:1-8)
Peter Taught Baptism Of Water and Of Spirit
-------------------------------------------
In his great Pentecostal sermon, Peter taught the multitude
assembled in Jerusalem that upon acceptance of Christ, they
should be baptized in water and in the Spirit.
Now when they heard this, they were pricked in their
heart, and said unto Peter and to the rest of the
apostles, Men and brethren, what shall we do?
Then Peter said unto them, repent, and be baptized every
one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission
of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy
Ghost. For the promise is unto you, and to your
children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as
the Lord our God shall call.
And with many other words did he testify and exhort,
saying Save yourselves from this untoward generation.
Then they that gladly received his word were baptized:
and the same day there were added unto them about three
thousand souls. And they continued stedfastly in the
Apostles doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of
bread, and in prayers....Praising God, and having favour
with all the people. And the Lord added to the church
daily such as should be saved. (Acts 2:37-42,47)
Holy Ghost Given To Those Who Obey God
--------------------------------------
Peter, in speaking before the council of the Sadducees, bore
a powerful testimony of Jesus and then said
Him hath God exalted with his right hand to be a Prince
and a Saviour, for to give repentance to Israel, and
forgiveness of sins. And we are his witnesses of these
things; and so is also the Holy Ghost, whom God hath
given to them that obey him. (Acts 5:31-32)
In saying that the Holy Ghost is given to those who obey
God, Peter was reaffirming his statement on the Day of
Pentecost that we should accept Christ, repent, be baptized
for the remission of sins, and receive the gift of the Holy
Ghost.
Holy Ghost Given By Laying On Of Hands By One In Authority
----------------------------------------------------------
Philip, one of the seven men chosen to assist the Apostles
(Acts 6:5-6) was teaching and baptizing. A man named Simon
was converted to Christ and was baptized. Even though
Philip had been selected by the Apostles and had received
authority from them via the laying on of the Apostle's
hands, he apparently did not have the authority to give the
Holy Ghost.
But when they believed Philip preaching the things
concerning the kingdom of God, and the name of Jesus
Christ, they were baptized, both men and women. Then
Simon himself believed also: and when he was baptized,
he continued with Philip, and wondered, beholding the
miracles and signs which were done.
Now when the apostles which were at Jerusalem heard that
Samaria had received the word of God, they sent unto
them Peter and John: Who when they were come down,
prayed for them, that they might receive the Holy Ghost:
(For as yet he was fallen upon none of them: only they
were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.) Then laid
they their hands on them, and they received the Holy
Ghost. (Acts 8:12-17)
This conferring of the Holy Spirit so impressed Simon that
he tried to buy the authority of the Apostles by which they
gave the Spirit via the laying on of their hands.
And when Simon saw that through laying on of the
apostles' hands the Holy Ghost was given, he offered
them money, Saying, Give me also this power, that on
whomsoever I lay hands, he may receive the Holy Ghost.
(Acts 8:18-19)
Peter, knowing that the authority from God can not be
bought, rebuked Simon and told him to repent.
But Peter said unto him, Thy money perish with thee,
because thou hast thought that the gift of God may be
purchased with money. Thou has neither part nor lot in
this matter: for thy heart is not right in the sight of
God. Repent therefore of this thy wickedness, and pray
God, if perhaps the thought of thine heart may be
forgiven thee. (Acts 8:20-22)
It is significant that Philip had received authority to
baptize but not the authority to confer the Holy Ghost.
Influence Of The Holy Ghost In Our Lives
-----------------------------------------
In promising the Apostles that the Holy Ghost would come,
Jesus described ways the Holy Ghost will be a benefit to us.
And I will pray the father, and he shall give you
another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever;
Even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive,
because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him: but ye
know him; for he dwelleth with you, and shall be in
you....But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom
the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all
things, and bring all things to your remembrance,
whatsoever I have said unto you.
During times of depression and sadness, the Spirit can be a
comfort to us. As we prayerfully study, the Spirit can help
us understand and live what we have learned.
On Pentecost, the Holy Ghost helped the Apostles overcome a
language barrier. In this modern century in which all
nations of the world are in our back yard, the Holy Ghost
can help us understand other cultures and communicate with
them.
The Spirit can help us *know* not just *believe* in things
pertaining to God. (1 Corinthians 12:3)
Knowledge, wisdom, faith, healing, miracles, prophecy,
discerning of spirits, speaking and understanding languages
all come from the Holy Ghost. (1 Corinthians 12:10)
Surely the Holy Ghost is a wondrous gift from God!
|
| 4.32 | Obedience to Jesus Christ | CACHE::LEIGH | Let your light shine | Tue Sep 17 1991 19:33 | 73 |
|
Loving God Implies Keeping His Commandments
-------------------------------------------
Jesus is very concerned about the quality of our lives; he
does not want us to just believe in him. He wants us to
live his commandments, thus becoming more like him in
righteousness. He said
If ye love me, keep my commandments...He that hath my
commandments, and keepeth them, he it is that loveth me:
and he that loveth me shall be loved of my Father, and I
will love him, and will manifest myself to him....If a
man love me, he will keep my words: and my Father will
love him, and we will come unto him, and make our abode
with him. He that loveth me not keepeth not my sayings:
and the word which ye hear is not mine, but the father's
which sent me. (John 14:15,21,23-24)
If ye keep my commandments, ye shall abide in my love;
even as I have kept my Father's commandments, and abide
in his love....Ye are my friends if ye do whatsoever I
command you. (John 15:10,14)
John wrote
And this is love, that we walk after his commandments.
(2 John 6)
In the scriptures, love of Christ is tied very closely to
obedience to him. In the context of the Bible, therefore,
all scriptures that talk about this love imply obedience to
Christ.
Master, which is the great commandment in the law?
Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God
with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. This is the
first and great commandment. And the second is like
unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.
(Matthew 22:36-39)
Thus, the context of the Bible teaches that the greatest
commandment is to love God by keeping his commandments.
Obedience To God's Commandments Is Essential
--------------------------------------------
In his great Sermon on the Mount, Jesus taught that not
everyone who believed in him and confessed him would enter
the kingdom of heaven. Only those who kept the commandments
of God would enter that kingdom.
Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall
enter into the kingdom of heaven: but he that doeth the
will of my Father, which is in heaven. (Matthew 7:21)
This is significant: "but he that doeth the will of my
Father". After all, people can accept Jesus as the Christ
and even do many wonderful works as Matthew 7:22-23 goes on
to explain, but the thing that is important to the Savior is
that we change our lives for the better through repentance
and living the commandments of God. The commandments are
our recipe for a happy life.
Obedience Does Not Save Us
--------------------------
Our obedience, our works, do not save us nor remove our
sins. Christ's blood does that. Christ does, however,
require that we obey his commandments before he will allow
his blood to cleanse our souls.
|
| 4.33 | Examples of the Pentecostal Pattern | CACHE::LEIGH | Let your light shine | Tue Sep 17 1991 19:34 | 93 |
|
We have discussed in detail Peter's statement on Pentecost
that those who believe in Jesus should repent, be baptized
for the remission of sins, and receive the gift of the Holy
Ghost. (Acts 2:37-47)
Now, let us examine some examples from the Bible that
illustrate that the early Christians did just that.
Converts On Pentecost Were Baptized
-----------------------------------
Then they that gladly received his word were baptized:
and the same day there were added unto them about three
thousand souls....And the Lord added to the church daily
such as should be saved. (Acts 2:41,47)
Philip's Converts Were Baptized
-------------------------------
Philip taught Jesus Christ and baptized the people.
But when they believed Philip preaching the things
concerning the kingdom of God, and the name of Jesus
Christ, they were baptized, both men and women. (Acts
8:12)
Paul Was Baptized
-----------------
Paul was converted, healed from his blindness, and baptized.
And immediately there fell from his eyes as it had been
scales: and he received sight forthwith, and arose, and
was baptized. (Acts 9:18)
Cornelius Was Baptized
----------------------
Cornelius, the first Gentile to receive the Gospel, and his
family were baptized.
And he commanded them to be baptized in the name of the
Lord. Then prayed they him to tarry certain days.
(Acts 10:48)
Paul and Silas' Jailer Was Baptized
-----------------------------------
After their miraculous release from prison, Paul and Silas
baptized the keeper of the prison.
And brought them out, and said, Sirs, what must I do to
be saved? And they said, Believe on the Lord Jesus
Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house. And
they spoke unto him the word of the Lord, and to all
that were in his house. And he took them the same hour
of the night, and washed their stripes: and was
baptized, he and all his, straightway. (Acts 16:30-33)
Paul Baptized in Ephesus
------------------------
When they heard this, they were baptized in the name of
the Lord Jesus. (Acts 19:5)
Paul Described His Baptism
--------------------------
In recounting his own conversion, Paul described how Ananias
told him to be baptized and have his sins washed away; the
reference to the sins being "washed away" was a metaphor to
Christ's blood and to the symbolical meaning of baptism.
And now why tarriest thou? arise, and be baptized, and
wash away thy sins, calling on the name of the Lord.
(Acts 22:16)
Conclusion
----------
The brief history of the New Testament church given in the
book of Acts makes it clear that the early Christians did
follow Peter's injunction to repent, be baptized for the
remission of their sins, and receive the Holy Ghost.
|
| 4.34 | The Book of Mormon Teaches Faith | CACHE::LEIGH | Let your light shine | Thu Sep 19 1991 10:49 | 155 |
|
The Lord Prepares The Way For Us To Fulfil His Commandments
-----------------------------------------------------------
Shortly after Lehi and his family left Jerusalem (600 B.C.),
the Lord commanded Lehi that he should send his sons back to
Jerusalem and obtain a set of brass plates that contained
the Old Testament scriptures (up to their time). This task
seemed insurmountable to the older sons, Laman and Lemuel,
and they complained to their father. The younger brother
Nephi, however, had faith that the Lord would help them
complete the task. In reply to his father, Nephi said the
following.
And it came to pass that I, Nephi, said unto my father:
I will go and do the things which the Lord hath
commanded, for I know that the Lord giveth no
commandments unto the children of men, save he shall
prepare a way for them that they may accomplish the
thing which he commandeth them. (1 Nephi 3:7)
The Lord Can Do All Things
--------------------------
Laman and Lemuel did not want to leave Jerusalem, and they
continually grumbled and complained about leaving. Nephi
tried to encourage his brothers to follow their father.
Yea, and how is it that ye have forgotten that the Lord
is able to do all things according to his will, for the
children of men, if it so be that they exercise faith in
him? Wherefore, let us be faithful to him.
And if it so be that we are faithful to him, we shall
obtain the land of promise; and ye shall know at some
future period that the word of the Lord shall be
fulfilled concerning the destruction of Jerusalem; for
all things which the Lord hath spoken concerning the
destruction of Jerusalem must be fulfilled. (1 Nephi
7:12-13)
Enos Receives Forgiveness from Jesus Christ
-------------------------------------------
Enos, a grandson of Lehi, had heard his father speak of
Jesus Christ, but he had not established a personal
relationship with the Savior. One day while hunting in the
forest
And I will tell you of the wrestle which I had before
God, before I received a remission of my sins.
Behold, I went to hunt beasts in the forests; and the
words which I had often heard my father speak concerning
eternal life, and the joy of the saints, sunk deep into
my heart.
And my soul hungered; and I kneeled down before my
Maker, and I cried unto him in mighty prayer and
supplication for mine own soul; and all the day long did
I cry unto him; yea, and when the night came I did still
raise my voice high that it reached the heavens.
And there came a voice unto me, saying, Enos, thy sins
are forgiven thee, and thou shalt be blessed.
And I, Enos, knew that God could not lie; wherefore, my
guilt was swept away.
And I said: Lord, how is it done?
And he said unto me: Because of thy faith in Christ,
whom thou hast never before heard nor seen. And many
years pass away before he shall manifest himself in the
flesh; wherefore, go to, thy faith hath made thee whole.
Now, it came to pass that when I had heard these words I
began to feel a desire for the welfare of my brethren,
the Nephites; wherefore I did pour out my whole soul
unto God for them. (Enos 2-9)
King Benjamin Taught His People About Christ
--------------------------------------------
At about 124 B.C. a man named Benjamin was the Nephite
King. King Benjamin asked his people to gather at their
temple that he might teach them. After seeing the vast
multitude so gathered, King Benjamin realized that many of
the people would not be able to hear him. He thus had a
high tower constructed, and from the tower he taught his
people. At the conclusion of his long sermon, he asked the
people how they felt about his remarks.
And now, it came to pass that when king Benjamin had
thus spoken to his people, he sent among them, desiring
to know of his people if they believed the words which
he had spoken unto them.
And they all cried with one voice, saying: Yea, we
believe all the words which thou hast spoken unto us;
and also, we know of their surety and truth, because of
the Spirit of the Lord Omnipotent, which has wrought a
mighty change in us, or in our hearts, that we have no
more disposition to do evil, but to do good continually.
And we, ourselves, also, through the infinite goodness
of God, and the manifestations of his Spirit, have great
views of that which is to come; and were it expedient,
we could prophesy of all things.
And it is the faith which we have had on the things
which our king has spoken unto us that has brought us to
this great knowledge, whereby we do rejoice with such
exceedingly great joy.
And we are willing to enter into a covenant with our God
to do his will, and to be obedient to his commandments
in all things that he shall command us, all the
remainder of our days, that we may not bring upon
ourselves a never-ending torment, as has been spoken by
the angel, that we may not drink out of the cup of the
wrath of God.
And now, these are the words which king Benjamin desired
of them; and therefore he said unto them: Ye have
spoken the words that I desired; and the covenant which
ye have made is a righteous covenant.
And now, because of the covenant which ye have made ye
shall be called the children of Christ, his sons, and
his daughters; for behold, this day he hath spiritually
begotten you; for ye say that your hearts are changed
through faith on his name; therefore ye are born of him
and have become his sons and his daughters. (Mosiah
5:1-7)
Alma Taught His Son To Depend Upon God
--------------------------------------
The prophet Alma (about 73 B.C.) taught his son to depend
upon God.
O remember, my son, and learn wisdom in thy youth; yea
learn in thy youth to keep the commandments of God.
Yea, and cry unto God for all thy support; yea, let all
thy doings be unto the Lord, and whithersoever thou
goest let it be in the Lord; yea, let all thy thoughts
be directed unto the Lord; yea, let the affections of
thy heart be placed upon the Lord forever. (Alma
37:35-36)
|
| 4.35 | The Book of Mormon Teaches Faith and Works | CACHE::LEIGH | Let your light shine | Thu Sep 19 1991 11:04 | 108 |
|
Lehi Taught Salvation Comes Through Christ's Grace
--------------------------------------------------
Lehi taught his son Jacob that the Atonement of Jesus Christ
comes through the grace of Christ.
Wherefore, redemption cometh in and through the Holy
Messiah; for he is full of grace and truth.
Behold he offereth himself a sacrifice for sin, to
answer the ends of the law, unto all those who have a
broken heart and a contrite spirit; and unto none else
can the ends of the law be answered.
Wherefore, how great the importance to make these things
known unto the inhabitants of the earth, that they may
know that there is no flesh that can dwell in the
presence of God, save it be through the merits, and
mercy, and grace of the Holy Messiah, who layeth down
his life according to the flesh, and taketh it again by
the power of the Spirit, that he may bring to pass the
resurrection of the dead, being the first that should
rise.
Wherefore, he is the firstfruits unto God, inasmuch as
he shall make intercession for all the children of men;
and they that believe in him shall be saved.
And because of the intercession for all, all men come
unto God; wherefore, they stand in the presence of him,
to be judged of him according to the truth and holiness
which is in him. Wherefore, the ends of the law which
the Holy One hath given, unto the inflicting of the
punishment which is affixed, which punishment that is
affixed is in opposition to that of the happiness which
is affixed, to answer the ends of the atonement-- (2
Nephi 2:6-10)
Jacob Taught Grace Comes After Reconciliation
---------------------------------------------
Jacob also taught the Grace of Christ.
Wherefore, my beloved brethren, reconcile yourselves to
the will of God, and not to the will of the devil and
the flesh; and remember, after ye are reconciled unto
God, that it is only in and through the grace of God
that ye are saved.
Wherefore, may God raise you from death by the power of
the resurrection, and also from everlasting death by the
power of the atonement, that ye may be received into the
eternal kingdom of God, that ye may praise him through
grace divine. Amen. (2 Nephi 10:25-25)
Jacob said we must be 'reconciled' to God before his Grace
will envelop us. That is, we must come into harmony with
God and establish a friendship with him, a friendship in the
full sense of the word. Reconciliation is more than just a
"lip" acceptance of Christ; it is a complete dedication to
and acceptance of him.
Nephi Taught The Relationship Between Grace and Works
-----------------------------------------------------
In the previous Scripture, Jacob taught that we must come
into harmony with Jesus before his grace would enter our
lives. Nephi explained this with more clarity, as follows:
For we labor diligently to write, to persuade our
children, and also our brethren, to believe in Christ,
and to be reconciled to God; for we know that it is by
grace that we are saved, *after* all we can do. (2
Nephi 25:23, emphasis mine)
That is, we do "all we can do" to live the Gospel by keeping
Christ's commandments, and by doing this we become
reconciled to God. Jesus taught that if we loved him, we
WOULD keep his commandments. Without obedience we can not
become in harmony with God.
If ye love me, keep my commandments...He that hath my
commandments, and keepeth them, he it is that loveth me:
and he that loveth me shall be loved of my Father, and I
will love him, and will manifest myself to him....If a
man love me, he will keep my words: and my Father will
love him, and we will come unto him, and make our abode
with him. He that loveth me not keepeth not my sayings:
and the word which ye hear is not mine, but the father's
which sent me. (John 14:15,21,23-24)
Then, after we are obedient to God through keeping the
commandments and are thus reconciled with God, Christ's
grace enters our lives and we can obtain salvation.
...for we know that it is by grace that we are saved,
after all we can do. (2 Nephi 25:23)
Thus, we see as we did in an earlier discussion using
Biblical scriptures that salvation through Grace is
conditional upon our acceptance of Christ and our obedience
to his commandments. As explained in the earlier
discussion, our obedience, that is our good works, do not
save us but are necessary before Jesus allows his grace to
provide salvation.
|
| 4.36 | The Book of Mormon Teaches Love | CACHE::LEIGH | Let your light shine | Thu Sep 19 1991 11:05 | 127 |
|
Above all else, Jesus taught that we must have love, and
these teachings are reflected in the words of the Nephite
prophets.
Jacob Taught Love of Truth
--------------------------
O, my beloved brethren, give ear to my words. Remember
the greatness of the Holy One of Israel. Do not say
that I have spoken hard things against you; for if ye
do, ye will revile against the truth; for I have spoken
the words of your Maker. I know that the words of truth
are hard against all uncleanness; but the righteous fear
them not, for they love the truth and are not shaken.
(2 Nephi 9:40)
King Benjamin Taught Us To Become Like Children
-----------------------------------------------
For the natural man is an enemy to God, and has been
from the fall of Adam, and will be, forever and ever,
unless he yields to the enticings of the Holy Spirit,
and putteth off the natural man and becometh a saint
though the atonement of Christ the Lord, and becometh as
a child, submissive, meek, humble, patient, full of
love, willing to submit to all things which the Lord
seeth fit to inflict upon him, even as a child doth
submit to his father. (Mosiah 3:19)
Alma Encouraged Those Converted To Christ To Feel His Love
---------------------------------------------------------
And now behold, I say unto you, my brethren, if ye have
experienced a change of heart, and if ye have felt to
sing the song of redeeming love, I would ask, can ye
feel so now? (Alma 5:26)
Alma Taught That We Must Become Full Of Love
--------------------------------------------
But that ye would humble yourselves before the Lord, and
call on his holy name, and watch and pray continually,
that ye may not be tempted above that which ye can bear,
and thus be led by the Holy Spirit, becoming humble,
meek, submissive, patient, full of love and all
long-suffering;
Having faith on the Lord; having a hope that ye shall
receive eternal life; having the love of God always in
your hearts, that ye may be lifted up at the last day
and enter into his rest. (Alma 13:28-29)
Love Removed Contention
-----------------------
For many years after the resurrected Jesus Christ visited
the Nephites, there was peace and love in the land, because
of the love of God among the people.
And it came to pass that there was no contention in the
land, because of the love of God which did dwell in the
hearts of the people.
And there were no envyings, nor strifes, nor tumults,
nor whoredoms, nor lyings, nor murders, nor any manner
of lasciviousness; and surely there could not be a
happier people among all the people who had been created
by the hand of God.
There were no robbers, nor murders, neither were there
Lamanites, nor any manner of -ites; but they were in
one, the children of Christ, and heirs to the kingdom of
God.
And how blessed were they! For the Lord did bless them
in all their doings; yea even they were blessed and
prospered until an hundred and ten years had passed
away; and the first generation from Christ had passed
away, and there was no contention in all the land. (4
Nephi 1:15-18)
Mormon Defined Charity as the Pure Love Possessed By Christ
-----------------------------------------------------------
Mormon, in writing to his son Moroni, explained that charity
is the pure love possessed by Christ, the love which Jesus
had in performing his atonement.
But charity is the pure love of Christ, and it endureth
forever; and whoso is found possessed of it at the last
day, it shall be well with him.
Wherefore, my beloved brethren, pray unto the Father
with all the energy of heart, that ye may be filled with
this love, which he hath bestowed upon all who are true
followers of his Son, Jesus Christ; that ye may become
the sons of God; that when he shall appear we shall be
like him, for we shall see him as he is; that we may
have this hope; that we may be purified even as he is
pure. Amen. (Moroni 7:47-48)
Paul, in writing to the Corinthians, also spoke of charity,
the pure love possessed by Christ.
Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels,
and have not charity, I am become as sounding brass, or
a tinkling cymbal.
And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand
all mysteries, and all knowledge; and though I have all
faith, so that I could remove mountains, and have not
charity, I am nothing.
And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and
though I give my body to be burned, and have not
charity, it profiteth me nothing. (1 Corinthians
13:1-3)
Let us all truly seek to become like the Master and to love
as he loved.
|
| 4.37 | The Book of Mormon Teaches Repentance | CACHE::LEIGH | Let your light shine | Thu Sep 19 1991 11:06 | 143 |
|
Jesus wants us to change our lives such that we become more
like him. In his grand Sermon on the Mount, he taught that
we should rise above the carnal, physical world in which we
all exist and live a spiritual law.
Ye have heard that it was said by them of old time, Thou
shalt not commit adultery: But I say unto you, That
whosoever looketh on a woman to lust after her hath
committed adultery with her already in his heart.
(Matthew 5:27-28)
Ye have heard that it hath been said, Thou shalt love
thy neighbour, and hate thine enemy. But I say unto
you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do
good to them that hate you, and pray for them which
despitefully use you, and persecute you; (Matthew
5:43-44)
Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in
heaven is perfect. (Matthew 5:48)
For if ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly
Father will also forgive you; But if ye forgive not men
their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your
trespasses. (Matthew 6:14-15)
Judge not, that ye be not judged. (Matthew 7:1)
Therefore all things whatsoever ye would that men should
do to you, do ye even to them: for this is the law and
the prophets. (Matthew 7:12)
Notice in those scriptures the sequence we should follow
(rearranged slightly): Not only refrain from sexual sin but
refrain from lust. Love all people. Assist others through
service. Pray for those who hurt you. Forgive those who
hurt you. Do not criticize or judge others. Treat others
as you would have them treat you. Become perfect even as
God is perfect.
The goal of becoming perfect is obviously a long-range goal.
Because we are human, we make mistakes. We give in to our
weaknesses. We allow our emotions to sway our thinking and
decision-making. Thus, we look ahead to the idea of
becoming perfect, and we wonder if it is really possible.
Perfection seems like such a big thing to contemplate, an
impossible thing. We become discouraged and are tempted to
give up, to follow the ways of the world.
As we reach the depths of despair, we realize that Jesus
Christ set the example for us. Through emulation of his
life, we can become like him. Of course, we will not become
like him all at once. As Isaiah said,
For precept must be upon precept, precept upon precept;
line upon line, line upon line; here a little, and there
a little: (Isaiah 28:10)
Perfection comes in small steps, in daily changes to our
lives, in picking ourselves up when we stumble in sin, in
being a "rubber ball" and bouncing with our mistakes, rather
than being a "glass ball" and shattering. Perfection comes
as we follow Christ, not just following him with faith and
reverence but following him with our lives and our actions.
The Book of Mormon teaches, as does the Bible, that God
expects us to change our lives through repentance. Let us
look at a few of the many Book of Mormon teachings on
repentance.
All Must Repent
---------------
And he commandeth all men that they must repent, and be
baptized in his name, having perfect faith in the Holy
One of Israel, or they cannot be saved in the kingdom of
God.
And if they will not repent and believe in his name, and
be baptized in his name, and endure to the end, they
must be damned; for the Lord God, the Holy One of
Israel, has spoken it. (2 Nephi 9:23-24)
For Behold, I say unto you that as many of the Gentiles
as will repent are the covenant people of the Lord; and
as many of the Jews as will not repent shall be cast
off; for the Lord covenanteth with none save it be with
them that repent and believe in his Son, who is the Holy
One of Israel. (2 Nephi 30:2)
And moreover, I say unto you, that the time shall come
when the knowledge of a Savior shall spread throughout
every nation, kindred, tongue, and people. (Mosiah
3:20)
Only Little Children Do Not Need Repentance
-------------------------------------------
And behold, when that time cometh, none shall be found
blameless before God, except it be little children, only
through repentance and faith on the name of the Lord God
Omnipotent. (Mosiah 3:20-21)
We Must Repent Now
------------------
Yea, I would that ye would come forth and harden not
your hearts any longer; for behold, now is the time and
the day of your salvation; and therefore, if ye will
repent and harden not your hearts, immediately shall the
great plan of redemption be brought about unto you.
For behold, this life is the time for men to prepare to
meet God; yea, behold the day of this life is the day
for men to perform their labors.
And now, as I said unto you before, as ye have had so
many witnesses, therefore, I beseech of you that ye do
not procrastinate the day of your repentance until the
end; for after this day of life [mortality], which is
given us to prepare for eternity, behold, if we do not
improve our time while in this life, then cometh the
night of darkness wherein there can be no labor
performed.
Ye cannot say, when ye are brought to that awful crisis
[the judgment bar of God], that I will repent, that I
will return to my God. Nay, ye cannot say this; for
that same spirit [the same attitudes, habits,
personality] with which ye go out of this life, that
same spirit will have power to possess your body in that
eternal world.
For behold, if ye have procrastinated the day of your
repentance even until death, behold, ye have become
subjected to the spirit of the devil, and he doth seal
you his; therefore, the Spirit of the Lord hath
withdrawn from you, and hath no place in you, and the
devil hath all power over you; and this is the final
state of the wicked. (Alma 34:31-35)
|
| 4.38 | The Book of Mormon Teaches Baptism | CACHE::LEIGH | Let your light shine | Thu Sep 19 1991 11:06 | 136 |
|
Baptism Is a Witness Of Our Covenant With God
---------------------------------------------
Alma, a Nephi prophet living about 148 B.C. taught the
people about baptism and explained that it is a public
witness of the covenant we make with God. Even though they
lived before the birth of Jesus, they were Christians.
And it came to pass that he said unto them: Behold,
here are the waters of Mormon (for thus were they
called) and now, as ye are desirous to come into the
fold of God, and to be called his people, and are
willing to bear one another's burdens, that they may be
light;
Yea, and are willing to mourn with those that mourn;
yea, and comfort those that stand in need of comfort,
and to stand as witnesses and in all places that ye may
be in, even until death, that ye may be redeemed of God,
and be numbered with those of the first resurrection,
that ye may have eternal life--
Now I say unto you, if this be the desire of your
hearts, what have you against being baptized in the name
of the Lord, as a witness before him that ye have
entered into a covenant with him, that ye will serve him
and keep his commandments, that he may pour out his
Spirit more abundantly upon you?
And now when the people had heard these words, they
clapped their hands for joy, and exclaimed: This is the
desire of our hearts. (Mosiah 18:8-11)
Baptisms Must Be By Proper Authority
------------------------------------
Alma had been ordained with the authority of God and was
thus able to perform the baptisms; without this authority,
he would not have performed them.
And they [those baptized by Alma] were called the church
of God, or the church of Christ, from that time forward.
And it came to pass that whosoever was baptized by the
power and authority of God was added to his church.
And it came to pass that Alma, having authority from
God, ordained priests; even one priest to every fifty of
their number did he ordain to preach unto them, and to
teach them concerning the things pertaining to the
kingdom of God. (Mosiah 18:17-18)
Redemption Comes Through Faith, Repentance, Baptism
---------------------------------------------------
Alma taught that redemption came through Jesus Christ but
that we had to have faith, repent, and be baptized before
Jesus would allow his blood to remove our sins.
And not many days hence the Son of God shall come in his
glory; and his glory shall be the glory of the Only
Begotten of the Father, full of grace, equity, and
truth, full of patience, mercy, and long suffering,
quick to hear the cries of his people and to answer
their prayers.
And behold, he cometh to redeem those who will be
baptized unto repentance, through faith on his name.
Therefore, prepare ye the way of the Lord, for the time
is at hand that all men shall reap a reward of their
works, according to that which they have been--if they
have been righteous they shall reap the salvation of
their souls, according to the power and deliverance of
Jesus Christ; and if they have been evil they shall reap
the damnation of their souls, according to the power and
captivation of the devil. (Alma 9:26-28)
Even Jesus Had To Be Baptized To Show Us The Way
------------------------------------------------
Nephi explained that even Jesus Christ, the only person to
live a perfect life, had to be baptized.
And now, if the Lamb of God, he being holy, should have
need to be baptized by water, to fulfil all
righteousness, O then, how much more need have we, being
unholy, to be baptized, yea, even by water!
And now, I would ask of you, my beloved brethren,
wherein the Lamb of God did fulfil all righteousness in
being baptized by water?
Know ye not that he was holy? But notwithstanding he
being holy, he showeth unto the children of men that,
according to the flesh he humbleth himself before the
Father, and witnesseth unto the Father that he would be
obedient unto him in keeping his commandments.
Wherefore, after he was baptized with water the Holy
Ghost descended upon him in the form of a dove.
And again, it showeth unto the children of men the
straitness of the path, and the narrowness of the gate,
by which they should enter, he having set the example
before them.
And he said unto the children of men: Follow thou me.
Wherefore, my beloved brethren, can we follow Jesus save
we shall be willing to keep the commandments of the
Father?
And the Father said: Repent ye, repent ye, and be
baptized in the name of my Beloved Son.
And also, the voice of the Son came unto me, saying: He
that is baptized in my name, to him will the Father give
the Holy Ghost, like unto me; wherefore, follow me, and
do the things which ye have seen me do.
Wherefore, my beloved brethren, I know that if ye shall
follow the Son, with full purpose of heart, acting no
hypocrisy and no deception before God, but with real
intent, repenting of your sins, witnessing unto the
Father that ye are willing to take upon you the name of
Christ by baptism--yea, by following your Lord and your
Savior down into the water, according to his word,
behold, then shall ye receive the Holy Ghost; yea, then
cometh the baptism of fire and of the Holy Ghost; and
then can ye speak with the tongue of angels, and shout
praises unto the Holy One of Israel. (2 Nephi 31:5-13)
|
| 4.39 | The Book of Mormon Teaches the Holy Ghost | CACHE::LEIGH | Let your light shine | Thu Sep 19 1991 11:07 | 122 |
|
Religious Conviction Comes From The Holy Ghost
----------------------------------------------
Nephi was a mighty speaker, and he knew that his
effectiveness was due to the Holy Ghost giving a witness to
those who heard him.
And now I, Nephi, cannot write all the things which were
taught among my people; neither am I mighty in writing,
like unto speaking; for when a man speaketh by the power
of the Holy Ghost the power of the Holy Ghost carrieth
it unto the hearts of the children of men. (2 Nephi
33:1)
Testimonies of Christ Come From The Holy Ghost
----------------------------------------------
Nephi's brother Jacob debated with a man named Sherem who
denied Christ.
And I [Jacob] said unto him [Sherem]; Deniest thou the
Christ who shall come? And he said: If there should be
a Christ, I would not deny him; but I know that there is
no Christ, neither has been, nor ever will be.
And I said unto him: Believest thou the scriptures?
And he said, Yea.
And I said unto him: Then ye do not understand them;
for they truly testify of Christ. Behold, I say unto
you that none of the prophets have written, nor
prophesied, save they have spoken concerning this
Christ.
And this is not all--it has been made manifest unto me,
for I have heard and seen; and it also has been made
manifest unto me by the power of the Holy Ghost;
wherefore, I know if there should be no atonement made
all mankind must be lost. (Jacob 7:9-12)
Moroni, the man who buried the gold plates upon which his
father Mormon had abridged the religious history of their
nation (421 A.D.), also taught that testimonies of Christ
come via the Holy Ghost.
Wherefore, if a man have faith he must needs have hope;
for without faith there cannot be any hope.
And again, behold I say unto you that he cannot have
faith and hope, save he shall be meek [humble], and
lowly of heart.
If so, his faith and hope is vain, for none is
acceptable before God, save the meek and lowly in heart;
and if a man be meek and lowly in heart, and confesses
by the power of the Holy Ghost that Jesus is the Christ,
he must needs have charity; for if he have not charity
he is nothing; wherefore he must needs have charity....
But charity is the pure love of Christ, and it endureth
forever; and whoso is found possessed of it at the last
day, it shall be well with him. (Moroni 7:42-44,47)
Gifts of the Holy Ghost Are Still In The Church
-----------------------------------------------
Wo unto him that spurneth at the doings of the Lord;
yea, wo unto him that shall deny the Christ and his
works!
Yea, wo unto him that shall deny the revelations of the
Lord, and that shall say the Lord no longer worketh by
revelation, or by prophecy, or by gifts, or by tongues,
or by healings, or by the power of the Holy Ghost!
Yea, and wo unto him that shall say at that day, to get
gain, that there can be no miracle wrought by Jesus
Christ; for he that doeth this shall become like unto
the son of perdition, for whom there was no mercy,
according to the word of Christ! (3 Nephi 29:5-7)
Holy Ghost Comes Through Personal Worthiness
--------------------------------------------
Moroni taught that we have to obey God and then the Holy
Ghost comes.
And the first fruits of repentance is baptism; and
baptism cometh by faith unto the fulfilling the
commandments; and the fulfilling the commandments
bringeth remission of sins [through Christ's atonement];
And the remission of sins bringeth meekness, and
lowliness of heart; and because of meekness and
lowliness of heart cometh the visitation of the Holy
Ghost, which Comforter filleth with hope and perfect
love, which love endureth by diligence unto prayer,
until the end shall come, when all the saints shall
dwell with God. (Moroni 8:25-26)
You Can Know Of The Truthfulness Of The Book Of Mormon
------------------------------------------------------
Shortly before closing the Book of Mormon, Moroni explained
how you can know if the book is of God.
And when ye shall receive these things, I would exhort
you that ye would ask God, the Eternal Father, in the
name of Christ, if these things are not true; and if ye
shall ask with a sincere heart, with real intent, having
faith in Christ, he will manifest the truth of it unto
you, by the power of the Holy Ghost.
And by the power of the Holy Ghost ye may know the truth
of all things. (Moroni 10:4-5)
|
| 4.40 | The Book of Mormon Teaches Obedience | CACHE::LEIGH | Let your light shine | Thu Sep 19 1991 11:08 | 239 |
|
Through faith, we accept Christ as our Savior and look to
him for salvation. Through obedience to his commandments,
we follow him, conforming our lives to his standards of
conduct. We follow him, not just with our mouths but with
our lives.
Jesus Set The Example Of Being Obedient To God
----------------------------------------------
Jesus taught that if we loved him we would keep his
commandments. He not only taught this, but he set the
example for us by he himself being obedient to God. As
Nephi explained
And now, I would ask of you, my beloved brethren,
wherein the Lamb of God did fulfil all righteousness in
being baptized by water?
Know ye not that he was holy? But notwithstanding he
being holy, he showeth unto the children of men that,
according to the flesh he humbleth himself before the
Father, and witnesseth unto the Father that he would be
obedient unto him in keeping his commandments....
And he said unto the children of men: Follow thou me.
Wherefore, my beloved brethren, can we follow Jesus save
we shall be willing to keep the commandments of the
Father? (2 Nephi 31:6-7,10)
We Covenant To Always Obey God
------------------------------
King Benjamin (about 124 B.C.) taught his people that they
had made covenants with God to always obey him, and that
through that covenant they would be called by the name of
Christ, that is they were Christians.
And under this head [Christ] ye are made free, and there
is no other head whereby ye can be made free. There is
no other name given whereby salvation cometh; therefore,
I would that ye should take upon you the name of Christ,
all you that have entered into the covenant with God
that ye should be obedient unto the end of your lives.
And it shall come to pass that whosoever doeth this
shall be found at the right hand of god, for he shall
know the name by which he is called; for he shall be
called by the name of Christ. (Mosiah 5:8-9)
King Benjamin Taught Service To Others Through Obedience
--------------------------------------------------------
King Benjamin labored with his hands to provide for his
sustenance so he would not be a burden on the people. He
taught his people that they should serve one another and
should serve God through obedience to the commandments.
And even I, myself, have labored with mine own hands
that I might serve you, and that ye should not be laden
with taxes, and that there should nothing come upon you
which was grievous to be borne--and of all these things
which I have spoken, ye yourselves are witnesses this
day....
And behold, I tell you these things that ye may learn
wisdom; that ye may learn that when ye are in the
service of your fellow beings ye are only in the service
of your God.
Behold, ye have called me your king; and if I whom ye
call your king, do labor to serve you, then ought not ye
to labor to serve one another?
And behold also, if I, whom ye call your king, who has
spent his days in your service, and yet has been in the
service of God, do merit any thanks from you, O how you
ought to thank your heavenly King!....
And behold, all that he requires of you is to keep his
commandments; and he has promised you that if ye would
keep his commandments ye should prosper in the land; and
he never doth vary from that which he hath said;
therefore, if ye do keep his commandments he doth bless
you and prosper you. (Mosiah 2:14,17-19,22)
Benjamin's People Covenant To Serve God
---------------------------------------
King Benjamin's powerful discourse so moved the people that
they desired to obey all of God's commandments.
And now, it came to pass that when king Benjamin had
thus spoken to his people, he sent among them, desiring
to know of his people if they believed the words which
he had spoken unto them.
And they all cried with one voice, saying: Yea, we
believe all the words which thou hast spoken unto us;
and also, we know of their surety and truth, because of
the Spirit of the Lord Omnipotent, which has wrought a
mighty change in us, or in our hearts, that we have no
more disposition to do evil, but to do good continually.
And we, ourselves, also, through the infinite goodness
of God, and the manifestations of his Spirit, have great
views of that which is to come; and were it expedient,
we could prophesy of all things.
And it is the faith which we have had on the things
which our king has spoken unto us that has brought us to
this great knowledge, whereby we do rejoice with such
exceedingly great joy.
And we are willing to enter into a covenant with our God
to do his will, and to be obedient to his commandments
in all things that he shall command us, all the
remainder of our days, that we may not bring upon
ourselves a never-ending torment, as has been spoken by
the angel, that we may not drink out of the cup of the
wrath of God.
And now, these are the words which king Benjamin desired
of them; and therefore he said unto them: Ye have
spoken the words that I desired; and the covenant which
ye have made is a righteous covenant.
And now, because of the covenant which ye have made ye
shall be called the children of Christ, his sons, and
his daughters; for behold, this day he hath spiritually
begotten you; for ye say that your hearts are changed
through faith on his name; therefore ye are born of him
and have become his sons and his daughters. (Mosiah
5:1-7)
Obedience Follows Spiritual Conversion
--------------------------------------
The prophet Alma (about 83 B.C.) taught that after we are
spiritually converted to Christ, we must repent and change
our lives to be like him.
And now behold, I say unto you, my brethren, if ye have
experienced a change of heart, and if ye have felt to
sing the song of redeeming love, I would ask, can ye
feel so now?
Have ye walked, keeping yourselves blameless before God?
Could ye say, if ye were called to die at this time,
within yourselves, that ye have been sufficiently
humble? That your garments have been cleansed and made
white through the blood of Christ, who will come to
redeem his people from their sins?
Behold, are ye stripped of pride? I say unto you, if ye
are not ye are not prepared to meet God. Behold ye must
prepare quickly; for the kingdom of heaven is soon at
hand, and such an one hath not eternal life.
Behold, I say, is there one among you who is not
stripped of envy? I say unto you that such an one is
not prepared; and I would that he should prepare
quickly, for the hour is close at hand, and he knoweth
not when the time shall come; for such an one is not
found guiltless.
And again I say unto you, is there one among you that
doth make a mock of his brother, or that heapeth upon
him persecutions?
Wo unto such an one, for he is not prepared, and the
time is at hand that he must repent or he cannot be
saved!
Yea, even wo unto all ye workers of iniquity; repent,
repent, for the Lord God hath spoken it!
Behold, he sendeth an invitation unto all men, for the
arms of mercy are extended towards them, and he saith:
Repent, and I will receive you.
Yea, he saith: Come unto me and ye shall partake of the
fruit of the tree of life; yea, ye shall eat and drink
of the bread and the waters of life freely;
Yea, come unto me and bring forth works of
righteousness, and ye shall not be hewn down and cast
into the fire--
For behold, the time is at hand that whosoever bringeth
forth not good fruit, or whosoever doeth not the works
of righteousness, the same have cause to wail and mourn.
O ye workers of iniquity; ye that are puffed up in the
vain things of the world, ye that have professed to have
known the ways of righteousness nevertheless have gone
astray, as sheep having no shepherd, notwithstanding a
shepherd hat called after you and is still calling after
you, but ye will not hearken unto his voice!
Behold, I say unto you, that the good shepherd doth call
you; yea, and in his own name he doth call you, which is
the name of Christ; and if ye will not hearken unto the
voice of the good shepherd, to the name by which ye are
called, behold, ye are not the sheep of the good
shepherd.
And now if ye are not the sheep of the good shepherd, of
what fold are ye? Behold, I say unto you, that the
devil is your shepherd, and ye are of his fold; and now,
who can deny this? Behold, I say unto you, whosoever
denieth this is a liar and a child of the devil.
For I say unto you that whatsoever is good cometh from
God, and whatsoever is evil cometh from the devil.
Therefore, if a man bringeth forth good works he
hearkeneth unto the voice of the good shepherd, and he
doth follow him; but whosoever bringeth forth evil
works, the same becometh a child of the devil, for he
hearkeneth unto his voice, and doth follow him.
And whosoever doth this must receive his wages of him;
therefore, for his wages he receiveth death. as to
things pertaining unto righteousness, being dead unto
all good works.
And now, my brethren, I would that ye should hear me,
for I speak in the energy of my soul; for behold, I have
spoken unto you plainly that ye cannot error, or have
spoken according to the commandments of God. (Alma
5:26-43)
|
| 4.41 | Our Freedom to Choose | CACHE::LEIGH | Let your light shine | Thu Sep 19 1991 16:26 | 68 |
|
We Are Accountable to God
-------------------------
The Bible clearly teaches that we are responsible for our
actions, for our decisions.
And the times of this ignorance God winked at; but now
commandeth all men every where to repent; (Acts 17:30)
For the Son of man shall come in the glory of his Father
with his angels; and then he shall reward every man
according to his works. (Matthew 16:27)
Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a
man soweth, that shall he also reap. For he that soweth
to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption: but he
that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life
everlasting. (Galatians 6:7-8)
Who will render to every man according to his deeds:
(Romans 2:6)
For we must all appear before the judgment seat of
Christ; that every one may receive the things done in
his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be
good or bad. (II Corinthians 5:10)
We are Free to Choose
---------------------
This accountability to God implies that we are free, free to
choose good or free to choose evil, for a just God would not
punish us for decisions and actions over which we had no
control. If fact, freedom to choose was given to Adam who
was told he could freely eat of all fruit in the Garden
except that of one tree. He was commanded not to eat of
that tree but was given his freedom to choose.
And the Lord God commanded the man, saying, Of every
tree of the garden thou mayest freely eat: but of the
tree of the knowledge of good and evil thou shalt not
eat of it: for in the day that thou eatest thereof thou
shalt surely die. (Genesis 2:16-17)
Joshua used his free agency to choose to follow the Lord.
Now therefore fear the Lord, and serve him in sincerity
and in truth: and put away the gods which your fathers
served on the other side of the flood, and in Egypt; and
serve ye the Lord. And if it seems evil unto you to
serve the Lord, choose you this day whom ye will serve,
whether the gods which your fathers served that were on
the other side of the flood, or the gods of the
Amorites, in whose land ye dwell: but as for me and my
house, we will serve the Lord. (Joshua 24:14-15)
Elijah encouraged the people to choose the Lord.
And Elijah came unto all the people, and said, How long
halt ye between two opinions? if the Lord be God,
follow him: but if Baal, then follow him. And the
people answered him not a word. (1 Kings 18:21)
Our freedom to choose and be accountable for our actions is
very basic to the Gospel. This principle must be understood
if one is to understand the other principles of the Gospel.
|
| 4.42 | The Book of Mormon Teaches Free Agency | CACHE::LEIGH | Let your light shine | Thu Sep 19 1991 16:27 | 82 |
|
In the previous discussion, we studied our accountability to
God and the inherent freedom of choice that is implied by
that accountability. We saw that God will hold us
accountable for our decisions to follow either Him or Satan.
The Book of Mormon also teaches that we are accountable to
God and that we are free to choose.
Lehi Taught That We Are Free
----------------------------
The Prophet Lehi taught his son Jacob that the Savior's
atonement freed us from the effects of Adam's fall and that
we are free to make our own decisions. That is, we are not
held liable for Adam's decisions but are accountable for our
own.
And the Messiah cometh in the fulness of time, that he
may redeem the children of men from the fall. And
because that they are redeemed from the fall they have
become free forever, knowing good from evil; to act for
themselves and not to be acted upon, save it be by the
punishment of the law at the great and last day,
according to the commandments which god hath given.
Wherefore, men are free according to the flesh; and all
things are given them which are expedient unto man. And
they are free to choose liberty and eternal life,
through the great Mediator of all men, or to choose
captivity and death, according to the captivity and
power of the devil; for he seeketh that all men might be
miserable like unto himself. (2 Nephi 2:26-27)
God's Purpose In Our Creation Was That We Might Be Free
-------------------------------------------------------
King Benjamin taught that God created us that we "may live
and move and do according to your own will", that is, the
purpose of God's creation was that we would be free to act
for ourselves.
I say unto you that if ye should serve him who has
created you from the beginning, and is preserving you
from day to day, by lending you breath, that ye may live
and move and do according to your own will, and even
supporting you from one moment to another--I say, if ye
should serve him with all your whole souls yet ye would
be unprofitable servants. (Mosiah 2:21)
God Created Us To Be Free
-------------------------
Samuel, the Lamanite Prophet who lived a few years before
the birth of Christ, taught that God made us to know good
from evil, and that He made us to be free agents. Because
we are free, we can choose whether we will follow good or
follow evil, but God will hold us responsible for those
choices and will reward us accordingly.
And not remember, remember, my brethren, that whosoever
perisheth, perisheth unto himself; and whosoever doeth
iniquity, doeth it unto himself; for behold, ye are
free; ye are permitted to act for yourselves; for
behold, God hath given unto you a knowledge and he hath
made you free.
He hath given unto you that ye might know good from
evil, and he hath given unto you that ye might choose
life or death; and ye can do good and be restored unto
that which is good, or have that which is good restored
unto you; or ye can do evil and have that which is evil
restored unto you. (Helaman 14:30-31)
Lehi also taught that our freedom is God-given.
Wherefore, the Lord God gave unto man that he should act
for himself. Wherefore, man could not act for himself
save it should be that he was enticed by the one or the
other. (2 Nephi 2:16)
|
| 4.43 | Latter-day Revelation: Spheres of Freedom | CACHE::LEIGH | Let your light shine | Thu Sep 19 1991 16:28 | 46 |
|
Through latter-day revelation to Joseph Smith, the Lord
revealed that our freedom is like a sphere. We are free
within the sphere, but if we pass beyond the sphere we will
lose our freedom.
All truth is independent in that sphere in which God has
placed it, to act for itself, as all intelligence also;
otherwise there is no existence.
Behold, here is the [free] agency of man, and here is
the condemnation of man; because that which was from the
beginning is plainly manifest unto them, and they
received not the light. (D & C 93:30-31)
God, who is the source of all truth, has placed truth and
intelligence in "spheres" of existence. Truth and
intelligence are independent within their sphere, meaning
that once created by God, truth and intelligence
consistently follow the laws of God and appear to be the
"natural" way that the universe works.
Our free agency is a result of truth and intelligence being
in their "spheres" of existence. That is, within the
"spheres" of existence, God has given us the freedom to
choose, but we are bound by the truths and intelligence
within the "spheres". Thus, our freedom is limited, and we
have "spheres" for our freedom of choice.
When first born, a baby's sphere of freedom is like a dot.
The baby is free to move, cry, eat, and mess its diapers,
and that is about all. As the baby grows, its sphere of
freedom enlarges and enlarges. As it learns, the baby tries
to go beyond its sphere of freedom, but it is bound by the
laws of nature [which are laws of God] and by the laws of
God, as well as the laws of its parents and of society in
general. These attempts to pass beyond our spheres of
freedom are especially strong with teenagers.
One of our goals in our mortal existence is to learn how to
expand our spheres such that we stay within the bounds that
are set by God but cause the bounds to continually expand as
we obey His commandments and thus gain access to additional
truths. "And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall
make you free [of your present bounds and limitations]."
(John 8:32)
|
| 4.44 | The Fall of Adam | CACHE::LEIGH | Let your light shine | Fri Sep 20 1991 10:36 | 167 |
|
Adam and Eve were Married by God
--------------------------------
God created Adam and placed him in the Garden of Eden.
And the Lord God formed man of the dust of the ground,
and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and
man became a living soul. And the Lord God planted a
garden eastward in Eden; and there he put the man whom
he had formed. (Genesis 2:7-8)
The Lord, knowing that Adam and Eve would be the earthly
parents of the human race said
And the Lord God said, it is not good that the man
should be alone; I will make an help meet for him....And
the Lord God caused a deep sleep to fall upon Adam, and
he slept: and he took one of his ribs, and closed up
the flesh instead thereof; And the rib, which the Lord
God had taken from man, made he a woman, and brought her
unto the man.
And Adam said, This is now bone of my bones, and flesh
of my flesh: she shall be called Woman, because she was
taken out of Man. Therefore shall a man leave his
father and his mother, and shall cleave unto his wife:
and they shall be one flesh. And they were both naked,
the man and his wife, and were not ashamed. (Genesis
2:18,21-25)
Notice that God brought Eve to Adam and "the man and his
*wife* were not ashamed" (emphasis mine). Eve was Adam's
wife and was given to him by God; she and Adam were married
by God!
In verse 25, it is recorded that Adam and Eve were naked and
were not ashamed. That is an important phrase, because it
indicates that they were free of the physical lusts and
passions that are so common in our world.
The Sin of Adam
---------------
God commanded Adam that he should care for the Garden.
And the Lord God took the man, and put him into the
garden of Eden to dress it and to keep it. And the Lord
God commanded the man, saying, Of every tree of the
garden thou mayest freely eat: But of the tree of the
knowledge of good and evil, thou shalt not eat of it:
for in the day that thou eatest thereof thou shalt
surely die. (Genesis 2:15-17)
Later on, Lucifer entered the Garden and talked with Eve.
He asked her a question: didn't God say she could eat of
every tree? Eve responded that she and Adam could eat of
all trees but one; if they either touched that tree or ate
the fruit thereof they should die.
Lucifer then said
And the serpent said unto the woman, Ye shall not surely
die: For God doth know that in the day ye eat thereof,
then your eyes shall be opened, and ye shall be as gods,
knowing good and evil. (Genesis 3:4-5)
In saying this, Lucifer did two things: first he LIED in
saying that they would not die. Second, as subsequent
events showed, he told the TRUTH in saying they "shall be as
gods, knowing good and evil". Satan is not above using
truth as a means of seducing us to believe his lies!
Eve partook of the fruit of the tree of good and evil and
then gave it to Adam who also partook.
Thus, we see that Adam's sin was the sin of disobedience.
God commanded him to not partake of the fruit but he
disobeyed and ate of it. Adam's sin was not a sexual sin
with Eve as some teach, for Adam and Eve were married while
in the Garden--a marriage by and ordained of God!
The Fall of Adam
----------------
As soon as they ate of the fruit they realized they were
naked.
And the eyes of them both were opened, and they knew
that they were naked; and they sewed fig leaves
together, and made themselves aprons. (Genesis 3:7)
Notice the change that came over Adam and Eve. Prior to
eating the fruit, "they were both naked, the man and his
wife, and were not ashamed" (Genesis 2:25). Immediately
after eating the fruit they realized they were naked and
covered themselves. The eating of the fruit of the tree of
knowledge of good and evil caused them to change from a
state of purity and innocence to a state of knowledge.
And the *Lord God* said, Behold, the man is *become as
one of us*, to know good and evil; and now lest he put
forth his hand, and take also of the tree of life, and
eat, and live for ever: Therefore the Lord God sent him
forth from the garden of Eden, to till the ground from
whence he was taken. (Genesis 3:22-23, emphasis mine)
In verse 22, God acknowledged that Adam and Eve had become
as gods knowing good and evil as Satan had said (Genesis
3:5). This is a very important observation to make. God
acknowledged that Satan had told the truth when he [Satan]
said "and ye shall be as gods, knowing good and evil."
(Genesis 3:4-5) There are many people who claim that Satan
lied in telling Eve "ye shall be as gods", but verse 22 is
very plain that God acknowledged that Adam and Eve had
become "as one of us". Satan may tell the truth at times
when it is to his advantage.
Effect Of The Fall
------------------
An important observation must be made from Genesis 3:22. To
prevent Adam and Eve from eating of the tree of life and
living forever, God banished them from the Garden. Prior to
this, they were allowed to eat from the tree of life. That
is, while in the Garden, Adam and Eve were immortal; they
would live forever in a state of innocence, and their eating
from the tree of life was OK.
After eating from the tree of knowledge, they were changed
to a state of mortality, knowing good and evil and suffering
death. As mortals they had free agency to choose to follow
God or Satan. In other words, the effect of the Fall of
Adam was the the changing of the earth from an immortal,
celestial earth to the mortal earth in which we all live.
Had Adam and Eve not partaken of the fruit and become
mortal, they would have remained in the Garden as immortal,
innocent children, and they would not have been able to
multiply and replenish the earth.
Adam And Eve Suffered Two Deaths
--------------------------------
Adam and Eve suffered two deaths. They were banished from
the Garden of Eden and thus from God's presence, causing
them to suffer a spiritual death, a separation from God. In
addition, they suffered a physical death, although this
happened many years later.
As Mortals, Adam And Eve Had Children
-------------------------------------
Now that they were mortal, Adam and Even were obedient to
God's commandment to "multiply and replenish the earth".
And Adam knew Eve his wife; and she conceived, and bare
Cain, and said, I have gotten a man from the Lord. And
she bare again his brother Abel. And Abel was a keeper
of sheep, but Cain was a tiller of the ground. (Genesis
4:1-2)
Thus sprang the human race.
|
| 4.45 | Born in Sin | CACHE::LEIGH | Let your light shine | Fri Sep 20 1991 10:37 | 117 |
|
All Have Sinned
---------------
Paul taught that all have sinned.
Therefore by the deeds of the law there shall no flesh
be justified in his sight: for by the law is the
knowledge of sin. But now the righteousness of God
without the law is manifested, being witnessed by the
law and the prophets; Even the righteousness of God
which is by faith of Jesus Christ unto all and upon all
them that believe: for there is no difference: For all
have sinned, and come short of the glory of God; (Romans
3:20:23)
Paul is explaining that the Law of Moses did not justify or
save anyone. Then, Paul explained that the Law of Moses
taught ("witnessed by the law and the prophets") that Christ
came as the Messiah ("righteousness of God without the law
is manifested"). He said that Christ came to two groups,
"all" referring to both Jew and Gentile and "all them that
believe" referring to Christians. Then Paul said there was
no difference between the two groups because all of them had
sinned and come short of the glory of God.
It seems very clear to me that within the context of this
Scripture, the phrase "For all have sinned" refers to people
who are "of the age of accountability". Paul is talking
about the Law of Moses and faith in Christ. His comments
make no sense in the context of babies, because babies do
not understand or learn from the Law of Moses, nor do babies
have faith in Christ.
Conditions For Sin Came Into The World
--------------------------------------
Paul also taught that through Adam sin and death came into
the world.
Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and
death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that
all have sinned: (Romans 5:12)
A note in the King James Version indicates that that last
phrase should be read, "and so death passed upon all men, in
whom all have sinned." Did Paul mean that through Adam man
inherited a sinful nature, an inherent desire to do evil?
If so, then man is not really free because his sins are due
to that evil nature rather than due to his choices. If this
be true, then God is not just in punishing man for those
sins.
Rather, Paul meant that through Adam the conditions which
allow sin entered into the world. That is, prior to Adam
and Eve partaking of the forbidden fruit, the earth was a
form of paradise, literally a "Garden of Eden". By
partaking of the forbidden fruit, Adam triggered a chain of
events which caused the earth to become mortal or physical
as it is at the present time, a world of death and decay.
In Psalm 51, David expresses his sorrow and repentance in
committing adultery and murder.
Have mercy upon me, O God, according to thy loving
kindness: according unto the multitude of thy tender
mercies blot out my transgressions. Wash me throughly
from mine iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin. For I
acknowledge my transgressions: and my sin is ever
before me. Against thee, thee only, have I sinned and
done this evil in thy sight: that thou mightest be
justified when thou speakest, and be clear when thou
judgest. Behold, I was shapen in iniquity; and in sin
did my mother conceive me. (Psalm 51:1-5)
David confessed his sin and was accountable for his action;
he did this so the Lord would be "justified" and "clear" in
judging him of his sin. Then he said he was shapen or born
in iniquity and in "sin did my mother conceive me".
I do not think he meant he was born with the "sin of Adam",
that is that he was born a sinful baby; rather, he meant
that he was conceived and born in a sinful world, or in the
midst of sin. In acknowledging his sin he accepted full
responsibility for it and made no attempt to blame his
actions on an inherited desire to disobey God, that is a
sinful nature.
In Psalm 58:3 David spoke of the wicked becoming estranged
from God.
The wicked are estranged from the womb: they go astray
as soon as they be born, speaking lies.
To understand what David meant by "go astray as soon as they
be born", let us look at Isaiah 48:1-8. The Lord knew the
Israelites would rebel, so he gave prophecies before the
events occurred so the Israelites would not think their
idols had caused the events. In explaining this wickedness,
Isaiah used a figure of speech in verse 8.
"For I knew that thou [Israel] wouldest deal very
treacherously [they would sin], and [Israel] wast called
a transgressor from the womb". (Isaiah 48:8)
Isaiah called them transgressors "from the womb" not because
they had sinned as little children but because they had a
history or "track record" of sinning. Likewise, David spoke
of the wicked going "astray as soon as they be born", not
because they sinned as little children but because they had
a history of rejecting God and sinning.
The erroneous belief that man has inherited an inherent
desire to sin (sinful nature) can be traced back to
Augustine the Catholic Bishop of Hippo in the fourth and
fifth century A.D. and is not taught by the Bible.
|
| 4.46 | The Atonement of Jesus Christ | CACHE::LEIGH | Let your light shine | Sat Sep 21 1991 20:41 | 167 |
|
A Need For A Messiah
--------------------
In previous discussions, we saw that through Adam, the earth
was changed from an immortal world to a mortal world
containing death and decay. People are subject to
temptations from Satan, and through their free agency they
commit individual sins. Because none of us are perfect, we
all make mistakes; we all disobey God and sin. In the words
of Paul:
Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and
death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that
all have sinned. (Romans 5:12)
Because we commit sins through the exercise of our free
agency, we are separated from God, suffering the spiritual
death referred to in an earlier discussion. Unless our sins
can be removed in some way, we will be eternally separated
from God. The dilemma we face is that we in and of
ourselves can not cause our sins to be removed. We are free
to choose evil and commit sin, but we have no power to cause
forgiveness of sins.
Because of the love and compassion of God, he prepared a way
for us to receive forgiveness. He prepared a Messiah, one
who would take upon himself the effects of our sins and
provide an atonement or reconciliation with God such that we
could again be with our Father in Heaven. Through the
Messiah forgiveness would be provided. I bear testimony
that Jesus of Nazareth is the Messiah, the Christ.
Christ Removed The Effects Of Adam's Sin
----------------------------------------
We have seen that the effects of Adam's sin were (a) the
changing of the earth from immortality to mortality, (b)the
physical death of our bodies, and (c) our separation of God
via a spiritual death. Paul taught that through Christ's
atonement, the effects of Adam's sin were removed.
Therefore as by the offense of one judgment came upon
all men to condemnation; even so by the righteousness of
one the free gift came upon all men unto justification
of life. (Romans 5:18)
That is, Jesus Christ overcame the effects of physical death
by providing the resurrection of all people, and he overcame
the effects of spiritual death by providing forgiveness of
sins.
All People Resurrected With Glorified Physical Bodies
-----------------------------------------------------
The scriptures teach a universal resurrection of all people.
But now is Christ risen from the dead, and become the
first fruits of them that slept. For since by man came
death, by man came also the resurrection of the dead.
For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be
made alive. (1 Corinthians 15:20-22)
Jesus Christ was the first to be resurrected, for only he
had the power to break the bands of death. Shortly after
his resurrection, others were resurrected and testified to
many.
And the graves were opened; and many bodies of the
saints which slept arose, And came out of the graves
after his resurrection, and went into the holy city, and
appeared unto many. (Matthew 27:52-53)
Jesus' atonement was infinite, it applies to everyone! All
people shall be made alive through the resurrection!
The Bible is very specific about the nature of Christ's
resurrected body, and from that we can understand the nature
of the resurrected bodies we will have.
And as they thus spake, Jesus himself stood in the midst
of them, and saith unto them, Peach be unto you. But
they were terrified and affrighted, and supposed that
they had seen a spirit.
And he said unto them, why are ye troubled? and why do
thoughts arise in your hearts? Behold my hands and my
feet, that it is I myself: handle me, and see; for a
spirit hath not flesh and bones, as ye see me have.
(Luke 24:36-39)
The resurrected Christ stood before them with a glorified,
perfect body of flesh and bones! To further demonstrate
that his resurrected body was real, he ate food.
We can all look forward in the resurrection to having
glorified bodies of flesh and bones.
Christ Provided Forgiveness Of Sins
-----------------------------------
In addition to providing the resurrection, Jesus Christ
provided the way for our sins to be forgiven. He did this
by taking upon himself the effects of all the sins that ever
have been or ever will be committed by all persons who have
ever lived or who will ever live.
Reflect for a moment upon all of the terrible things that
exist in the world today, the murders, the suffering, the
hunger, the abuse, the wars. Jesus took upon himself the
effects of all sin and suffered the grief, the pain, the
sorrow that results from sin. This suffering, this agony
that he suffered was so great that it cause his blood to
drip from his body the night before his crucifixion while he
was in the garden praying to his Father in Heaven.
And he was withdrawn from them about a stone's cast, and
kneeled down, and prayed, Saying, Father, if thou be
willing, remove this cup from me: nevertheless not my
will, but thine, be done.
And there appeared an angel unto him from heaven,
strengthening him. And being in an agony he prayed more
earnestly: and his sweat was as it were great drops of
blood falling down to the ground. (Luke 22:41-44)
The next day he shed his blood upon the cross and completed
his atonement. He paid the price for our sins and provided
the way for forgiveness.
Christ Completely Paid For Adam's Sin
-------------------------------------
Christ's Atonement means that we are not punished for Adam's
sin because Christ paid the penalty. All effects of Adam's
sin have been removed via the atonement of Jesus Christ. Of
course, we still live in a mortal world and will suffer
death, but we are not held accountable by God for Adam's
sin.
Christ's Atonement Removes our Sins
-----------------------------------
We still live in the physical world of death and sin, and
through our free will, we commit sins and thus estrange
ourselves from God. Paul explained that in addition to
removing the effects of Adam's sin, Jesus Christ also
provided the way for our individual sins to be forgiven.
In whom we have redemption through his blood, the
forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his
grace; (Ephesians 1:7)
And from Jesus Christ, who is the faithful witness, and
the first begotten of the dead, and the prince of the
kings of the earth. Unto him that loved us, and washed
us from our sins in his own blood, (Revelation 1:5)
Christ died for our sins and removes them through his grace
and blood. Previous discussions have discussed the
conditions that Jesus has stipulated that we must follow in
order to have his grace and blood remove our sins.
|
| 4.47 | What Happens to Children Who Die? | CACHE::LEIGH | Let your light shine | Sat Sep 21 1991 20:42 | 124 |
|
Children Are Of The Kingdom Of God
----------------------------------
As explained in preceding discussions, the Bible teaches
than men and women are accountable to God for their actions.
The Bible, however, talks about children in a different
vein:
And he took a child, and set him in the midst of them:
and when he had taken him in his arms, he said unto
them, Whosoever shall receive one of such children in my
name, receiveth me; and whosoever shall receive me,
receiveth not me, but him that sent me. (Mark 9:36-37)
But when Jesus saw it, he was much displeased, and said
unto them, Suffer the little children to come unto me,
and forbid them not: for of such is the kingdom of God.
(Mark 10:14)
Review Of The Fall And Atonement
--------------------------------
There seems to be a clear distinction between us adults who
have sinned and little children who are "of such is the
kingdom of God". In order to understand this distinction,
let us review the Fall and Atonement as explained in
preceding chapters.
1. Prior to eating the fruit of the tree of knowledge, Adam
and Eve were innocent and the earth was immortal.
2. Due to eating the fruit, the following changes occurred,
known to us as the Fall of Adam.
o Adam and Eve gained knowledge and were no longer
innocent.
o Physical death came into the world, that is the
world was changed from an immortal world to the
mortal world we know today. This includes natural
things according to the physical laws of nature such
as floods, etc. It also includes sin, because man
now had the capacity to sin. The conditions which
allow sin now existed.
o Spiritual death came to man. Adam and Eve were cast
from the Garden and hence from God's presence.
Likewise, we are separated from God. The reasons we
are separated from God are BOTH our individual sins
and Adam's sin in eating the fruit, that is there
are two reasons for our separation from God.
3. Christ atoned for Adam's sin. This had the following
effects, following the order given above in step 2.
o Christ provided the way for us to become innocent
again, through remission of sins.
o Physical death has been overcome for all. We will
all die, but we are guaranteed a resurrection of our
physical bodies (this time our bodies will be
immortal and physically perfect as Adam and Eve were
prior to the Fall. This is a universal resurrection
for everyone, both sinner and righteous.
o Spiritual death has been overcome, but this is not a
universal effect for everyone. We have to accept
Christ and obey his commandments. Keep in mind the
two reasons for our spiritual death--Adam's sin and
our sins. Christ atoned for Adam's sin, and we are
not held responsible for that. This means that if
we did not sin, that is if we could live a perfect
life with no individual sins, we would not be under
spiritual death, not because of our lack of sin but
because of Christ's atonement. That is, because of
Christ's atonement, we have been cleansed from
Adam's sin and are born clean into the world. If we
were to avoid sinning, we would remain clean and
would return to the presence of God without the need
of repentance, again, due to the atonement.
However, no one can live a perfect life--we all sin.
Thus, we still have to receive remission of those
sins, and Christ's atonement also provided the way
for this to happen. We accept Christ, live his
commandments, repent from our sins, and Christ
allows his atonement, his blood, to cleanse us from
our individual sins.
We inherited from Adam as part of our mortal nature the
capacity to sin, but we have to perform the sins
ourselves--we can not use Adam as our scapegoat. We are
responsible for our sins, not Adam. If we insist that we
inherited *sin* from Adam rather than inheriting the
*capacity* to sin, we deny the atonement of Jesus Christ.
Children Cleansed By Christ's Atonement
---------------------------------------
Thus, when babies are born into this world, they arrive
clean in the sight of God and are "of such is the kingdom of
God". They arrive clean because Jesus removed the effects
of Adam's sin. Children are clean in the sight of God until
they are old enough to make decisions through their free
agency and be accountable to God for their actions. If
children die, they return to God and live with him in his
kingdom.
Of course, children disobey parents, steal, lie, etc. From
the viewpoint of the world, those actions are sins; hence,
many people say children sin. However, from the viewpoint
of God, children do not understand the consequences of their
actions. They are not doing things based upon choices made
through their free agency. Hence, Christ's atonement
removes those "sins", and the children are not held
accountable for those actions. Mentally retarded persons
are in a similar situation. As the children grow older,
however, they begin to understand the consequences of their
decisions and actions, and they are held accountable by God,
and they are thus capable of sinning.
|
| 4.48 | The Book of Mormon Teaches the Salvation of Children | CACHE::LEIGH | Let your light shine | Sat Sep 21 1991 20:45 | 151 |
|
In the previous discussion, we discussed the condition of
children who die in infancy. We concluded that because of
the Atonement of Jesus Christ, those children are clean and
return to God. The Book of Mormon teaches this principle
with great clarity. Let us look at its teachings.
Moroni received an epistle from his father Mormon and
included it in his own writings which he added to his
fathers abridgment of the plates. In that epistle, Mormon
expressed his understanding of the effect of the Atonement
on children.
Mormon Was Grieved That Children Were Being Baptized
----------------------------------------------------
And now, my son, I speak unto you concerning that which
grieveth me exceedingly; for it grieveth me that there
should be disputations rise among you.
For, if I have learned the truth, there have been
disputations among you concerning the baptism of your
little children.
And now, my son, I desire that ye should labor
diligently, that this gross error should be removed from
among you; for, for this intent I have written this
epistle. (Moroni 8:4-6)
Children Are Clean
-------------------
For immediately after I had learned these things of you
I inquired of the Lord concerning the matter. And the
word of the Lord came to me by the power of the Holy
Ghost, saying:
Listen to the words of Christ, your Redeemer, your Lord
and your God. Behold, I came into the world not to call
the righteous but sinners to repentance; the whole need
no physician, but they that are sick; wherefore, little
children are whole, for they are not capable of
committing sin; wherefore the curse of Adam is taken
from them in me, that it hath no power over them; and
the law of circumcision is done away in me.
And after this manner did the Holy Ghost manifest the
word of God unto me; wherefore, my beloved son, I know
that it is solemn mockery before God, that ye should
baptize little children. (Moroni 8:7-9)
Mormon Taught Who Should Be Baptized
------------------------------------
Behold I say unto you that this thing shall ye
teach--repentance and baptism unto those who are
accountable and capable of committing sin; yea, teach
parents that they must repent and be baptized, and
humble themselves as their little children, and they
shall all be saved with their little children.
And their little children need no repentance, neither
baptism. Behold baptism is unto repentance to the
fulfilling the commandments unto the remission of sins.
(Moroni 8:10-11)
God Is Fair And Just
--------------------
But little children are alive in Christ, even from the
foundation of the world; if no so, God is a partial God,
and also a changeable God, and a respecter to persons;
for how many little children have died without baptism!
Wherefore, if little children could not be saved without
baptism these must have gone to an endless hell.
Behold I say unto you, that he that supposeth that
little children need baptism is in the gall of
bitterness and in the bonds of iniquity; for he hath
neither faith, hope, nor charity; wherefore, should he
be cut off while in the thought, he must go down to
hell.
For awful is the wickedness to suppose that God saveth
one child because of baptism, and the other must perish
because he hath no baptism.
Wo be unto them that shall pervert the ways of the lord
after this manner, for they shall perish except they
repent. Behold, I speak with boldness, having authority
from God; and I fear not what man can do; for perfect
love casteth out all fear.
And I am filled with charity, which is everlasting love;
wherefore, all children are alike unto me; wherefore, I
love little children with a perfect love; and they are
all alike and partakers of salvation.
For I know that God is not a partial God, neither a
changeable being; but he is unchangeable from all
eternity to all eternity. (Moroni 8:12-18)
Children Are Redeemed In Christ
-------------------------------
Little children cannot repent; wherefore, it is awful
wickedness to deny the pure mercies of God unto them,
for they are all alive in him because of his mercy.
And he that saith that little children need baptism
denieth the mercies of Christ, and setteth at naught the
atonement of him and the power of his redemption.
Wo unto such, for they are in danger of death, hell, and
an endless torment. I speak it boldly; God hath
commanded me. Listen unto them and give heed, or they
stand against you at the judgement-seat of Christ.
For behold that all little children are alive in Christ,
and also they that are without the law. For the power
of redemption cometh on all them that have no law;
wherefore, he that is not condemned, or he that is under
no condemnation, cannot repent; and unto such baptism
availeth nothing--
But it is mockery before God denying the mercies of
Christ, and the power of his Holy Spirit, and putting
trust in dead works.
Behold, my son, this thing ought not to be; for
repentance is unto them that are under condemnation and
under the curse of a broken law.
And the first fruits of repentance is baptism; and
baptism cometh by faith unto the fulfilling the
commandments; and the fulfilling the commandments
bringeth remission of sins;
And the remission of sins bringeth meekness, and
lowliness of heart; and because of meekness and
lowliness of heart cometh the visitation of the Holy
Ghost, which Comforter filleth with hope and perfect
love, which love endureth by diligence unto prayer,
until the end shall come, when all the saints shall
dwell with God. (Moroni 8:19-26)
|
| 4.49 | We Are Adopted to Christ | CACHE::LEIGH | Let your light shine | Sat Sep 21 1991 20:46 | 154 |
|
We Are Born Again
-----------------
The Bible speaks of those who accept Christ as being "born
again". Jesus taught this principle to Nicodemus.
Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say
unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the
kingdom of God.
John said
If ye know that he is righteous, ye know that every one
that doeth righteousness is born of him. (1 John 2:29)
Whosoever is born of God doth not commit sin; for his
seed remaineth in him: and he cannot sin, because he is
born of God. (1 John 3:9)
One meaning to being "born again" is that we have changed
our life from one of committing sins to one of following
Christ.
Being Born Again Is More Than Acceptance Of Christ
--------------------------------------------------
The scriptures teach, however, that there is a deeper
meaning to being "born again". In his prayer to his
Heavenly Father shortly before his crucifixion, Jesus
acknowledged that the Father had given the disciples to him,
that is those who believed in Jesus belonged to him.
I have manifested thy name unto the men which thou
gavest me out of the world: thine they were, and thou
gavest them me; and they have kept thy word.
I pray for them: I pray not for the world, but for them
which thou hast given me; for they are thine.
And all mine are thine, and thine are mine; and I am
glorified in them.
And now I am no more in the world, but these are in the
world, and I come to thee. Holy Father, keep through
thine own name those whom thou hast given me, that they
may be one, as we are. (John 17:6,9-11)
In being given to Jesus, we are not his slaves nor his
servants. No, there is a more glorious meaning to belonging
to Christ.
Christ Has Adopted Those Who Believe
------------------------------------
Paul spoke of this relationship with Jesus as an "adoption".
Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ,
who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in
heavenly places in Christ.
According as he hath chosen us in him before the
foundation of the world, that we should be holy and
without blame before him in love.
Having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by
Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure
of his will, (Ephesians 1:3-5)
That is, as we accept Christ, we are adopted by Christ, we
belong to Christ, we are his!
Christ Becomes Our Father
-------------------------
If we are adopted by Christ, then he becomes our father!
But when the fulness of the time was come, God sent
forth his Son, made of a woman, made under the law,
To redeem them that were under the law, that we might
receive the adoption of sons.
And because ye are sons, God hath sent forth the Spirit
of his Son into your hearts, crying, Abba, Father.
Wherefore thou art no more a servant, but a son; and if
a son, then an heir of God through Christ. (Galatians
4:4-7)
For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are
the sons of God.
For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to
fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption,
whereby we cry, Abba, Father. (Romans 8:14-15)
And he received the sign of circumcision, a seal of the
righteousness of the faith which he had yet being
uncircumcised: that he might be the father of all them
that believe, though they be not circumcised; that
righteousness might be imputed unto them also: (Romans
4:11)
And will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons
and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty. (2 Corinthians
6:18)
For though ye have ten thousand instructors in Christ,
yet have ye not many fathers: for in Christ Jesus I
have begotten you through the gospel. (1 Corinthians
4:15)
Of course Christ is not the father of our physical bodies,
nor is he the father of our spirits.
He is the father of the Atonement.
He is the father of the Gospel plan.
He is the father of the way back to God.
Through our acceptance of him, he becomes our father in a
spiritual sense.
Satan Also Becomes A Father
---------------------------
Jesus Christ is not the only personage who becomes a father
by adoption. Satan also becomes a father to those who
accept and follow him.
Ye are of your father the devil, and the lusts of your
father ye will do. He was a murderer from the
beginning, and abode not in the truth, because there is
no truth in him. When he speaketh a lie, he speaketh of
his own: for he is a liar, and the father of it. (John
8:44)
He that committeth sin is of the devil; for the devil
sinneth from the beginning. For this purpose the Son of
God was manifested, that he might destroy the works of
the devil. (1 John 3:8)
Which Adoption Will We Choose?
------------------------------
Will we follow Satan and become adopted by him, or will we
follow Christ and be adopted by him? The choice is ours to
make.
|
| 4.50 | Where Did We Come From? | CACHE::LEIGH | Let your light shine | Tue Sep 24 1991 11:03 | 209 |
|
One question that has concerned mankind through the ages is,
"Where did we come from before birth?" Let us look at that
question from the viewpoint of the Bible.
Blind Man Had Potential To Sin Prior To Birth
---------------------------------------------
Jesus and his disciples saw a man who had been born blind.
The disciples asked if the man was blind due to his own sins
or due to his parent's sins.
And as Jesus passed by, he saw a man which was blind
from his birth. And his disciples asked him, saying,
Master, who did sin, this man, or his parents, that he
was born blind? (John 9:1-2)
Jesus explained that neither the man nor his parents had
sinned, but the man was born blind "that the works of God
should be made manifest in him" (John 9:3), that is that
Jesus could heal him.
The account in John gives no reason for us to believe that
the disciples were insincere or incorrect in asking their
question if the man had sinned prior to his birth.
Likewise, Jesus said nothing to indicate that it was
impossible for the man to have sinned prior to birth. Thus,
these verses lead me to believe that the man could have
sinned prior to birth, that is that the man had a pre-earth
existence of some type and had the capacity to sin in that
existence.
Jeremiah Ordained A Prophet Prior To Birth
------------------------------------------
To pursue this idea of a pre-earth existence, let us read
from the book of Jeremiah.
The words of Jeremiah the son of Hilkiah, of the priests
that were in Anathoth in the land of Benjamin....Then
the word of the LORD came unto me, saying,
Before I formed thee in the belly I knew thee; and
before thou camest forth out of the womb I sanctified
thee, and I ordained thee a prophet unto the nations.
(Jeremiah 1:1,4-5)
In those verses the Lord is telling Jeremiah that prior to
his birth, he (Jeremiah) was known by the Lord. People
usually think this Scripture is just a reference to the
omniscience of God, for God does know everything and
everyone. However, if we look carefully at that verse, we
realize that God is talking about something more than just
his omniscience.
...and I ordained thee a prophet unto the nations.
(Jeremiah 1:5)
The key words in verse 5 are 'ordained' and 'prophet'. God
not only knew Jeremiah prior to Jeremiah's birth but he
ORDAINED him a prophet. The Hebrew word translated
'ordained' is "nathan" which means to give or bestow. The
Hebrew word for 'prophet' is "nabiy" which means a prophet
or inspired man. The verses tell us that God knew Jeremiah
and gave him the office of prophet before he was born. The
verses do NOT say that God DECIDED to use Jeremiah as a
prophet. The verses DO say that God actually ORDAINED him a
prophet, indicating that Jeremiah lived prior to his birth
as a mortal and received a calling from God.
We Lived As Spirit Offspring Of God
-----------------------------------
The verses we have just studied indicate that before we were
born as mortals, we existed in some form and (a) had the
capacity to sin, and (b) could receive responsibility and
authority from God for use in our mortal life.
To help us understand the nature of this pre-earth life, let
us read from Numbers.
And they fell upon their faces, and said, O God, the God
of the spirits of all flesh, shall one man sin, and wilt
thou be wroth with all the congregation? (Numbers
16:22)
Let the Lord, the God of the spirits of all flesh, set a
man over the congregation. (Numbers 27:16)
These verses tell us that God is the "God of the spirits" of
all persons. The question to be answered, then, is what is
meant by "God of the spirits"? Jesus answered that question
when he taught us about prayer during his Sermon on the
Mount.
After this manner therefore pray ye: Our Father which
art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. (Matthew 6:9)
According to Jesus, God is our Father! That is such an
astonishing statement that I want to repeat it for emphasis:
God is our Father!
Paul clarified this concept while at Athens. He noticed the
Greeks had altars to various gods, including one to the
UNKNOWN GOD. Paul took advantage of those altars to teach
them about the true God.
Forasmuch then as we are the offspring of God, we ought
not to think that the Godhead is like unto gold, or
silver, or stone, graven by art and man's device. (Acts
17:29)
In other words, because we are the offspring of God, we
should not expect God to be made of metal or stone. That
is, because we are real and alive, we should expect God to
be real and alive, because he is literally our Father! Now
we know what is meant by "God of the spirits" of all living
persons. God is literally the father of our spirits.
In Hebrews we read of this relationship with our (literally)
Heavenly Father.
Furthermore we have had fathers of our flesh which
corrected us, and we gave them reverence: shall we not
much rather be in subjection unto the Father of our
Spirits and live? (Hebrews 12:9)
The author is comparing our relationships with our mortal
and Heavenly fathers. Just as we are obedient to our
earthly fathers, so should we be obedient to our Heavenly
Father.
We Rejoiced As The Earth Was Created
------------------------------------
In his conversation with Job, God revealed that we as his
spirit offspring witnessed the creation of the earth and
rejoiced at the marvelous work of God.
Then the LORD answered Job out of the whirlwind, and
said. Who is this that darkeneth counsel by words
without knowledge? Gird up now thy loins like a man;
for I will demand of thee, and answer thou me.
Where wast thou when I laid the foundations of the
earth? declare, if thou hast understanding. Who laid
the measures thereof, if thou knowest? or who hath
stretched the line upon it? Whereupon are the
foundations thereof fastened? or who laid the corner
stone thereof;
When the morning stars sang together, and all the sons
of God shouted for joy? (Job 38:1-7)
God spoke poetically of his spirit children as "morning
stars" and said we sang and shouted for joy as the earth was
created. I believe we rejoiced because we knew we would
have the opportunity to take up mortal bodies and live on
the new earth.
Other Scriptures
----------------
Now that we understand that God is literally our Father,
other scriptures which seemed to be either poetic or
references to God as a creator have a deeper meaning of God
as our Father.
Ye are the children of the LORD your God: ye shall not
cut yourselves, nor make any baldness between your eyes
for the dead. (Deuteronomy 14:1)
I have said, Ye are gods; and all of you are children of
the most High. (Psalms 82:6)
Thus saith God the LORD, he that created the heavens,
and stretched them out; he that spread forth the earth,
and that which cometh out of it; he that giveth breath
unto the people upon it, and spirit to them that walk
therein: (Isaiah 42:5)
Then shall the dust return to the earth as it was: and
the spirit shall return unto God who gave it.
(Ecclesiastes 12:7)
The burden of the word of the LORD for Israel, saith the
LORD, which stretcheth forth the heavens, and layeth the
foundation of the earth, and formeth the spirit of man
within him. (Zechariah 12:1)
And we know that all things work together for good to
them that love God, to them who are the called according
to his purpose. For whom he did *foreknow*, he also did
predestinate to be confirmed to the image of his Son,
that he might be the firstborn among many brethren.
(Romans 8:28-29 emphasis mine)
Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ,
who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in
heavenly places in Christ: According as he hath chosen
us in him before the *foundation of the world*, that we
should be holy and without blame before him in love:
(Ephesians 1:3-4, emphasis mine)
|
| 4.51 | Jesus is the Firstborn | CACHE::LEIGH | Let your light shine | Tue Sep 24 1991 11:04 | 68 |
|
In the beginning lessons of this series, we saw that God the
Father, Jesus Christ, and the Holy Ghost are separate divine
personages. Having a clear understanding of the separation
of the members of the Godhead is important to one's
understanding the relationship between the Father and the
Son.
Biblical Scriptures Teach That Christ Is The Firstborn
------------------------------------------------------
In writing to the Colossians, Paul gave us information about
the relationship between the Father and Jesus Christ. In
speaking of Jesus, Paul said
Who is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of
every creature. (Colossians 1:15)
Other scriptures also teach that Jesus is the firstborn.
For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be
conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the
firstborn among many brethren. (Romans 8:29)
Also I will make him my firstborn, higher than the kings
of the earth. (Psalms 89:27)
To the general assembly and church of the firstborn,
which are written in heaven, and to God the Judge of
all, and to the spirits of just men made perfect,
(Hebrews 12:23)
Jesus Is The Firstborn of God's Spirit Children
-----------------------------------------------
Until now, the full meaning of the references to Jesus being
the firstborn has not been clear. However, we can now
understand what the scriptures are really teaching about
Christ. We have seen in previous lessons that we lived with
God as his spirit children prior to our birth. We now
realize that the verses quoted above are teaching that
Christ was the first-born of all of the spirit children of
God.
Christ Is Both A Spirit Child And The Physical Child Of God
-----------------------------------------------------------
Even through he is the firstborn of the spirit children of
our Father in Heaven, Jesus has a relationship much deeper
and more important than that. He is the only begotten son
of God in the flesh.
No man hath seen God at any time; the only begotten Son,
which is in the bosom of the Father, he hath declared
him. (John 1:18)
For God so loved the world, that he gave his only
begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not
perish, but have everlasting life. (John 3:16)
In this was manifested the love of God toward us,
because that God sent his only begotten Son into the
world, that we might live through him. (1 John 4:9)
|
| 4.52 | War in Heaven | CACHE::LEIGH | Let your light shine | Tue Sep 24 1991 11:04 | 220 |
|
War In Heaven
-------------
The Bible refers to a war in heaven, but it doesn't give
much information about it. As a result, a lot of confusion
exists about that event. Let us study the scriptures
concerned with that war.
And there appeared a great wonder in heaven; a woman
clothed with the sun, and the moon under her feet, and
upon her head a crown of twelve stars.
And she being with child cried, traveling in birth, and
pained to be delivered.
And there appeared another wonder in heaven; and behold
a great red dragon, having seven heads and ten horns and
seven crowns upon his heads.
And his tail drew the third part of the stars of heaven,
and did cast them to the earth; and the dragon stood
before the woman which was ready to be delivered, for to
devour her child as soon as it was born.
And she brought forth a man child, who was to rule all
nations with a rod of iron: and her child was caught up
unto God, and to his throne.
And the woman fled into the wilderness, where she hath a
place prepared of God, that they should feed her there a
thousand two hundred and threescore days.
And there was war in heaven: Michael and his angels
fought against the dragon; and the dragon fought and his
angels.
And prevailed not; neither was their place found any
more in heaven.
And the great dragon was cast out, that old serpent,
called the Devil, and Satan, which deceiveth the whole
world; he was cast out into the earth, and his angels
were cast out with him. (Revelation 12:1-9)
In this part of Revelation, John is describing the conflict
between the Church of God and Satan. He refers to Satan
metaphorically as "the great dragon". He refers to the
Church as "a woman clothed with the sun, and the moon under
her feet, and upon her head a crown of twelve stars
[Apostles];" The Devil is waging spiritual and physical war
against the church.
In order to show that this struggle between good and evil is
an eternal one, John refers to an incident that occurred in
Heaven before the world was created.
And there was war in heaven: Michael and his angels
fought against the dragon; and the dragon fought and his
angels.
And prevailed not; neither was their place found any
more in heaven.
And the great dragon was cast out, that old serpent,
called the Devil, and Satan, which deceiveth the whole
world; he was cast out into the earth, and his angels
were cast out with him. (Revelation 12:7-9)
Satan Rebelled Against God
--------------------------
Prior to the creation of the earth, Satan rebelled against
God and fought to destroy the work of God. This was a
struggle between Christ and Satan, for verses 10 and 11 tell
us that Satan was overcome by two things, first by the
Atonement of Christ which would be completed in the meridian
of time, and second by the testimonies of the faithful
spirits that fought with Jesus in Heaven.
And the great dragon was cast out, that old serpent,
called the Devil, and Satan, which deceiveth the whole
world; he was cast out into the earth, and his angels
were cast out with him.
And I heard a loud voice saying in heaven, Now is come
salvation, and strength, and the kingdom of our God, and
the power of his Christ; for the accuser of our brethren
is cast down, which accused them before our God day and
night.
And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by
the word of their testimony; and they loved not their
lives unto the death. (Revelation 12:9-11)
John spoke of this disobedience by Satan.
He that committeth sin is of the devil; for the devil
sinneth from the beginning. For this purpose the Son of
God was manifested, that he might destroy the works of
the devil. (1 John 3:8)
Lucifer Sought After The Glory Of God
--------------------------------------
Isaiah spoke of this war in heaven and explained why
Satan, who was known as Lucifer, rebelled against God.
How art thou fallen from heaven, O Lucifer, son of
the morning! how art thou cut down to the ground,
which didst weaken the nations!
For thou hast said in thine heart, I will ascend
into heaven, I will exalt my throne above the stars
of God; I will sit also upon the mount of the
congregation, in the sides of the north;
I will ascend above the heights of the clouds; I
will be like the most High.
Yet thou shalt be brought down to hell, to the sides
of the pit. (Isaiah 14:12-14)
Lucifer rebelled because he wanted to take the glory of
God unto himself, to "exalt my throne above the stars of
God". In taking the glory of God unto himself, he would
"be like the most High".
Lucifer Cast From Heaven By Power of God
----------------------------------------
As was mentioned above, John explained that Lucifer lost
the war in heaven because of the atonement of Christ and
the testimonies of the righteous spirits that fought
with Christ.
While talking with the Seventy who marveled that they
had cast out devils in the name of Christ, Jesus
referred to Satan being cast from Heaven. He did this
that the Seventy would realize that Satan has been
subject to the name of Christ and the power of God since
before the world was created.
And the seventy returned again with joy, saying,
Lord, even the devils are subject unto us through
thy name.
And he said unto them, I beheld Satan as lightning
fall from heaven.
Behold, I give unto you power to tread on serpents
and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy:
and nothing shall by any means hurt you. (Luke
10:17-19)
Many Spirits Followed Lucifer
------------------------------
In a previous discussion, we learned that we are all the
spiritual offspring of God, and that we lived with him
as spirit children prior to the creation of the earth.
Verse 4 of Revelation 12 gives us additional information
about our pre-earth existence.
And his tail drew the third part of the stars of
heaven, and did cast them to the earth; and the
dragon stood before the woman which was ready to be
delivered, for to devour her child as soon as it was
born. (Revelation 12:4)
That is, in the war in Heaven, Lucifer convinced
one-third of all the spirit children to follow him
instead of Jesus, and these disobedient spirits were the
"angels" of the "dragon" who fought with him and were
cast out with him.
Satan And His Spirits Kept Not Their First Estate
-------------------------------------------------
Jude referred to Satan's losing the war in Heaven as not
keeping "their first estate".
And the angels which kept not their first estate,
but left their own habitation, he hath reserved in
everlasting chains under darkness unto the judgment
of the great day. (Jude 6)
An "estate" is a stage or condition of life. Our
existence as spirits in Heaven prior to our mortal birth
was our first estate, our first condition of personal
growth. In keeping with the language of Jude, we could
call this mortal life our "second estate". While in
Heaven with our Father, we learned from him and grew in
progression. He gave us free agency while we were
spirits, and we used that free agency to choose to
follow either Jesus or Lucifer. Those who followed
Lucifer "kept not their first estate" and lost the
opportunity to take up mortal bodies.
How Could Wickedness And Disobedience Exist In Heaven?
------------------------------------------------------
Some people wonder how Lucifer and one-third of the
"stars of heaven" could rebel in Heaven against God. Is
not God perfect? Did he not create Heaven and "the
stars of heaven"? Are they not thus perfect?
The answer to this seemingly paradox lies in the
principle of free agency. Yes, God is perfect! Yes, He
created Heaven and the "stars of heaven (his spirit
offspring)! No, his spirit offspring are not thus
perfect, because God gave them free agency, the right
and freedom to make their own choices and be thus
accountable.
|
| 4.53 | Spirit Brothers and Sisters | CACHE::LEIGH | Let your light shine | Tue Sep 24 1991 11:05 | 78 |
|
In previous lessons, we discussed the idea that we all lived
in Heaven as spirit children of our Father in Heaven. We
discussed the scriptures that teach that Jesus Christ was
the first born of the spirit children. We also discussed
the war in Heaven between Jesus and a spirit named Lucifer.
We saw how Lucifer was cast out of Heaven and became the
Devil.
Let us now draw some observations from these discussions.
We Are Spirit Brothers And Sisters Of Each Other
------------------------------------------------
Since we are all literal spirit offspring of God, we have
the same Father in Heaven and are literally spirit brothers
and sisters of each other. Thus, our use of "Brother" or
"Sister" to refer to each other is literal.
Jesus Christ Is Our Elder Spirit Brother
----------------------------------------
Since Jesus is the firstborn spirit child of God the Father,
he is our elder brother in terms of our Father's heavenly
family. In making this observation, we must be careful that
we do not try and bring Jesus down to our level or try and
raise ourselves to his level. Jesus is a member of the
Godhead and is a God. He is the Messiah, the Christ, the
only begotten son of God in the flesh. We worship him as
the Son of God. We love him as our Savior. We thank him
for his suffering and sacrifice in our behalf.
Satan Is Also Our Spirit Brother
--------------------------------
Since Lucifer is one of God's spirit children, he too is our
spirit brother and a spirit brother to Jesus. In making
this observation, we must be careful that we do not try and
lower ourselves down to his level or bring him up to ours.
He is Satan, the Devil. We do not worship him, nor respect
him. We flee from him and follow Christ.
The scriptures do not say much about the pre-earth life of
Satan. Isaiah called him Lucifer, son of the morning
(Isaiah 14:12). The word LUCIFER means 'light bearer' or
'bringer of dawn' or 'the shining one', implying that he
apparently had significant stature of some kind in heaven.
Persons who oppose the LDS Church say, "Wait a minute.
Jesus and Lucifer can not be spirit brothers, because Jesus
created all things, including the Devil (Lucifer)." Let us
look at the Scripture they quote.
For by him were all things created, that are in heaven,
and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether
they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or
powers: all things were created by him, and for him:
(Colossians 1:16)
To begin with, the phrase "all things" can not mean "all
things" in the absolute sense, because Jesus did not create
himself. In addition, Jesus did not create sin and evil,
for a perfect being can not create sin and evil. Thus, he
could not have created Satan. In a sense, Lucifer created
Satan, for by using his free agency to rebel against God, he
became Satan.
When Paul spoke of Jesus creating all things, he referred to
all things in heaven and in earth, referring, I believe, to
things like the stars, planets, galaxies, earths, etc. In
addition Paul referred to "thrones, or dominions, or
principalities, or powers", indicating that Jesus created
the social structures and political systems that exist; once
he created these systems and placed man within them, man had
the freedom to use them righteously or unrighteously.
|
| 4.54 | Latter-day Revelation: Where Did We Come From? | CACHE::LEIGH | Let your light shine | Tue Sep 24 1991 11:06 | 138 |
|
As we have seen in past discussions, the Bible gives
information about our existence prior to our mortal birth.
Unfortunately the Biblical record is spotty and incomplete.
As part of the restoration of the Gospel of Jesus Christ
through the Latter-day prophet Joseph Smith, the Lord
revealed additional information about our pre-earth life.
This new information confirms the Biblical description and
gives additional details.
We Were Intelligent, Spirit Children Of Our Father In Heaven
------------------------------------------------------------
In a previous chapter, we discussed a passage from the book
of Jeremiah that indicated he was ordained a prophet prior
to his mortal birth. That passage is as follows.
The words of Jeremiah the son of Hilkiah, of the priests
that were in Anathoth in the land of Benjamin....Then
the word of the LORD came unto me, saying,
Before I formed thee in the belly I knew thee; and
before thou camest forth out of the womb I sanctified
thee, and I ordained thee a prophet unto the nations.
(Jeremiah 1:1,4-5)
Those verses indicate that as a spirit child of God,
Jeremiah was a unique individual with intelligence.
The Lord revealed to Joseph Smith a vision that had been
given to the ancient prophet Abraham, a vision of the spirit
children in Heaven.
Now the Lord had shown unto me, Abraham, the
intelligences that were organized before the world was;
and among all these there were many of the noble and
great ones;
And God saw these souls that they were good, and he
stood in the midst of them, and he said; These I will
make my rulers; for he stood among those that were
spirits, and he saw that they were good; and he said
unto me: Abraham, thou are one of them; thou wast
chosen before thou wast born. (Abraham 3:22-23)
Jesus Christ Was Chosen To Be The Messiah
-----------------------------------------
The vision to Abraham went on to describe that Jesus was
chosen to be the Messiah.
And there stood one among them that was like unto God,
and he said unto those who were with him: We will go
down, for there is space there, and we will take of
these materials, and we will make an earth whereon these
may dwell;....
And the Lord said: Whom shall I send [to be the
Messiah]? And one answered like unto the Son of Man:
Here am I, send me. And another answered and said; Here
am I, send me. And the Lord said: I will send the
first.
And the second was angry, and kept not his first estate;
and, at that day, many followed after him. (Abraham
3:24,27-28)
Peter spoke of Jesus being chosen to be the Messiah.
Forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed with
corruptible things, as silver and gold, from your vain
conversation received by tradition from your fathers;
But with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb
without blemish and without spot:
Who verily was *foreordained before the foundation of
the world*, but was manifest in these last times for
you, (1 Peter 1:18-20, emphasis mine)
John also spoke of that glorious event.
And all that dwell upon the earth shall worship him,
whose names are not written in the book of life of the
Lamb slain from the *foundation of the world.*
(Revelation 13:8, emphasis mine)
Jesus Wanted To Do The Will Of The Father
Lucifer Wanted The Glory For Himself
-----------------------------------------
God revealed to Moses about the choice of a Messiah and the
resulting war in heaven. That information was re-revealed
to Joseph Smith.
And I, the Lord God, spake unto Moses, saying: That
Satan, whom thou hast commanded in the name of mine Only
Begotten [Satan had appeared to Moses who then commanded
him to leave], is the same which was from the beginning,
and he came before me, saying--Behold, here am I, send
me, I will be thy son, and I will redeem all mankind,
that one soul shall not be lost, and surely I will do
it; wherefore give me thine honor.
But, behold, my Beloved Son, which was my Beloved and
Chosen from the beginning, said unto me--Father, thy
will be done, and the glory be thine forever.
Wherefore, because that Satan rebelled against me, and
sought to destroy the agency of man, which I, the Lord
God, had given him, and also, that I should give unto
him mine own power; by the power of mine Only Begotten,
I caused that he should be cast down;
And he became Satan, yea, even the devil, the father of
all lies, to deceive and to blind men, and to lead them
captive at his will, even as many as would not hearken
unto my voice. (Moses 4:1-4)
War In Heaven Fought Over Our Freedom To Choose
-----------------------------------------------
Through clarification via modern-day revelation, we now
understand that we lived as individual spirit children
before we were born, and that we were given free agency, the
right to choose and be responsible for our actions.
Lucifer wanted to force us to be good, to redeem everyone
without exception, and in so doing he wanted to receive the
glory of God. God, of course, could not allow us to lose
our freedom to choose. Satan rebelled and fought against
God and was cast out of heaven. He was permitted by God to
come to earth to tempt us and to lead us away from God.
|
| 4.55 | Why Are We Here? | CACHE::LEIGH | Let your light shine | Wed Sep 25 1991 12:18 | 170 |
|
In our previous discussions we have seen that we are the
literal spirit-children of our Heavenly Father. We lived
with Him in Heaven before we were born on earth. We had
intelligence, and we learned and progressed. Some of us
were chosen by God to be his leaders during our mortal life.
As we contemplate these sacred events, we wonder why God
created this earth, why are we here, and what is the purpose
of everything?
Home for His Spirit Children
----------------------------
First, let us be assured that God had a purpose in creating
this earth. The creation was not by chance or accident but
by purpose.
..might be known by the church the manifold wisdom of
God,
According to the eternal purpose which he purposed in
Christ Jesus our Lord: (Ephesians 3:10-11)
Isaiah spoke of the creation of the earth and stated that
God's purpose in that creation was that the earth might be
inhabited, that is a home for His spirit children.
For thus saith the LORD that created the heavens; God
himself that formed the earth and made it; he hath
established it, he created it not in vain, he formed it
to be inhabited: I am the LORD; and there is none else.
(Isaiah 45:18)
This earth is special because it is our home.
Physical Bodies
---------------
One major difference between our existence here and our
existence in our pre-earth life is that here we have
physical bodies while there we were spirits having "spirit
bodies". Thus, we understand the second of God's purposes
in creating this world: we came here to get bodies of flesh
and bone.
Our bodies are important and in their own way are sacred.
Paul spoke of this in writing to the Corinthians.
Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the
Spirit of God dwelleth in you?
If any man defile the temple of God, him shall God
destroy; for the temple of God is holy, which temple ye
are. (1 Corinthians 3:16-17)
To the Romans, he said.
I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of
God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice,
holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable
service. (Romans 12:1)
As spirits in our pre-earth life, we were limited in our
progress due to not having physical bodies. We needed to
take upon ourselves physical bodies and experience that
increased development which those bodies would allow.
To Know Both Good and Evil
--------------------------
After Adam and Eve had partaken of the fruit in the Garden
of Eden, God made an important statement which helps us
understand the third of God's purposes in creating the
earth.
And the Lord God said, Behold, the man is become as one
of us, to know good and evil... (Genesis 3:22)
One effect of the Fall of Adam was that Adam and Eve gained
a knowledge of both good and evil, and God said that in
gaining that knowledge, they became "as one of us". That
is, God wanted his spirit children to know and understand
both good and evil.
To Be Tested
------------
In understanding the next reason for our mortal life, let us
recall from previous lessons two important principles, our
freedom to choose and the war in heaven. We saw that the
war in heaven occurred because Lucifer wanted to deprive us
of our freedom to choose. We saw that God permitted Lucifer
to come to earth as the Devil to tempt us. Now we
understand more clearly the wisdom of God in all of this:
we, the spirit children of God, need to know both good and
evil and we need to choose which we will follow. We need to
have physical bodies so we can experience the temptations of
the flesh. We need to either choose to resist temptations
as we rise to spiritual heights in following God, or choose
to yield to the flesh as we follow our physical appetites.
The Apostle Paul understood this purpose of mortality. He
encouraged the followers of Christ to be strong in the
Gospel that through experiencing tribulations they might
enter into the Kingdom of God.
And when they had preached the gospel to that city, and
had taught many, they returned again to Lystra, and to
Iconium, and Antioch,
Confirming the souls of the disciples, and exhorting
them to continue in the faith, and that we must through
much tribulation enter into the kingdom of God. (Acts
14:21-22)
He explained that tribulations strengthen us.
And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also:
knowing that tribulation worketh patience;
And patience, experience; and experience, hope; (Romans
5:3-4)
Paul taught that we would be tried by "fire", that is
temptations.
Every man's work shall be made manifest: for the day
shall declare it, because it shall be revealed by fire;
and the fire shall try every man's work of what sort it
is. (1 Corinthians 3:13)
He explained to the Thessalonians that God trys, that is
examines or proves by trial, our hearts.
But as we were allowed of God to be put in trust with
the gospel, even so we speak; not as pleasing men, but
God, which trieth our hearts. (1 Thessalonians 2:4)
Peter also referred to this trial. He spoke of our hope in
life due to the resurrection of Jesus Christ and the
eventual inheritance to those who have faith. He said we
rejoice in this, although now as a temporary thing we are
burdened with temptations which test our faith.
Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ,
which according to his abundant mercy hath begotten us
again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus
Christ from the dead,
To an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that
fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for you,
Who are kept by the power of God through faith unto
salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.
Wherein ye greatly rejoice, though now for a season, if
need be, ye are in heaviness through manifold
temptations:
That the trial of your faith, being much more precious
than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with
fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory,
at the appearing of Jesus Christ: (1 Peter 1:3-7)
We experience temptations that by proving ourselves we can
glorify Jesus Christ when he returns.
|
| 4.56 | The Book of Mormon Teaches a Probationary State | CACHE::LEIGH | Let your light shine | Wed Sep 25 1991 12:19 | 78 |
|
In the previous discussion, we learned that we are here in
mortality to gain a physical body and to be tested by
experiencing both good and evil. The Book of Mormon also
teaches this.
Mortality is a Probationary State
---------------------------------
And we see that death comes upon mankind, yea the death
which has been spoken of by Amulek, which is the
temporal death; nevertheless there was a space granted
unto man in which he might repent; therefore this life
became a probationary state; a time to prepare to meet
God; a time to prepare for that endless state which has
been spoken of by us, which is after the resurrection of
the dead. (Alma 12:24)
Now, we see that the man [Adam] had become as God,
knowing good and evil; and lest he should put forth his
hand, and take also of the tree of life, and eat and
live forever [in his sins], the Lord God placed cherubim
and the flaming sword, that he should not partake of the
fruit--
And thus we see, that there was a time granted unto man
to repent, yea, a probationary time, a time to repent
and serve God. (Alma 42:3-4)
And after Adam and Eve had partaken of the forbidden
fruit they were driven out of the garden of Eden, to
till the earth.
And they have brought forth children; yea, even the
family of all the earth.
And the days of the children of men were prolonged,
according to the will of God, that they might repent
while in the flesh; wherefore, their state became a
state of probation, and their time was lengthened,
according to the commandments which the Lord God gave
unto the children of men. For he gave commandment that
all men must repent; for he showed unto all men that
they were lost, because of the transgression of their
parents. (2 Nephi 2:19-21)
The Earth Was Created That We Might Prove Ourselves
---------------------------------------------------
In reference to the creation of the earth, God revealed to
Abraham why the earth was created.
And there stood one among them that was like unto God,
and he said unto those who were with him: We will go
down, for there is space there, and we will take of
these materials, and we will make an earth whereon these
may dwell;
And we will prove them herewith, to see if they will do
all things whatsoever the Lord their God shall command
them; (Abraham 3:24-25)
Trial of Faith
--------------
Moroni taught that our faith will be tested and that we
receive blessings from God only after our faith has been
proven to be strong.
And now, I, Moroni, would speak somewhat concerning
these things; I would show unto the world that faith is
things which are hoped for and not seen; wherefore,
dispute not because ye see not, for ye receive no
witness until after the trial of your faith. (Ether
12:6)
|
| 4.57 | The Spirit World | CACHE::LEIGH | Let your light shine | Thu Sep 26 1991 12:29 | 142 |
|
Paradise
--------
While on the cross, Jesus spoke with one of the thieves
And he said unto Jesus, Lord, remember me when thou
comest into thy kingdom.
And Jesus said unto him, Verily I say unto thee, To day
shalt thou be with me in paradise. (Luke 23:42-43)
However, after his resurrection, he spoke with Mary and told
her
Jesus saith unto her, Touch me not; for I am not yet
ascended to my Father: but go to my brethren, and say
unto them, I ascend unto my Father, and your Father; and
to my God, and your God. (John 20:17)
Later that day, Jesus appeared to the Apostles and said
Behold my hands and my feet, that it is I myself:
handle me, and see; for a spirit hath not flesh and
bones as ye see me have. (Luke 24:39)
From these verses we learn that Paradise is not heaven.
That is, on Friday, both Jesus and the Thief went to
paradise, but on Sunday morning Jesus told Mary to not touch
him because he had not yet ascended to his Heavenly Father.
Later that day he allowed the Apostles to touch him,
implying he had been to his Heavenly Father.
A Waiting Place For The Resurrection
------------------------------------
The scriptures teach that all persons, both righteous and
wicked, will be resurrected.
But now is Christ risen from the dead, and become the
first fruits of them that slept. For since by man came
death, by man came also the resurrection of the dead.
For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be
made alive. (1 Corinthians 15:20-22)
However, for must of us this resurrection will not occur
until a much later time. Thus, there must be a waiting
place for our spirits, a place our spirits go upon death to
await the resurrection of the body. Such is the paradise to
which Jesus and the thief went.
A Place of Learning
-------------------
Jesus and the thief went to paradise to await their
individual resurrections, an event for Jesus that would
occur on Sunday morning. During the time that Jesus' spirit
was in paradise, he taught the spirits that were there.
For Christ also hath once suffered for sins, the just
for the unjust, that he might bring us to God, being put
to death in the flesh, but quickened by the Spirit:
By which also he went and preached unto the spirits in
prison;
Which sometime were disobedient, when once the
longsuffering of God waited in the days of Noah, while
the ark was a preparing, wherein few, that is eight
souls were saved by water.
That is, Jesus was put to death in the flesh but was
quickened by the Spirit and preached to the spirits of the
people who had been killed by the flood during Noah's time.
These spirits were described as being in a "prison".
In the next chapter we read of Jesus' visit to the spirits.
The context of the verses is the Gentiles who are aware that
their friends who have accepted Christ no longer participate
with them in worldly activities.
Wherein they [the Gentiles] think it strange that ye run
not with them to the same excess of riot, speaking evil
of you.
Who [the Gentiles] shall give account to him that is
ready to judge the quick and the dead.
For for this cause was the gospel preached also to them
that are dead, that they might be judged according to
men in the flesh, but live according to God in the
spirit. (1 Peter 4:4-6)
The Reverend J. R. Dummelow gives this explanation of
these verses in his Commentary.
[with reference to 1 Peter 3:18-20] The whole passage
clearly means that Christ, as a spirit, preached to
certain spirits, who had been disobedient to the end of
their earthly life. This preaching took place between
His death and resurrection, and its purpose was that, by
hearing the gospel, these men might have an opportunity
of repentance. St. Peter does not say that a place of
repentance is still left for men after death. That is
neither affirmed nor denied in NT.; but this passage
makes rather against than for such a hope; for the point
is that these men did receive such an opportunity,
because they had not heard the gospel in their earthly
life. St. Peter considered that the Jews, unlike the
men of Noah's time had known something of Christ.
(Dummelow, The One Volume Bible Commentary, The
Macmillian Company, New York, 1970 printing, p. 1046)
Dummelow goes on to explain 1 Peter 4:6.
This v. refers back to 3.19. The dead are the same
persons in each place. Judgment does not mean
punishment, but separation, and man, by choosing His
side, cooperates with God's judgment. This choice and
separation could not, St. Peter considers, be made
until the Gospel had been heard. Thus the judgment of
these dead men did not take place until Christ preached
in the spirit to them. Then they could choose their
side, for or against Him. (op. cit., p. 1046)
As he prophesied of the last days before the Second Coming,
Isaiah said that the wicked people of the earth would be
gathered to a "prison" and then later they would be visited.
This is a beautiful prophecy of the spirits of those people
waiting until their resurrection after the completion of the
Millennium.
And it shall come to pass in that day, that the LORD
shall punish the host of the high ones that are on high,
and the kings of the earth upon the earth.
And they shall be gathered together, as prisoners are
gathered in the pit, and shall be shut up in the prison,
and after many days shall they be visited. (Isaiah
24:21-22)
|
| 4.58 | Latter-day Revelation: Salvation for the Dead | CACHE::LEIGH | Let your light shine | Thu Sep 26 1991 12:30 | 83 |
|
In previous replies, we discussed the condition of spirits
after death. We saw that they go to a waiting place,
referred to in the scriptures as "paradise" or a "prison",
where they await the resurrection. During the time that
Jesus' body was in the tomb, he visited the spirits in
"prison" that they might be judged according to men in the
flesh, but live according to God in the spirit" and taught
them. (1 Peter 4:4-6)
We have seen in previous discussions that our spirits are
intelligent and can learn and understand. Thus, we can
easily see how spirits in the "prison" could understand
Jesus when he visited them, and how many of them might have
faith in him and accept him as the Savior.
We have also seen in previous replies that baptism by water
is necessary before Jesus will allow his atonement, his
blood, to remove our sins. Now, from the viewpoint of the
spirits in "prison" a problem exists. Spirits can hear and
understand. They can have faith and even repent. But a
spirit can not be baptized, because baptism involves water
which is a mortal element and pertains to this earth.
Spirits have progressed beyond the bounds of mortality. The
problem is, "How can the spirits in "prison" who have heard
of Christ and accepted him be baptized?"
Christ is a Proxy for Us
------------------------
The answer to the question just asked can be best understood
if we use the Savior's life as an analogy. Jesus lived a
perfect life and performed his atonement in which he took
upon himself the effects of all our sins. In doing this, he
did something for us which we could not do for ourselves:
he acted as our proxy. He performed a vicarious service for
us.
We Can Be Proxies for Others
----------------------------
Through Latter-day revelation, the Lord revealed that the
same principle applies to the spirits in "prison". As
spirits, they can have faith and repent, but they can not be
baptized. We mortals who have been baptized can act as
proxies for them and be baptized in their behalf. Through
their freedom of choice, the spirits can accept or reject
the baptism. This principle is known as "Baptism for the
Dead" in the church. Living LDS are baptized in our Temples
as proxies in behalf of persons who died without having a
full chance to hear of Jesus Christ and the restored Gospel.
Baptism for the Dead Mentioned By Paul
--------------------------------------
Paul in teaching the resurrection referred to a practice
that was apparently being performed by the early Christians;
he used the practice as one of his reasons for believing in
the resurrection of the dead.
Else what shall they do which are baptized for the dead
if the dead rise not at all? why are they then baptized
for the dead? (1 Corinthians 15:29)
Paul did not explain the practice, implying the Corinthians
were familiar with it. He did not explicitly approve or
disapprove of it, but the fact that he used it as part of
his argument for the resurrection implies his approval,
because he was quick to disapprove of practices which were
not of God.
Dummelow discussed that verse from 1 Corinthians and
concluded:
But it can scarcely be denied that, as Dr. Dods says,
'the plain meaning of the words seems to point to a
vicarious baptism, in which a living friend received
baptism for a person who had died without baptism.'
(Dummelow, The One Volume Bible Commentary, The
Macmillian Company, New York, 1970 printing, p. 919)
|
| 4.59 | The Resurrection of Jesus Christ | CACHE::LEIGH | Let your light shine | Fri Sep 27 1991 10:07 | 100 |
|
The scriptures teach that all persons will be resurrected
with bodies of flesh and bones to never die again. This was
made possible as part of the Atonement of Jesus Christ, he
being the first to be resurrected, even the only one who
could be first!
Jesus Christ Was Resurrected
----------------------------
Let us read of the glorious event that occurred on that
first Easter morning.
In the end of the sabbath, as it began to dawn toward
the first day of the week, came Mary Magdalene and the
other Mary to see the sepulcher.
And, behold, there was a great earthquake: for the
angel of the Lord descended from heaven, and came and
rolled back the stone from the door, and sat upon it.
His countenance was like lightning, and his raiment
white as snow:
And for fear of him the keepers did shake, and became as
dead men.
And the angel answered and said unto the women, Fear not
ye: for I know that ye seek Jesus, which was crucified.
He is not here: for he is risen, as he said, Come, see
the place where the Lord lay.
And go quickly, and tell his disciples that he is risen
from the dead; and, behold, he goeth before you into
Galilee; there shall ye see him: lo, I have told you.
And they departed quickly from the sepulcher with fear
and great joy; and did run to bring his disciples word.
(Matthew 28:1-8)
During that day, Jesus appeared to several people who beheld
that he was resurrected.
And as they thus spake, Jesus himself stood in the midst
of them, and saith unto them, Peach be unto you. But
they were terrified and affrighted, and supposed that
they had seen a spirit.
And he said unto them, why are ye troubled? and why do
thoughts arise in your hearts? Behold my hands and my
feet, that it is I myself: handle me, and see; for a
spirit hath not flesh and bones, as ye see me have.
(Luke 24:36-39)
The resurrected Christ stood before them with a glorified,
perfect body of flesh and bones! To further demonstrate
that his resurrected body was real, he ate food.
And while they yet believed not for joy, and wondered,
he said unto them, Have ye here any meat?
And they gave him a piece of a broiled fish, and of an
honeycomb.
And he took it, and did eat before them.
Jesus Has His Resurrected Body Today
------------------------------------
Paul said that after his resurrection, Jesus would never die
again. Since death is the separation of body and spirit,
Jesus must have his resurrected body today; if not, he has
suffered death a second time.
Knowing that Christ being raised from the dead dieth no
more; death hath no more dominion over him. (Romans
6:9)
This is corroborated by the testimony of the two Angeles who
were present when Jesus ascended to heaven after being with
the disciples for 40 days.
And when he had spoken these things, while they beheld,
he was taken up; and a cloud received him out of their
sight.
And while they looked steadfastly toward heaven as he
went up, behold, two men stood by them in white apparel;
Which also said, ye men of Galilee, why stand ye gazing
up into heaven? this same Jesus, which is taken up from
you into heaven, shall so come in like manner as ye have
seen him go into heaven. (Acts 1:9-11)
They saw him leave with his glorified, resurrected body and
we will see him come with that body.
|
| 4.60 | The Resurrection of Everyone | CACHE::LEIGH | Let your light shine | Fri Sep 27 1991 10:08 | 123 |
|
In the previous lesson, we discussed the resurrection of
Jesus Christ, next to his birth the most glorious event that
has ever happened. Now, let us study our resurrection.
Others Were Resurrected After Jesus
-----------------------------------
Shortly after his resurrection, others were resurrected and
testified to many.
And the graves were opened; and many bodies of the
saints which slept arose, And came out of the graves
after his resurrection, and went into the holy city, and
appeared unto many. (Matthew 27:52-53)
Everyone Will Be Resurrected
----------------------------
Paul testified that everyone will be resurrected with
glorified bodies of flesh and bone.
But now is Christ risen from the dead, and become the
first fruits of them that slept. For since by man came
death, by man came also the resurrection of the dead.
For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be
made alive....
O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy
victory? (1 Corinthians 15:20-22,55)
But this I confess unto thee, that after the way which
they call heresy, so worship I the God of my fathers,
believing all things which are written in the law and in
the prophets:
And have hope toward God, which they themselves also
allow, that there shall be a resurrection of the dead,
both of the just and unjust. (Acts 24:14-15)
And God hath both raised up the Lord, and will also
raise up us by his own power. (1 Corinthians 6:24)
Who shall change our vile body, that it may be fashioned
like unto his glorious body, according to the working
whereby he is able even to subdue all things unto
himself. (Philippians 3:21)
Two General Resurrections
-------------------------
Although others were resurrected after the resurrection of
Christ, most of us will be resurrected either at the
beginning or at the end of the Millennium. The scriptures
teach that there will be two general resurrections.
Marvel not at this: for the hour is coming, in the
which all that are in the graves shall hear his voice,
And shall come forth; they that have done good, unto the
resurrection of life, and they that have done evil, unto
the resurrection of damnation. (John 5:28-29)
The Resurrection Of The Just
----------------------------
The righteous will be resurrected at the beginning of the
Millennium.
For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even
so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with
him.
For this we say unto you by the word of the Lord, that
we which are alive and remain unto the coming of the
Lord shall not prevent them which are asleep.
For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a
shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the
trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first:
Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up
together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in
the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord. (1
Thessalonians 4:14-17)
And I saw thrones, and they sat upon them, and judgment
was given unto them: and I saw the souls of them that
were beheaded for the witness of Jesus, and for the word
of God, and which had not worshipped the beast, neither
his image, neither had received his mark upon their
foreheads, or in their hands; and they lived and reigned
with Christ a thousand years. (Revelation 20:4)
The Resurrection Of The Unjust
------------------------------
The wicked will be resurrected at the end of the Millennium.
But the rest of the dead lived not again until the
thousand years were finished. This is the first
resurrection [referring to verse 4, quoted above].
Blessed and holy is he that hath part in the first
resurrection: on such the second death hath no power,
but they shall be priests of god and of Christ, and
shall reign with him a thousand years....
And I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God;
and the books were opened: and another book was opened,
which is the book of life: and the dead were judged out
of those things which were written in the books,
according to their works.
And the sea gave up the dead which were in it; and death
and hell delivered up the dead which were in them: and
they were judged every man according to their works.
(Revelation 20:5, 12-13)
|
| 4.61 | The Judgment | CACHE::LEIGH | Let your light shine | Mon Sep 30 1991 10:27 | 87 |
|
In previous replies, we discussed the condition of all
spirits after death. We saw that they go to a waiting
place, referred to in the scriptures as "paradise" or a
"prison", where they await the resurrection. As Dummelow
explained, those spirits who had not heard of Christ have
that opportunity while waiting for their resurrection, and
they then use their free agency to accept or reject Christ.
This residence in the "spirit world" is temporary. The time
will come when they are to stand before God to give an
accounting of their lives and then to be judged by God for
their use of their free agency.
Christ Spoke Of A Judgment
--------------------------
Jesus taught that we would be accountable to God for our
lives, and he spoke of a judgment before God.
But I say unto you, It shall be more tolerable for Tyre
and Sidon at the day of judgment, than for you.
(Matthew 11:22)
But I say unto you, that every idle word that men shall
speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of
judgment. (Matthew 12:36)
Let both grow together until the harvest: and in the
time of harvest I will say to the reapers, Gather ye
together first the tares, and bind them in bundles to
burn them: but gather the wheat into my barn. (Matthew
13:30)
For the Son of man shall come in the glory of his Father
with his angels; and then he shall reward every man
according to his works. (Matthew 16:27)
The Apostles Spoke Of A Judgment
--------------------------------
And he commanded us to preach unto the people, and to
testify that it is he which was ordained of God to be
the Judge of quick and dead. (Acts 10:42)
And thinkest thou this, O man, that judgest them which
do such things, and doest the same, that thou shalt
escape the judgment of God?...
Who will render to every man according to his deeds:
To them who by patient continuance in well doing seek
for glory and honor and immortality, eternal life:
But unto them that are contentious, and do not obey the
truth, but obey unrighteousness, indignation and wrath,
Tribulation and anguish, upon every soul of man what
doeth evil, of the Jew first, and also of the Gentile.
(Romans 2:3,6-9)
For we must all appear before the judgment seat of
Christ; that every one may receive the things done in
his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be
good or bad. (2 Corinthians 5:10)
And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after
this the judgment. (Hebrews 9:27)
Who shall give account to him that is ready to judge the
quick and the dead. (1 Peter 4:5)
And Enoch also, the seventh from Adam, prophesied of
these, saying, Behold, the Lord cometh with ten
thousands of his saints.
To execute judgment upon all, and to convince all that
are ungodly among them of all their ungodly deeds which
they have ungodly committed, and of all their hard
speeches which ungodly sinners have spoken against him.
(Jude 14)
And behold, I come quickly; and my reward is with me, to
give every man according as his work shall be.
(Revelation 22:12)
|
| 4.62 | Many Mansions | CACHE::LEIGH | Let your light shine | Mon Sep 30 1991 10:28 | 100 |
|
In previous discussions, we have traced the journey of man
from an eternal home in the heavens where we lived as
spirits with our Heavenly Father to this mortal Earth where
our spirits took upon themselves physical, mortal bodies.
We saw that while we are here, we are to use our freedom of
choice to choose if we will follow God or Satan. Upon our
death, we saw that our spirits leave the bodies and go to a
temporary place where they await the resurrection, and those
who never had the chance to hear of Christ receive that
chance while in that place.
We then saw that our spirits are reunited with their bodies,
but this time the bodies are resurrected, glorified,
perfect, as was Christ's body. We then stand before God to
give an accounting to him and to be judged by him.
In this discussion, let us see what happens after the
judgment.
Many Mansions
-------------
Jesus taught that there is not just one heaven and one hell
as our eternal places of abode. He taught that there are
many places where we may go after the judgment.
Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in god,
believe also in me.
In my Father's house are many mansions: if it were not
so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for
you.
And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come
again, and receive you unto myself; that were I am,
there ye may be also. (John 14:1-3)
It is fair and just that there are many mansions after the
judgment, because we are all different. We have all made
different decisions with our free agency. We have all had
different amounts of righteousness and wickedness in our
lives.
Paul Caught Up To The Third Heaven
----------------------------------
Paul spoke of a vision which he beheld in which he was
caught up to the "third heaven".
I knew a man in Christ above fourteen years ago,
(whether in the body I cannot tell; or whether out of
the body, I cannot tell: God knoweth;) such an one
caught up to the third heaven. (2 Corinthians 12:2)
He did not clearly explain what he meant by the "third
heaven", but his statement is significant because it fits in
with the Savior's statement of "many mansions".
The Mansions Have Different Levels of Glory
-------------------------------------------
In chapter 15 of 1 Corinthians, Paul teaches the
resurrection. In verse 35, he asks the question, "How are
the dead raised up? and with what body do they come?" He
proceeds to explain that mortal bodies die but God will give
bodies as it pleases Him. Paul then introduces two
metaphors. There is "flesh" of men, beasts, fishes, and
birds and this flesh is different, depending on the animal.
Likewise, he said, there are different types of celestial
bodies, the sun, moon, and stars, and these bodies differ in
glory or brightness.
After explaining that there are different kinds of flesh and
different kinds of celestial bodies, he makes a very
important statement in verse 42. "So also is the
resurrection of the dead." That is, as we come forth in the
resurrection, we will have different bodies, implying that
there are mansions in the Father's house that correspond to
the resurrected bodies. All bodies will be perfect, but
they will vary in glory as the sun varies from the moon and
the moon varies from the stars and the stars vary from each
other in brightness. Likewise, the mansions will vary in
glory, happiness, beauty.
There are also celestial bodies, and bodies terrestrial;
but the glory of the celestial is one, and the glory of
the terrestrial is another.
There is one glory of the sun, and another glory of the
moon, and another glory of the stars: for one star
differeth from another star in glory.
So also is the resurrection of the dead. It is sown in
corruption; it is raised in incorruption: (1
Corinthians 15:40-42)
|
| 4.63 | Latter-day Revelation: The Three Degrees of Glory | CACHE::LEIGH | Let your light shine | Mon Sep 30 1991 10:29 | 229 |
|
In the previous lesson we discussed the Savior's statement
that in his Father's house there are many mansions. We
briefly spoke of Paul's vision in which he was caught up to
the third heaven, and we discussed Paul's teaching about
resurrected bodies being different and the resulting
implication that there are differences in the many mansions
of God's house. Admittedly, the Bible is vague about these
things. Because of this, Christians have different beliefs
about Heaven.
In order to clarify this, the Lord gave to Joseph Smith a
vision of the many mansions. Joseph learned that there are
four basic places in the life to come, three being places of
glory and one being a place without glory. This vision is
recorded in Section 76 of the Doctrine and Covenants.
Let us discuss in this note the three places or degrees of
glory. The Lord named them using the metaphor used by Paul
in 1 Corinthians 15.
The Celestial Kingdom
---------------------
And again we bear record--for we saw and heard, and this
is the testimony of the gospel of Christ concerning them
who shall come forth in the resurrection of the just--
They are they who received the testimony of Jesus, and
believed on his name and were baptized after the manner
of his burial, being buried in the water in his name,
and this according to the commandment which he has
given--
That by keeping the commandments they might be washed
and cleansed from all their sins, and receive the Holy
Spirit by the laying on of the hands of him who is
ordained and sealed unto this power;
And who overcome by faith, and are sealed by the Holy
Spirit of promise, which the Father sheds forth upon all
those who are just and true.
They are they who are the church of the Firstborn.
They are they into whose hands the Father has given all
things--
They are they who are priests and kings, who have
received of his fulness, and of his glory;
And are priests of the Most High, after the order of
Melchizedek, which was after the order of Enoch, which
was after the order of the Only Begotten Son.
Wherefore, as it is written, they are gods, even the
sons of God--
Wherefore, all things are theirs, whether life or death,
or things present, or things to come, all are theirs and
they are Christ's, and Christ is God's.
And they shall overcome all things.
Wherefore, let no man glory in man, but rather let him
glory in God, who shall subdue all enemies under his
feet.
These shall dwell in the presence of God and his Christ
forever and ever.
These are they whom he shall bring with him, when he
shall come in the clouds of heaven to reign on the earth
over his people.
These are they who shall have part in the first
resurrection.
These are they who shall come forth in the resurrection
of the just.
These are they who are come unto Mount Zion, and unto
the city of the living God, the heavenly place, the
holiest of all.
These are they who have come to an innumerable company
of angels, to the general assembly and church of Enoch,
and of the Firstborn.
These are they whose names are written in heaven, where
God and Christ are the judge of all.
These are they who are just men made perfect through
Jesus the mediator of the new covenant, who wrought out
this perfect atonement through the shedding of his own
blood.
These are they whose bodies are celestial, whose glory
is that of the sun, even the glory of God, the highest
of all, whose glory the sun of the firmament is written
of as being typical. (D & C 76:50-70)
Summary:
o These are they who accepted Christ and were baptized by
proper authority into his church. The Church of Jesus
Christ of Latter-day Saints claims to be the only true
church of Christ. Hence, when verse 51 speaks of
baptism it is referring to baptism into the LDS Church.
o These are they who overcome all things by faith and are
sealed by the Holy Spirit of promise. This reference in
verse 53 to "sealing" does not refer to the ceremonies
in the LDS temples. The sealing by the Holy Spirit of
promise comes individually to persons as they receive
their judgment by God.
o These are they who are given all things by the Father.
o These are they who have overcome all things by being
valiant in keeping the commandments of God and in
becoming Christ-like in their lives.
o These are they who shall dwell eternally in the presence
of both God the Eternal Father and Jesus Christ.
o These are they who come forth in the first resurrection
of the just.
The Terrestrial Kingdom
-----------------------
And again, we saw the terrestrial world, and behold and
lo, these are they who are of the terrestrial, whose
glory differs from that of the church of the Firstborn
who have received the fulness of the Father, even as
that of the moon differs from the sun in the firmament.
Behold, these are they who died without law;
And also they who are the spirits of men kept in prison,
whom the Son visited, and preached the gospel unto them,
that they might be judged according to men in the flesh;
Who received not the testimony of Jesus in the flesh,
but afterwards received it.
These are they who are honorable men of the earth, who
were blinded by the craftiness of men.
These are they who receive of his glory, but not of his
fulness.
These are they who receive of the presence of the Son,
but not of the fulness of the Father.
Wherefore, they are bodies terrestrial, and not bodies
celestial, and differ in glory as the moon differs from
the sun.
These are they who are not valiant in the testimony of
Jesus; wherefore, they obtain not the crown over the
kingdom of our God. (D & C 76:71-79)
Summary:
o These are they who as a group died without hearing of
Christ but who heard of him in the Spirit world and
accepted him as their Savior. Although individuals will
accept their proxy baptisms as performed in the Lord's
temples and receive a Celestial glory, as a group they
will not.
o These are they who were sincere Christians but were
deceived by wicked people and did not accept the message
of the Restoration and be baptized into the LDS church,
even though they had the opportunity.
o These are they who were baptized into the LDS church
while living in mortality but who were not valiant in
serving God and keeping his commandments, but who still
believed in Christ and lived his moral law.
o These are they who shall dwell eternally in the presence
of Jesus Christ but not with the Father.
The Telestial Kingdom
---------------------
And again, we saw the glory of the telestial, which
glory is that of the lesser, even as the glory of the
stars differs from that of the glory of the moon in the
firmament.
These are they who received not the gospel of Christ,
neither the testimony of Jesus.
These are they who deny not the Holy Spirit.
These are they who are thrust down to hell.
These are they who shall not be redeemed from the devil
until the last resurrection, until the Lord, even Christ
the Lamb, shall have finished his work.
These are they who receive not of his fulness in the
eternal world, but of the Holy Spirit through the
ministration of the terrestrial;
Summary:
o These are they who do not accept Christ, either in this
life or in the Spirit world.
o These are they who are the wicked people of the world
but who do not sin against the Holy Ghost.
o These are they who come forth in the second resurrection
at the end of the Millennium.
o These are they who dwell eternally in the presence of
the Holy Ghost but not with either the Father or the
Son.
|
| 4.64 | Latter-day Revelation: Outer Darkness | CACHE::LEIGH | Let your light shine | Mon Sep 30 1991 10:30 | 60 |
|
In the glorious revelation of the three Kingdoms of Glory,
the Lord also spoke of the kingdom without glory.
And we saw a vision of the sufferings of those with whom
he made war and overcame, for thus came the voice of the
Lord unto us:
Thus saith the Lord concerning all those who know my
power, and have been made partakers thereof, and
suffered themselves through the power of the devil to be
overcome, and to deny the truth and defy my power--
They are they who are the sons of perdition, of whom I
say that it had been better for them never to have been
born;
For they are vessels of wrath, doomed to suffer the
wrath of God, with the devil and his angels in eternity;
Concerning whom I have said there is no forgiveness in
this world nor in the world to come--
Having denied the Holy Spirit after having received it,
and having denied the Only Begotten Son of the Father,
having crucified him unto themselves and put him to an
open shame.
These are they who shall go away into the lake of fire
and brimstone, with the devil and his angels--
And the only ones on whom the second death shall have
any power;
Yea, verily, the only ones who shall not be redeemed in
the due time of the Lord, after the sufferings of his
wrath.
For all the rest shall be brought forth by the
resurrection of the dead, through the triumph and the
glory of the Lamb, who was slain, who was in the bosom
of the Father before the worlds were made....
Wherefore, he saves all except them--they shall go away
into everlasting punishment, which is endless
punishment, which is eternal punishment, to reign with
the devil and his angels in eternity, where their worm
dieth not, and the fire is not quenched, which is their
torment--
And the end thereof, neither the place thereof, nor
their torment, no man knows;
Neither was it revealed, neither is, neither will be
revealed unto man, except to them who are made partakers
thereof;
(D & C 76:30-39,44-46)
This kingdom without glory is known informally in the Church
as "Outer Darkness".
|
| 4.65 | Hell | CACHE::LEIGH | Let your light shine | Mon Sep 30 1991 10:30 | 129 |
|
The scriptures speak metaphorically of Hell as a place of
fire. Because many people do not understand that the
references to fire are a metaphor, there is a lot of
confusion about the nature of Hell. Let us look at the
Biblical scriptures that speak of Hell.
Hebrew and Greek Words Meaning Hell
-----------------------------------
In the Old Testament, every reference to Hell is the Hebrew
word 'shehole' which is from the word 'hades' meaning the
world of the dead or the grave. There is nothing in the use
of 'shehole' to imply eternal burnings in literal fire.
In the New Testament, there are three Greek words translated
as 'Hell'. 'Hahdace' means the place of departed souls or
the grave. 'Geenna' refers to a valley near Jerusalem in
which refuse was burned, and this valley is the source of
the metaphor about fire. 'Geenna' refers to 'everlasting'
punishment, that is, just as the fires burning the refuse
are continually burning day by day, so shall the punishment
of God last day by day, the context being punishment after
death. 'Tartaros' refers to the deepest abyss of Hades or
to incarcerate in eternal punishment; this word is used only
once in 2 Peter 2:4.
Thus, we see that Biblical references to Hell refer to the
grave or to the world of the dead in which the spirits will
receive God's punishment.
Hell To Give Up Its Dead
------------------------
In his great sermon on the Day of Pentecost, Peter referred
to Psalm 16 in which David expressed faith that his soul
would not be left in Hell.
Therefore did my heart rejoice, and my tongue was glad;
moreover also my flesh shall rest in hope:
Because thou wilt not leave my soul in hell, neither
wilt thou suffer thine Holy One to see corruption.
(Acts 2:26-27)
We realize that Hell is not a permanent state--it is
temporary because of the redemption of Jesus Christ.
Through his atonement, Jesus not only redeemed those who
have faith on him, but he also redeemed the wicked ones who
are in Hell! Please note that this does not imply that
those redeemed from Hell receive the same blessings as those
who had faith and obedience to him; this aspect has been
explored in previous discussions on the many mansions in the
Father's house and the three degrees of Glory.
John learned in his glorious vision that Jesus had the keys
of Hell and death, thus allowing him to perform the
resurrection and free and redeem the spirits from the
"prison".
I am he that liveth, and was dead; and behold, I am
alive for evermore, Amen; and have the keys of hell and
of death. (Revelation 1:18)
John later saw the dead being freed from Hell.
And I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God;
and the books were opened: and another book was opened,
which is the book of life: and the dead were judged out
of those things which were written in the books,
according to their works.
And the sea gave up the dead which were in it; and death
and hell delivered up the dead which were in them: and
they were judged every man according to their works.
Hell delivered up its dead in the resurrection and judgment
of God! In other words, Hell is the spirit world discussed
earlier in which those who have transgressed the
commandments of God await their resurrection and while doing
so suffer the guilt and remorse of their sins. It is a time
of repentance for the spirits confined in the "prison". At
the completion of Millennium, as John saw, they come forth
in the second resurrection having been freed from "prison"
by the Savior's atonement and receive their place in the
Telestial kingdom of God.
What About Eternal Punishment?
------------------------------
Mark 9:43,45 speaks of Hell as a fire that will never be
quenched. This is the only New Testament Scripture that
speaks of Hell as being something that does not end. All
other verses speak of Hell as death or the grave, the place
of departed spirits of those who were wicked, with no
reference to time.
If we realize that Mark was speaking metaphorically when he
spoke of hell as a fire that does not quench, we realize
that he was not speaking of the length-of-time of Hell but
of the magnitude of the remorse and guilt which is
experienced by the spirits.
From another viewpoint, the Lord revealed to Joseph Smith
that words such as 'Eternal' and 'Everlasting' are nouns and
are names of God. Eternal punishment is God's punishment,
whether it lasts an hour, a day, a week, or in the case of
the spirits in Hell until after the Millennium.
Some Spirits Not Freed From Hell
--------------------------------
Peter spoke of a "Hell" that was permanent; this is the only
use of the Greek word 'Tartaros' which refers to the deepest
abyss of Hades, or an incarceration in eternal punishment.
For if God spared not the angels that sinned, but cast
them down to hell, and delivered them into chains of
darkness, to be reserved unto judgment; (2 Peter 2:4)
These "angels" are the spirits that followed Lucifer in the
war in heaven. They, and those mortals who becomes sons of
perdition, are to receive as their eternal reward the Hell
of 'Tartaros' or 'outer darkness' in which there is no
forgiveness.
|
| 4.66 | Latter-day Revelation: Eternal Marriage | CACHE::LEIGH | Let your light shine | Thu Oct 03 1991 07:14 | 165 |
|
"I now pronounce you man and wife, and oh, by the way, on
December 5, 1992 you will automatically be divorced. It
does not matter how you feel about each other, come the 5th
and ..."
That pronouncement expresses the feelings Latter-day Saints
have about marriage performed outside LDS Temples. Such
marriages are performed for time during our mortal stay on
earth, and when one partner dies, the marriage is dissolved.
Of course, we do not know ahead of time when the death will
occur.
We believe that marriages performed in LDS Temples, by the
power of the Priesthood of God, are performed for time in
mortality and eternity in Heaven.
Implicit in that belief is the condition that both partners
remain true to the commandments of God. The ceremony itself
is only a promise of eternal marriage. According to the
worthiness of both partners, the marriage may actually
become eternal at a later time when the promise is fulfilled
and God pronounces the marriage to be eternal.
Apostles Could Bind In Heaven
-----------------------------
When Jesus commissioned his Apostles, he said
And I will give unto thee the keys of the kingdom of
heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt bind on earth shall
be bound in heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt loose on
earth shall be loosed in heaven. (Matthew 16:19)
Verily I say unto you, Whatsoever ye shall bind on earth
shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever ye shall loose
on earth shall be loosed in heaven. (Matthew 18:18)
According to Strong's Concordance, the word "bind" in both
Matthew 16 and Matthew 18 means to bind, tie, wind, or be in
bonds and may be used either literally or figuratively.
That is, whatsoever the Apostles would tie together in the
spiritual sense on earth would be tied together in Heaven.
Likewise, according to the Concordance, the word "loose"
means to loosen, breakup, destroy, or dissolve and may be
used either literally or figuratively. That is, whatsoever
the apostles dissolved on earth would be dissolved in
Heaven.
An example of this authority to "bind" can be found in
Matthew 18:19. After telling the Apostles that they had the
authority to bind or make valid in Heaven (verse 18), Jesus
told them that if two of them agreed on how the prayers of
the faithful should be answered by God, then the prayers in
fact would be answered in that way, that is, the Apostles
would act for God in giving answers to the prayers.
Again, I say unto you, that if two of you shall agree on
earth as touching any thing that they shall ask, it
shall be done for them of my Father which is in heaven.
(Matthew 18:19)
So we see that the authority given the Apostles to make
binding or valid in Heaven applied in general to the work of
the Apostles. Thus, if they performed a marriage, that
marriage would be accepted by God in heaven.
Jesus also said
And he answered and said unto them, Have ye not read,
that he which made them at the beginning made them male
and female,
And said, For this cause shall a man cleave to his wife:
and they twain shall be one flesh?
Wherefore they are no more twain, but one flesh. What
therefore God hath joined together, let not man put
asunder. (Matthew 19:4-6)
Adam and Eve Were Married For Eternity
--------------------------------------
In a previous discussion about Adam and Eve, we saw that
prior to the Fall, they were eternal in that there was no
death and they could freely eat of the tree of life and live
forever. We saw that Eve was Adam's wife while they were in
the Garden.
And the Lord God said, it is not good that the man
should be alone; I will make an help meet for him....And
the Lord God caused a deep sleep to fall upon Adam, and
he slept: and he took one of his ribs, and closed up
the flesh instead thereof; And the rib, which the Lord
God had taken from man, made he a woman, and brought her
unto the man.
And Adam said, This is now bone of my bones, and flesh
of my flesh: she shall be called Woman, because she was
taken out of Man. Therefore shall a man leave his
father and his mother, and shall cleave unto his wife:
and they shall be one flesh. And they were both naked,
the man and his wife, and were not ashamed. (Genesis
2:18,21-25)
The Lord's Marriages are Eternal
--------------------------------
Through latter-day revelation, the Lord revealed that
marriages should be eternal and be in force both during this
life and in the life to come, and that marriages not
performed by the Priesthood are void when death occurs.
Therefore, if a man marry him a wife in the world, and
he marry her not by me nor by my word, and he covenant
with her so long as he is in the world and she with him,
their covenant and marriage are not of force when they
are dead, and when they are out of the world; therefore,
they are not bound by any law when they are out of the
world. (D & C 132:15)
Eternal Marriages Are Performed In LDS Temples
----------------------------------------------
The Lord revealed that marriages for eternity are to be
performed in LDS Temples, both for living couples and by
proxy for those who died without this opportunity.
What of Matthew 22:30?
----------------------
The Sadducees, who by the way did not believe in the
resurrection and were just trying to trick the Savior, asked
Jesus a question about the resurrection. According to the
Law of Moses, if a brother died, his brother would marry his
wife to raise up children to the first brother. The
Sadducees posed the theoretical question of brother after
brother dying, and they asked, "Therefore in the
resurrection whose wife shall she be of the seven
[brothers]? for they all had her." In response, Jesus said
Jesus answered and said unto them, Ye do err, not
knowing the scriptures, nor the power of God.
For in the resurrection they neither marry, nor are
given in marriage, but are as the angels of God in
heaven. (Matthew 22:29-30)
Notice that Jesus did *not* say that marriages would not
exist in the resurrection. What he *did* say was that
marriage ceremonies are not performed: "they neither marry,
nor are given in marriage" in the resurrection.
Jesus was telling them, in effect, that if the wife were
married for eternity to one of the brothers, she would be
his wife in the resurrection, but that if she were not
married to any of the brothers for eternity, she would be
the wife of none of them since marriages are not performed
in the life to come.
|
| 4.67 | The Plan of Salvation | CACHE::LEIGH | Let your light shine | Fri Oct 04 1991 10:14 | 329 |
|
In previous discussions, we have traced our existence, and
we saw that we began as spirit children of our Father in
Heaven. We entered this mortal life to use our freedom of
choice in choosing between God and Satan, thus being tested
and tried. After death, we will wait in the spirit world
for our resurrection and in many cases we will hear the
Gospel and be able to choose between it and evil. Finally,
after the judgment, we will inherit one of the many mansions
of the father.
This path of existence is referred to in the LDS Church as
the Plan of Salvation. As discussed previously, the major
concepts involved are the following.
o God Is The Father Of Our Spirits
o Our Spirits Are Intelligent
o We Rejoiced As The Earth Was Created
o Jesus Is The Firstborn of God's Spirit Children
o Christ Is Both A Spirit Child And The Physical Child Of
God
o We Are Spirit Brothers And Sisters Of Each Other
o Jesus Christ Was Chosen To Be The Messiah
o There Was A War In Heaven in which Lucifer Rebelled
Against God
o War In Heaven Fought Over Our Freedom To Choose
o Lucifer Sought After The Glory Of God And Was Cast From
Heaven
o Earth is a Home for God's Spirit Children
o We came here to get Physical Bodies and To Prove
Ourselves
o When We Die We Go To Paradise Or Spirit Prison
o A Waiting Place For The Resurrection
o A Place of Learning
o Christ is a Proxy for Us
o We Can Be Proxies for Others
o Jesus Christ Was Resurrected And Has His Body Today
o Everyone Will Be Resurrected
o We Will Be Judged By God
o In God's House Are Many Mansions
o The Spirit Prison is Hell
o Apostles Could Bind or Make-valid In Heaven
o Adam and Eve Were Married For Eternity
o The Lord's Marriages are Eternal
In this discussion, we will bring everything together so we
can understand God's purpose in all of this.
The Sermon on the Mount
-----------------------
In his glorious Sermon on the Mount, Jesus taught us to
improve ourselves and become more like him.
Ye have heard that it was said by them of old time, Thou
shalt not commit adultery: But I say unto you, That
whosoever looketh on a woman to lust after her hath
committed adultery with her already in his heart.
(Matthew 5:27-28)
Ye have heard that it hath been said, Thou shalt love
thy neighbour, and hate thine enemy. But I say unto
you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do
good to them that hate you, and pray for them which
despitefully use you, and persecute you; (Matthew
5:43-44)
For if ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly
Father will also forgive you; But if ye forgive not men
their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your
trespasses. (Matthew 6:14-15)
Judge not, that ye be not judged. (Matthew 7:1)
Therefore all things whatsoever ye would that men should
do to you, do ye even to them: for this is the law and
the prophets. (Matthew 7:12)
Jesus Taught That We Should Become Perfect
------------------------------------------
As part of the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus said
Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in
heaven is perfect. (Matthew 5:48)
In giving us this commandment, Jesus put into proper
perspective the grand purpose for our whole existence. The
Plan of Salvation can be summed up in those few words: "Be
ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven
is perfect."
We treat others as we would be treated, and in so doing we
become more like God. We do not judge others and in so
doing we become more like God. We forgive others and in so
doing we become more like God.
Is Perfection Actually Possible?
--------------------------------
Some people say that Jesus did not actually mean in Matthew
5:48 that we should become perfect; only God is perfect,
they say. I agree that only God is perfect for all persons
who are accountable to God have sinned through the use of
their free agency. However, I believe that Jesus was not
teasing us or deceiving us. I believe that he actually
said, "Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is
in heaven is perfect", and I believe that he actually meant
that we should become perfect, through obedience to him, and
by virtue of his Atonement.
We Become Joint Heirs with Christ
---------------------------------
Paul taught that we become joint heirs with Christ.
The Spirit itself beareth 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. (Romans
8:16-17)
Wherefore thou art no more a servant, but a son; and if
a son, then an heir of God through Christ. (Galatians
4:7)
Notice the sequence given by Paul. We are the children of
God and *thus* we become heirs of God and joint-heirs with
Christ. One would expect that an heir of God would inherit
the things of God.
We Partake of the Divine Nature of God
--------------------------------------
Peter taught that we actually partake of the *divine* nature
of God.
Grace and peace be multiplied unto you through the
knowledge of God, and of Jesus our Lord.
According as his divine power hath given unto us all
things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the
knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and
virtue:
Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious
promises: that by these ye might be *partakers of the
divine nature*, having escaped the corruption that is in
the world through lust. (2 Peter 1:2-4, emphasis mine).
We Shall Inherit All Things
---------------------------
John taught that those who overcometh sin through Christ
will inherit all things from God.
And he said unto me, It is done. I am Alpha and Omega,
the beginning and the end. I will give unto him that is
athirst of the fountain of the water of life freely.
He that overcometh shall inherit all things; and I will
be his God, and he shall be my son. (Revelation 21:6-7)
Nothing Will Be Withheld By God
-------------------------------
From Psalms we learn that God will withhold nothing from
those who obey his commandments.
For the LORD God is a sun and shield: the LORD will
give grace and glory: no good thing will he withhold
from them that walk uprightly. (Psalms 84:11)
Ye are gods
-----------
Jesus was accused by the Jews of blasphemy because he
claimed to be the Son of God. He responded by referring to
Psalms 82.6 in which persons who received the word of God
were called gods.
The Jews answered him saying, for a good work we stone
thee not; but for blasphemy; and because that thou,
being a man, makest thyself God.
Jesus answered them, Is it not written in your law, I
said, Ye are gods?
If he called them gods, unto whom the word of God came,
and the Scripture cannot be broken;
Say ye of him, whom the Father hath sanctified, and sent
into the world, Thou blasphemest; because I said, I am
the Son of God? (John 10:33-36)
The Purpose of God's Creations
------------------------------
Now, in understanding the context of the whole Bible, we are
able to understand the glorious purpose of God's creations.
We are the literal children of God. Through obedience to
His commandments and repentance, we are to remove sin from
our lives. This, however, does not remove the effects of
our sins from our lives. Through the Atonement of Jesus
Christ, his blood, the effects of our sins are removed and
our sins are forgiven; we become clean. We become heirs of
God and joint heirs with Christ. We receive all that the
Father has to give.
We become gods!
"Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in
heaven is perfect."
Is This Blasphemy?
------------------
The Jews accused Jesus of blasphemy, and in a similar vein
many Christians today accuse us of blasphemy because we
believe we can become gods. In accusing us, they show their
narrow vision of the Father's plan. As I have shown, the
Bible teaches that those who overcome sin will receive all
things from the Father.
Is it blasphemy to believe that a child of God can become
like his or her Father?
Is it blasphemy to believe that those who will receive all
things will in fact receive *all* things?
Is it blasphemy to believe that if God withholds nothing, He
does in fact withhold *nothing*?
Is it blasphemy to believe that those who partake of the
divine nature of God do in fact partake of that *divine*
nature?
Is it blasphemy to believe that those who become heirs of
God and joint heirs with Christ do in fact become *heirs*?
Is it blasphemy to believe that Jesus was serious when he
told us to become perfect?
I think not!
This concept that we can become gods is known in Mormonism
as "the plurality of gods". Those persons who object to
this doctrine say, "What about Isaiah 43:10 where it says
there were no Gods before Jehovah and will be none after
him?" Let us look at that verse.
Ye are my witnesses, saith the LORD, and my servant whom
I have chosen: that ye may know and believe me, and
understand that I am he: before me there was no God
formed, neither shall there be after me. (Isaiah 43:10)
In chapter 43, God is talking about the relationship between
Him and the Israelites. He uses the analogy of a trial in
which he calls witnesses. In verse 3, He declared that He
is the God of Israel, and in subsequent verses he reassures
the Israelites of this relationship. In verse 9 He
challenges the nations of the earth to bring forth their
witnesses of their gods, and in verse 10 He declares that
the Israelites are His witnesses of his work and of the
salvation which He is providing. Not only are they His
witnesses but His servants because they do His work among
the children of the earth.
As His servants, He wants the Israelites to understand that
He is their God. In verse 10 when He said, "before me there
was no God formed" he is saying that he has always been the
God of Israel. When he said, "neither shall their be [any]
after me" he is saying he will always be the God of Israel.
Thus, we see that the context of that Scripture is that
Jehovah always has been and always will be the God of
Israel. That Scripture does not even address the question
whether men can become gods or not.
Those who object ask, "How about Isaiah 44:8?"
Fear ye not, neither be afraid; have not I told thee
from that time, and have declared it? ye are even my
witnesses. Is there a God beside me? yea, there is no
God; I know not any. (Isaiah 44:8)
This verse is a continuation of the "trial" dialog. Jehovah
is the God of Israel, and "there is no God" besides Him. As
with the other verse, this passage concerns the relationship
between God and Israel and does not address the question of
our becoming gods.
|
| 4.68 | Latter-day Revelation: The Glory of God | CACHE::LEIGH | Let your light shine | Fri Oct 04 1991 10:16 | 20 |
|
The Lord revealed to Moses His purpose in creating the world
and all things.
For behold, this is my work and my glory--to bring to
pass the immortality and eternal life of man. (P of G
P, Moses 1:39)
As explained in the previous discussions, we are literally
children of God and can become heirs of God and joint-heirs
with Christ. God created all things and Jesus Christ
performed his Atonement that we might obtain immortality
through the Resurrection and eternal life in the Celestial
kingdom of God.
Truly, life is important and has great meaning. Let us
strive each day to love God, to obey his commandments, and
to serve His children. Let us be examples of Christ to the
world, that through our lives people may see Him and come to
know Him.
|
| 4.69 | Jesus Christ is Jehovah | CACHE::LEIGH | Let your light shine | Mon Oct 07 1991 11:37 | 150 |
|
In the previous chapters, we discussed the nature and form
of God, and we saw that Jesus was with the Father when the
earth was created. Let us focus upon this pre-mortal Jesus,
that is his role prior to being born of Mary.
The God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob
------------------------------------
After Moses fled from Egypt to escape being killed by the
Pharaoh, he went to the land of Midian and lived with
Jethro. Moses did not understand that he had been called
and preserved for a great purpose, and the Lord had to
prepare and teach him about his calling.
This preparation began when Moses beheld God in vision, in
the midst of a bush that appeared to be burning but was not
consumed.
And when the Lord saw that he turned aside to see, God
called unto him out of the midst of the bush, and said,
Moses, Moses. And he said, Here am I.
And he said, Draw not nigh hither: put off thy shoes
from off thy feet, for the place whereon thou standest
is holy ground.
Moreover he said, I am the God of thy father, the God of
Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob. And
Moses hid his face; for he was afraid to look upon God.
(Exodus 3:4-6)
Jehovah, The God of the Old Testament
-------------------------------------
God taught Moses that he would go before Pharaoh and bring
the children of Israel out of Egypt. As Moses was being
taught by God, he was concerned that he did not know the
name of God.
And Moses said unto God, Behold, when I come unto the
children of Israel, and shall say unto them, The god of
your fathers hath sent me unto you; and they shall say
to me, What is his name? what shall I say unto them?
(Exodus 3:13)
The Lord said
And God said unto Moses, I AM THAT I AM: and he said,
Thus shalt thou say unto the children of Israel, I AM
hath sent me unto you. (Exodus 3:14)
The phrase "I AM" is significant, because it refers to
'Jehovah', the covenant name of God.
As we have seen, when God spoke to Moses from the
burning-bush, He said He was the God of Abraham, Isaac, and
Jacob. It is apparent from the Bible that Abraham knew God
by the name 'Jehovah', because he used that name in giving a
symbolical name to Mt. Moriah after he and his son Isaac
offered a sacrifice to the Lord using a ram that was caught
in a thicket.
And Abraham called the name of that place Jehovah-jireh:
as it is said to this day, In the mount of the LORD it
shall be seen. (Genesis 22:14)
'Jehovah-jireh' is listed in Strong's dictionary as word
3070 and, according to the dictionary, came from word 3068.
Word 3068 is 'Yehovih' or Jehovah and is the same word that
is used for Jehovah in Exodus 6:3, Psalms 83:18, Isaiah
12:2, and Isaiah 26:4 (the four places where 'Jehovah' is
used in the King James version of the Old Testament).
This use of the name 'Jehovah' by Abraham is significant,
because in Exodus 6:3 we read the following:
And God spake unto Moses, and said unto him, I am the
LORD:
And I appeared unto Abraham, unto Isaac, and unto Jacob,
by the name of God Almighty, but by my name JEHOVAH was
I not known to them. (Exodus 6:3)
That verse was apparently either incorrectly copied by the
scribes who reproduced the manuscripts used in the KJV, or
it was translated incorrectly by the scholars who produced
the KJV, because Abraham did know of the name 'Jehovah' and
used it in giving a symbolical name to Mt. Moriah.
Jehovah is Jesus Christ
-----------------------
We have seen that the God who brought the children of Israel
out of Egypt was Jehovah. Jehovah was the God of the Old
Testament, the deity who spoke to Samuel, David, Isaiah,
Jeremiah, and all of the Old Testament prophets. Jehovah
revealed to Isaiah that
I, even I, am the LORD; and beside me there is no
saviour.
Thus saith the LORD, your redeemer, the Holy One of
Israel; For your sake I have brought down all their
nobles, and the Chaldeans, whose cry is in the ships.
I am the LORD, your Holy One, the creator of Israel,
your King. (Isaiah 43:11,14-15)
The Hebrew word translated LORD in those verses is
'Yahovah', or in English Jehovah. Thus, we see from those
verses that Jehovah declared himself to be the only Savior,
the Redeemer, and the Holy One of Israel. We know from our
understanding of the New Testament that those titles belong
to Jesus Christ. Thus, we understand that Jehovah is in
fact Jesus Christ! Since Jesus had not yet been born of
Mary, we realize that he as Jehovah was a spirit personage
as we discussed in the previous chapter.
There are other verses from the Old Testament that also
teach that Jehovah would perform the mission of Jesus
Christ. Notice the use of the same Hebrew word 'Yahovah' in
these verses (translated LORD).
Before the LORD: for he cometh, for he cometh to judge
the earth: he shall judge the world with righteousness,
and the people with his truth. (Psalms 96:13)
Behold, God is my salvation; I will trust, and not be
afraid: for the LORD JEHOVAH is my strength and my
song; he also is become my salvation. (Isaiah 12:2)
Who hath wrought and done it, calling the generations
from the beginning? I the LORD, the first, and with the
last; I am he. (Isaiah 41:4)
Fear not, thou worm Jacob, and ye men of Israel; I will
help thee, saith the LORD, and thy redeemer, the Holy
One of Israel. (Isaiah 41:14)
But Israel shall be saved in the LORD with an
everlasting salvation: ye shall not be ashamed nor
confounded world without end. (Isaiah 45:17)
And he said unto them, I am an Hebrew; and I fear the
LORD, the God of heaven, which hath made the sea and the
dry land. (Jonah 1:9)
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| 4.70 | Creation | CACHE::LEIGH | Let your light shine | Tue Oct 08 1991 11:41 | 86 |
|
The scriptures speak of God creating the universe. Let us
look at those scriptures to understand what is meant by
*creation*.
Biblical Context to 'Creation'
------------------------------
For by him were all things created, that are in heaven,
and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether
they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or
powers: all things were created by him, and for him:
(Colossians 1:16)
For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto
good works, which God hath before ordained that we
should walk in them. (Ephesians 2:10)
And sware by him that liveth for ever and ever, who
created heaven, and the things that therein are, and the
earth, and the things that therein are, and the sea, and
the things which are therein, that there should be time
no longer. (Revelation 10:6)
The Greek word that was translated 'created' in those verses
is 'ktidzo' meaning to fabricate or to found (establish).
But from the beginning of the creation God made them
male and female. (Mark 10:6)
For in those days shall be affliction, such as was not
from the beginning of the creation which God created
unto this time, neither shall be. (Mark 13:19)
For the invisible things of him from the creation of the
world are clearly seen, being understood by the things
that are made, even his eternal power and godhead; so
that they are without excuse: (Romans 1:20)
And saying, Where is the promise of his coming? for
since the fathers fell asleep, all things continue as
they were from the beginning of the creation. (2 Peter
3:4)
And unto the angel of the church of the Laodiceans
write; These things saith the Amen, the faithful and
true witness, the beginning of the creation of God;
(Revelation 3:14)
The Greek translated 'creation' in those verses is 'ktisis',
and it means 'building'.
In a similar fashion, all of the verses in the Old Testament
that were translated 'create' are the Hebrew word 'bara'
which means to do or to make.
The Biblical context of God's creation, therefore, is to
fabricate, to build, to make, or to do. This context
implies that the act of creation is using existing materials
in the fabrication or building process.
Orthodox Christian Tenet Not Biblical
-------------------------------------
I am discussing this, because one of the tenets of orthodox
Christianity is that God created the universe from nothing.
As we have seen, that tenet is not Biblical. The Biblical
teaching is that God created the universe from existing
materials.
Latter-day Revelation
---------------------
Through modern revelation to Joseph Smith, the Lord revealed
that He did in fact create the universe from existing
materials.
And then the Lord said: Let us go down. And they went
down at the beginning, and they, that is the Gods,
organized and formed the heavens and the earth.
(Abraham 4:1)
God organized and formed the universe.
|
| 4.71 | Table of Contents | CACHE::LEIGH | Let your light shine | Wed Oct 09 1991 13:54 | 488 |
|
(Thanks to Tamara Dull for compiling this)
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Note 4.*
# TITLE/Subtitle
1 THE GODHEAD
Separate Gods or Personages in Godhead
Oneness of the Godhead
2 THE FORM OF GOD
Image and Likeness of God
Form of God the Son
Form of God the Father
Form of God the Holy Ghost
3 THE VIRGIN BIRTH OF JESUS
4 THE GOD TO WHOM I PRAY
Manner of Prayer
Jesus as Mediator
Pray in the Name of Jesus
5 MY TESTIMONY OF JESUS CHRIST
6 THE BIBLE AS A SOURCE OF TRUTH
The Bible Must Be Interpreted to Have Any Meaning
The Bible Cannot Be Used as an Infallible Guide to Truth
Reading the Bible in Context
What It Means to Study in Context
Reading the Bible with Prayer
7 ANSWERS TO PRAYER
We Should Pray
Understanding Answers to Prayers
We Have Spirit Intelligences
The Holy Spirit Communicates With Our Spirits
We Recognize Spiritual Communication Through Our Feelings
Can Our Feelings Be Trusted?
8 THE NEW TESTAMENT CHURCH
Jesus Had Power From His Father
Jesus Ordained the 12 Apostles and Gave Them Authority
Jesus Intended That There Always Be 12 Apostles
The Twelve Apostles Were the Foundation of the Church
The Apostles were Permanent Officers of the Church
The Church Contained Other Officers
Criterion For Being an Apostle Was Being Ordained With
Authority
9 NEW TESTAMENT CHURCH GUIDED BY REVELATION
The Apostles Chose a Replacement for Judas by Revelation
Jesus Revealed that Gospel Should Be Taken to All Nations
Apostles Guided by Revelation Concerning Circumcision
Apostles Freed From Prison By Angel
Peter Freed From Prison By Angel
Philip Guided by Angel in His Missionary Work
Paul Converted Through Visions
Angels Prophesy of Second Coming of Christ
The Apostle John Visited by an Angel
The New Testament Church
10 AUTHORITY FROM GOD
Jesus Had Power from His Father
Jesus Ordained the 12 Apostles and Gave Them Authority
The Seventy Were Ordained With Authority
Seven Men Ordained With Authority to Assist the Twelve
Paul and Barnabas Given Authority as Missionaries
Elders Were Ordained in Every City
Two Divisions in the Authority of God
Authority of God Given Through Men Already Having It
A Modern-Day Parable of Authority
11 THE GREAT APOSTASY BEGINS
Identifying Traits of Jesus' Church
Apostles Tried to Keep the Church Unified
Apostasy Began to Creep Into the Church
Apostles Knew the Church Would Be Destroyed by Apostasy
With the Apostles Gone, the Apostasy Blossomed
12 THE GREAT APOSTASY CONTINUES
First Century AD
Second Century AD
Third Century AD
Fourth Century AD
What of the Reformation?
13 THE DOCTRINE OF THE TRINITY
Origin of the Orthodox Teaching of the Trinity
Creeds Replaced Revelation From God
14 THE RESTORATION BEGINS
Peter Had Spoken of a Restoration of All Things
Reformation Prepared Way for the Restoration
Restoration of the Gospel
Knowledge Restored Through Joseph's Vision
The Churches Are All Wrong
Do Mormons Worship Joseph Smith?
Your Challenge
15 VISITATIONS OF THE ANGEL MORONI
16 THE BOOK OF MORMON, ANOTHER TESTAMENT OF JESUS CHRIST
The Holy Bible, Testaments of Jesus Christ
The Book of Mormon, Another Testament of Jesus Christ
The Story of the Book of Mormon
17 JESUS CHRIST APPEARED IN ANCIENT AMERICA
The Resurrected Jesus Christ Appeared to the Nephites
18 WHY ANOTHER BOOK OF SCRIPTURE?
God is God of All Nations
19 BIBLICAL PROPHECIES OF THE BOOK OF MORMON
Jesus Has Other Sheep
Sticks of Judah and of Joseph
Joseph's Blessing
What About the Book of Revelation, Chapter 22?
Remember Deuteronomy
Moroni's Challenge
20 THE BOOK OF MORMON TESTIFIES OF JESUS CHRIST
Nephi Sees the Birth of Jesus of Nazareth
Lehi Teaches Redemption Comes Through Jesus Christ
Jacob (Brother of Nephi) Taught the Grace of Christ
Nephi, Jacob, and Another Brother Joseph Taught Christ
King Benjamin Teaches Christ
The People are Converted Through King Benjamin's Discourse
The Prophet Alma Teaches of a Spiritual Rebirth
21 CONVERSION TO JESUS CHRIST CHANGES LIVES
Amulek Teaches Redemption and Resurrection
Lamanites Converted to Christ
Ammon Glories in the Lord
Alma Describes His Conversion to Christ
22 THE RESTORATION CONTINUES
Restoration of Authority to Perform Baptisms
Restoration of Authority of the Apostles
Organization of the Church of Jesus Christ
23 THE PENTECOSTAL PATTERN
24 FAITH
Faith is the First Principle of the Gospel
Is Faith Alone Sufficient?
25 CHRIST IS THE GIFT!
26 SALVATION IS CONDITIONAL
Salvation Through Jesus Christ is Conditional
Necessary But Not Sufficient
27 FAITH AND WORKS
True Faith Leads to Christ-like Works
Faith and Works Cannot Be Separated
Salvation From Sin Conditioned on Good Works
Salvation Does Not Come Via the Law
Paul Taught Works
28 LOVE
29 REPENTANCE
Repentance is Necessary
We Must Endure to the End in Faithfulness
Characteristics of True Repentance
30 BAPTISM
Baptism Symbolizes the Death, Burial, and Resurrection of
Jesus
Jesus Also Referred to Baptism as a Birth
Baptism is Only a Symbol
Jesus Though Sinless Was Baptized
True Repentance Must Precede Baptism
Other Verses Concerning Baptism
Does "Baptism" Mean Water Baptism?
31 THE HOLY GHOST
Holy Ghost Came on Pentecost
Peter Taught Baptism of Water and of Spirit
Holy Ghost Given to Those Who Obey God
Holy Ghost Given by Laying on of Hands by One in Authority
Influence of the Holy Ghost in Our Lives
32 OBEDIENCE TO JESUS CHRIST
Loving God Implies Keeping His Commandments
Obedience to God's Commandments is Essential
Obedience Does Not Save Us
33 EXAMPLES OF THE PENTECOSTAL PATTERN
Converts on Pentecost Were Baptized
Philip's Converts Were Baptized
Paul Was Baptized
Cornelius Was Baptized
Paul and Silas' Jailer Was Baptized
Paul Baptized in Ephesus
Paul Described His Baptism
Conclusion
34 THE BOOK OF MORMON TEACHES FAITH
The Lord Can Do All Things
Enos Receives Forgiveness from Jesus Christ
King Benjamin Taught His People About Christ
Alma Taught His Son to Depend Upon God
35 THE BOOK OF MORMON TEACHES FAITH & WORKS
Lehi Taught Salvation Comes Through Christ's Grace
Jacob Taught Grace Comes After Reconciliation
Nephi Taught the Relationship Between Grace and Works
36 THE BOOK OF MORMON TEACHES LOVE
Jacob Taught Love of Truth
King Benjamin Taught Us to Become Like Children
Alma Encouraged Those Converted to Christ to Feel His Love
Alma Taught That We Must Become Full of Love
Love Removed Contention
Mormon Defined Charity as the Pure Love Possessed by Christ
37 THE BOOK OF MORMON TEACHES REPENTANCE
All Must Repent
Only Little Children Do Not Need Repentance
We Must Repent Now
38 THE BOOK OF MORMON TEACHES BAPTISM
Baptism is a Witness of Our Covenant with God
Baptisms Must Be By Proper Authority
Redemption Comes Through Faith, Repentance,Baptism
Even Jesus Had to be Baptized to Show Us the Way
39 THE BOOK OF MORMON TEACHES THE HOLY GHOST
Religious Conviction Comes From the Holy Ghost
Testimonies of Christ Come From the Holy Ghost
Gifts of the Holy Ghost Are Still in the Church
Holy Ghost Comes Through Personal Worthiness
You Can Know of the Truthfulness of the Book of Mormon
40 THE BOOK OF MORMON TEACHES OBEDIENCE
Jesus Set the Example of Being Obedient to God
We Covenant to Always Obey God
King Benjamin Taught Service to Others Through Obedience
Benjamin's People Covenant to Serve God
Obedience Follows Spiritual Conversion
41 OUR FREEDOM TO CHOOSE
We Are Accountable to God
We Are Free to Choose
42 THE BOOK OF MORMON TEACHES FREE AGENCY
Lehi Taught That We are Free
God's Purpose in Our Creation Was That We Might Be Free
God Created Us to be Free
43 LATTER-DAY REVELATION: SPHERES OF FREEDOM
44 THE FALL OF ADAM
Adam and Eve Were Married by God
The Sin of Adam
The Fall of Adam
Effect of the Fall
Adam and Eve Suffered Two Deaths
As Mortals, Adam and Eve Had Children
45 BORN IN SIN
All Have Sinned
Conditions For Sin Came Into the World
46 THE ATONEMENT OF JESUS CHRIST
A Need for a Messiah
Christ Removed the Effects of Adam's Sin
All People Will Be Resurrected With Glorified Physical Bodies
Christ Provided Forgiveness of Sins
Christ Completely Paid for Adam's Sin
Christ's Atonement Removes Our Sins
47 WHAT HAPPENS TO CHILDREN WHO DIE?
Children Are of the Kingdom of God
Review of the Fall and the Atonement
Children Cleansed By Christ's Atonement
48 THE BOOK OF MORMON TEACHES THE SALVATION OF CHILDREN
Mormon Was Grieved That Children Were Being Baptized
Children Are Clean
Mormon Taught Who Should Be Baptized
God is Fair and Just
Children Are Redeemed in Christ
49 WE ARE ADOPTED TO CHRIST
We Are Born Again
Being Born Again is More Than Acceptance of Christ
Christ Has Adopted Those Who Believe
Christ Becomes Our Father
Satan Also Becomes a Father
Which Adoption Will We Choose?
50 WHERE DID WE COME FROM?
Blind Man Had Potential to Sin Prior to Birth
Jeremiah Ordained a Prophet Prior to Birth
We Lived as Spirit Offspring of God
We Rejoiced as the Earth Was Created
Other Scriptures
51 JESUS IS THE FIRSTBORN
Biblical Scriptures Teach That Christ is the Firstborn
Jesus is the Firstborn of God's Spirit Children
Christ is Both a Spirit Child and the Physical Child of God
52 WAR IN HEAVEN
War in Heaven
Satan Rebelled Against God
Lucifer Sought After the Glory of God
Lucifer Cast From Heaven by Power of God
Many Spirits Followed Lucifer
Satan and His Spirits Kept Not Their First Estate
How Could Wickedness and Disobedience Exist in Heaven?
53 SPIRIT BROTHERS AND SISTERS
We Are Spirit Brothers and Sisters of Each Other
Jesus Christ is Our Elder Spirit Brother
Satan is Also Our Spirit Brother
54 LATTER-DAY REVELATION: WHERE DID WE COME FROM?
We Lived As Intelligent, Spirit Children of Our Father in
Heaven
Jesus Christ Was Chosen to Be the Messiah
Jesus Wanted to Do the Will of the Father: Lucifer Wanted
the Glory for Himself
War in Heaven Fought Over Our Freedom to Choose
55 WHY ARE WE HERE?
Home for His Spirit Children
Physical Bodies
To Know Both Good and Evil
To Be Tested
56 THE BOOK OF MORMON TEACHES A PROBATIONARY STATE
Mortality is a Probationary State
The Earth Was Created That We Might Prove Ourselves
Trial of Faith
57 THE SPIRIT WORLD
Paradise
A Waiting Place for the Resurrection
A Place of Learning
58 THE RESURRECTION OF JESUS CHRIST
Jesus Christ Was Resurrected
Jesus Has His Resurrected Body Today
59 THE RESURRECTION OF EVERYONE
Others Were Resurrected After Jesus
Everyone Will Be Resurrected
Two General Resurrections
The Resurrection of the Just
The Resurrection of the Unjust
60 THE JUDGMENT
Christ Spoke of a Judgment
The Apostles Spoke of a Judgment
61 MANY MANSIONS
Many Mansions
Paul Caught Up to the Third Heaven
The Mansions Have Different Levels of Glory
62 LATTER-DAY REVELATION: SALVATION FOR THE DEAD
Christ is a Proxy for Us
We Can Be Proxies for Others
Baptism for the Dead Mentioned by Paul
63 LATTER-DAY REVELATION: THE THREE DEGREES OF GLORY
The Celestial Kingdom
The Terrestrial Kingdom
The Telestial Kingdom
64 LATTER-DAY REVELATION: OUTER DARKNESS
65 HELL
Hebrew and Greek Words Meaning Hell
Hell to Give Up Its Dead
What About Eternal Punishment?
Some Spirits Not Freed From Hell
66 LATTER-DAY REVELATION: ETERNAL MARRIAGE
Apostles Could Bind in Heaven
Adam and Eve Were Married for Eternity
The Lord's Marriages are Eternal
What of Matthew 22:30?
Eternal Marriages are Performed in LDS Temples
67 THE PLAN OF SALVATION
The Sermon on the Mount
Jesus Taught That We Should Become Perfect
Is Perfection Actually Possible?
We Become Joint Heirs With Christ
We Partake of the Divine Nature of God
We Shall Inherit All Things
Nothing Will Be Withheld by God
Ye Are Gods
The Purpose of God's Creations
Is This Blasphemy?
68 LATTER-DAY REVELATION: THE GLORY OF GOD
69 JESUS CHRIST IS JEHOVAH
The God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob
Jehovah, The God of the Old Testament
Jehovah is Jesus Christ
70 CREATION
Biblical Context to 'Creation'
Orthodox Christian Tenet Not Biblical
Latter-day Revelation
|