Reflections of a Mormon

Preface - Reflections of a Mormon

2008-03-06T09:30:00.000-08:00

While I was serving as a full time missionary of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, I wrote the following book reflecting on my beliefs. Reflections of a Mormon is a compilation of my studies and love for the gospel of Jesus Christ. I welcome you and thank you for allowing me to share this work with you. There are 13 parts and my testimony at the end listed on the right side of the screen. You can feel free to go through any or all of them. Also, if you wish to read this work in French, there is a link to the French site above the picture.

Thank you!

The Gospel of Jesus Christ is Magnificent. It is found in its plainness in the scriptures which testifies of Jesus Christ and His ministry. As a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, I often reflected on how plain the teachings of the prophets are. Those writings are available to all of us. As I study the Bible and the Book of Mormon, two witnesses of Christ, I can see the greatness of the plan of God and the principles Christ taught as He established His church on both Eastern and Western hemisphere. These Holy writings He has given us are His words through the mouth of His faithful servants, the prophets. I know that through those writings we can find the fullness of the Doctrines of Christ.

Christ is the center of the “Mormon” religion. Mormonism is not a cult. As its name professes, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is lead by Jesus Christ. Through this study, we will discuss the Doctrines of Christ and how they are taught in the Church of Jesus Christ. We will see that all of Christ’s doctrines are found in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
I express my deep thanks to all those that made this ‘journey’ possible. Among those, I express my deep respect for President Thorderson who helped me, during my mission, to develop, within me, the desire to search and understand the message of the scriptures. Acknowledgment is also given to sister Black for her great help as well as the office staff of the Utah Salt Lake City mission and some close missionary friends for their support. I also express my gratitude to all the people I met during the course of my mission who instilled within me, the desire to understand better the Doctrines of Christ as found in His Church.
Above all, I give all my gratitude to God for His inspiration, guidance, and love that I felt throughout the preparation of this work. Glory be in His name.

June 30, 2000

The insights represented in this book were acquired to a great extend as I was serving as a missionary in the Utah Salt Lake City Mission. I have a deep sense of gratitude for these insights and the influence they have had in my life. It is my sincere hope and prayer that it may also influence the life of others.
In invite anyone who would like to share their feelings, observations or comments, to write me at the following e-mail address: rolandlep1@gmail.com

Introduction

2008-03-04T19:49:00.000-08:00

There are reasons I decided to write this book. The first reason is for the glory of our Father in Heaven and to add this simple witness from myself to all the witnesses that have been borne before me, and will be borne in the future, that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God.It is a firm belief of mine that Christ, though a great prophet, was the divine and only Begotten Son of the Father. Unfortunately, there are many misunderstandings coming from a lack of information and knowledge about the Church of Jesus Christ.

Through this work I hope to express, with sincerity of heart, our beliefs as members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day saints. Christ is the center of our faith. "Mormons" are Christians. We are called Mormons because of an ancient record abridged by a prophet named Mormon, concerning the people living on the American continent. It is an ancient record that has been given to us, for the benefit of man, and is another witness of Jesus Christ as the Bible. The Book of Mormon gives us further light on the Gospel of Jesus Christ, His life through the testimonies of ancient prophets, and an account of their civilization.

Accompanied with the Bible, the Book of Mormon helps us all to understand the divine mission of the Savior and the way He established His church on earth.Mormons love the Lord. We also love the people around us. Families are a divine gift from God that we want to preserve. We have a living religion, and strive to live it day after day.Mormons have a heritage of faith since the restoration of the Gospel in our day. The early Mormon pioneers set the example of faith, traveling in their wagons and handcarts across the United States so they could freely live their beliefs; sometimes sacrificing all they had to follow the commandments of the Lord. Because of the exceeding faith of these Mormon pioneers, great blessings were bestowed upon generation after generation.

Mormons are a “simple” people that have dedicated their lives to serving the Lord.Through studying the scriptures, we will see the teachings found in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints are the teachings of Jesus Christ. He personally has established His Church. The doctrines of the gospel of Jesus Christ found in the Church are not man made, but rely on revelations given through prophets from the day of Adam to our day.I pray with sincerity of heart that these words, under the influence of the Spirit, may soften hearts and change opinions. It is my hope that through this book answers may be found. The gospel of Jesus Christ contains all the truth for those who diligently seek it.

This work uses ancient and latter-day revelations from the teachings of both ancient and modern-day prophets as a means of interpreting and understanding the gospel of Jesus Christ.This work is not an official publication of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints even though it explores some of the teachings of the Church.

The principles mentioned in this work focus only on the basics of our beliefs; the basics of Christ’s teachings while he was on earth. In this study, I will refer to the standard works of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints which are the Bible, the Book of Mormon, the Doctrine and Covenants and the Pearl of great price.1 This work also uses quotes from General Authorities of the Church.I express my love and deep respect to all the believers in God and His son Jesus Christ and hope that all non-believers may come to a certain knowledge and love of them.

Brief explanation of the standard scriptures used by latter-day saints

The Bible: The Bible is one of the most popular book in the entire world. It is the center of every Christian religion.The word Bible comes from the Greek word “ta biblia” meaning the books. The Bible is the compilation of different writings containing records of divine revelations and dealings of the Lord with His people in the Eastern Hemisphere.The Christian Bible is separated into two divisions; one being called the Old Testament and the other called the New Testament.The Old Testament deals with events between the creation of the earth to the birth of Christ. It represents the covenants (or promises) between the Lord and His people. This old covenant as it was given to them is known as the Law of Moses.The New Testament is a new covenant, which is known as the Gospel of Jesus Christ.The birth of Christ in the meridian of time separated these two testaments.For this work, I used the King James Version and also the New Revised Second Version, prepared and published in France (for the translation in French).

The Book of Mormon: “The Book of Mormon is a volume of Holy Scripture comparable to the Bible. It is a record of God's dealings with the ancient inhabitants of the Americas and contains, as does the Bible, the fullness of the everlasting gospel2”The book of Mormon contains a record of three separate migrations of people from the Holy Land to the Western Hemisphere.The first one occurred about two thousand years before the birth of Christ. This group left the Holy Land at the time of the tower of Babel and the confusion of tongues3. The book of Mormon records the dealings of God with those people called the Jaredites, after the name of their leader Jared, in the writings of Ether: “Which Jared came forth with his brother and their families, with some others and their families, from the great tower, at the time the Lord confounded the language of the people, and swore in his wrath that they should be scattered upon all the face of the earth; and according to the word of the Lord the people were scattered.4”It is recorded in the Bible, that at this time, the earth was divided in different masses separated by oceans. “ For in his days was the earth divided5”. The Book of Mormon proves this division by the record of these people scattered at that time.The second group departing from the Holy Land occurred about six hundred years before Christ. This group consisted of people living in Jerusalem, departing to the Americas. The prophet Lehi led this group after receiving the commandment from the Lord. Lehi was a descendant of Joseph who was carried captive into Egypt 6 .

The Lord had made great covenants with Joseph: “ For behold, thou art the fruit of my loins; and I am a descendant of Joseph who was carried captive into Egypt. And great were the covenants of the Lord, which he made unto Joseph.7”Jacob, Joseph’s father, gave one of these blessings to Joseph’s’ seed about 1800 years before Christ. The blessing to Joseph's two sons, Ephraim and Manasseh was that their seed “ may grow into a multitude in the midst of the earth 8”. Why would not this include the Americas?The third migration occurred five hundred and eighty seven years before Christ after the invasion of the Babylonians in Jerusalem. Mulek, according to the Book of Mormon, was the leader of this group. They were called the Mulekites. Around 200 years before Christ, the Mulekites were discovered by some descendants of the second group9 :“Behold, it came to pass that Mosiah discovered that the people of Zarahemla (or Mulekites) came out from Jerusalem at the time that Zedekiah, king of Judah, was carried away captive into Babylon. And they journeyed in the wilderness, and were brought by the hand of the Lord across the great waters, into the land where Mosiah discovered them; and they had dwelt there from that time forth.”At that time, in the Bible, the Lord's prophet was Jeremiah. He prophesied “ Then shalt thou say unto them, Because your fathers have forsaken me, saith the Lord, and have walked after other gods, and have served them...And ye have done worse than your fathers.... Therefore will I cast you out of this land into a land that ye know not…10 “The Book of Mormon contains the dealings of these people with the Lord.“The crowning event, recorded in the Book of Mormon, is the personal ministry of the Lord Jesus Christ among the Nephites (descendants of Lehi) soon after his resurrection. It puts forth the doctrines of the Gospel, outlines the plan of salvation, and tells men what they must do to gain peace in this life and eternal salvation in the life to come.After Mormon completed his writings, he delivered the account to his son Moroni, who added a few words of his own and hid up the plates in the hill Cumorah about 400 years after Jesus Christ. On September 21, 1823, this same Moroni, then a glorified, resurrected being, appeared to the prophet Joseph Smith11 and instructed him relative to the ancient record and its destined translation into the English language.In due course the plates were delivered to Joseph Smith, who translated them by the gift and power of God. The record is now published in many languages as a new and additional witness that Jesus Christ is the Son of the living God and that all who will come unto him and obey the laws and ordinances of his gospel may be saved12”

The Doctrine and Covenants: “It is a collection of divine revelations and inspired declarations given for the establishment and regulation of the Kingdom of God on earth in the last days. Most of the revelations in this compilation were received through Joseph Smith Jun., the first prophet and President of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. It is unique because it is not a translation of an ancient document, but is of modern origin and was given of God through his chosen prophets for the restoration of his holy work and the establishment of the Kingdom of God on the earth.13”In it, is recorded all the things Joseph Smith needed to know to restore the church of Jesus Christ.

The Pearl of Great Price: “The Pearl of Great Price is a selection of choice materials touching many significant aspects of the faith and doctrines of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. These items were produced by the prophet Joseph Smith and were published in the Church periodicals of his day.14”From the Pearl of great price and for the purpose of this work, I decided to use:The selections from the book of Moses: As explained in the introduction of this book, the book of Moses is an extraction from the book of Genesis of Joseph Smith’s translation of the Bible.The book of Abraham: Also, mentioned in the introduction of this book, the book of Abraham is a translation from some Egyptian papyri that came into the hands of Joseph Smith in 1835, containing writings of Abraham.

Joseph Smith-History: it is an excerpt from Joseph Smith's official testimony and history, which he prepared in 1838.

The Articles of Faith of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints: This is a statement by Joseph Smith published in the times and season, March 1, 1842

SOME HISTORY ABOUT THE PROPHET JOSEPH SMITH

In 1820 Joseph Smith was a fourteen-year-old boy. He was living in the state of New York. His family consisted of eleven souls. His father Joseph Smith, his mother Lucy Smith; his brothers Alvin, Hyrum, himself, Samuel Harrison, William, Don Carlos and his sisters, Sophronia, Catherine, and Lucy15.

It was a time of great confusion. Many religions were contending one with another concerning their differing interpretations of the doctrine. While part of his family joined the Presbyterian faith, he couldn't decide which of these churches the right one was. In fact, all these churches were claiming to know and teach the truth about God, but their teachings were so different. Joseph Smith knew he needed to join a church so that he may get closer to God, but which one? He explained his confusion in this way:“During this time of great excitement my mind was called up to serious reflection and great uneasiness; but though my feelings were deep and often poignant, still I kept myself aloof16 from all these parties, though I attended their several meetings as often as occasion would permit. In process of time my mind became somewhat partial to the Methodist sect, and I felt some desire to be united with them; but so great were the confusion and strife among the different denominations, that it was impossible for a person young as I was, and so unacquainted with men and things, to come to any certain conclusion who was right and who was wrong.17”

It is evident the confusion the young Joseph was going through was extreme. Though he was confused, he explained that he kept visiting the different churches. He expressed some of his feelings in this way: “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?18”. Many of us go through this kind of confusion while on earth. Joseph Smith knew one way he could find out about God and His truth was through the Bible. In some way, if a person were sick, this person would go to a doctor, being the one having the knowledge and the ability to give him a diagnosis, and not a mechanic, or a fireman! In the same way, the Bible contains the word of God. God knows the truths about us and the earth better than anyone else does. He was the best person for a diagnosis on a religious matter. “While I was laboring under the extreme difficulties caused by the contest 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 not19; and it shall be given him. Never did any passage of scripture come with more power to the heart of a man than this did at this 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...20”.

It is impressive to see how much this verse helped him overcome his confusion. “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.21”

The young Joseph Smith decided to follow the teachings of the Bible. He would go and ask God. One spring morning, he went into a nearby grove of trees to make an attempt to pray.He said “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.22” Joseph Smith had great faith, and was fully expecting an answer from God. Because of his faith and determination, one of the greatest experiences happened to him. In his own word he said: “I saw a pillar of light exactly over my head, above the brightness of the sun, which descended gradually until it fell upon me. 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!23”Joseph Smith had just received the powerful visitation of God the Father and His Son, Jesus Christ. His purpose in praying was to ask which church of these churches he should join. He was not expecting the answer he received. He was told not to join any of those churches24. All the churches were teaching some correct principles and doctrine that would help people lead a good life, but many truth had been lost centuries before. The fullness of the truth was to be re-established again on earth.

Through this experience and many more, Joseph Smith was chosen and called to be a prophet of God. He was like Moses and other biblical prophets who learned from firsthand experience the truth about the gospel of Jesus Christ, and were commanded to preach it.From that day on, Joseph Smith received many visitations from angels, who prepared him to restore the Kingdom of God on earth, which is His church. Among those, was the angel Moroni, the last prophet of the Book of Mormon25. He, as a resurrected being, visited Joseph Smith and through different visits prepared him26. Since that day, Joseph Smith knew the truth and God knew that he knew the truth. He was the first person claiming that God and Jesus Christ were two separate beings. For this reason, and many others, he was persecuted all during his life. He was foretold by the angel Moroni that this would happen “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.27” He was commanded later, to translate the Book of Mormon by power and inspiration of God.

There is an interesting story that is worth explaining about Joseph Smith History and a prophecy of Isaiah in the Bible. Isaiah said: “For the Lord hath poured out upon you the spirit of deep sleep, and hath closed your eyes: the prophets and your rulers, the seers hath he covered.28” This deep sleep spoken about is the Apostasy, or dark ages, a time of spiritual blindness.29 “And the vision of all is become unto you as the words of a book that is sealed, which men deliver to one that is learned, saying, Read this I pray thee: and he saith, I cannot; for it is sealed: And the book is delivered to him that is not learned, saying, Read this, I pray thee: and he saith, I am not learned.30” Now a few centuries later, during a time of confusion about truth and religion, a young man, not learned, Joseph Smith received a book divinely inspired.A few years later, as he started the translation, this is what happened to him. This is an account of Martin Harris, a person helping Joseph Smith to do the great work of translating this book:“I went to the city of New York, and presented the characters which had been translated, with the translation thereof, to Professor Charles Anthon, a gentleman celebrated for his literary attainments. Professor Anthon stated that the translation was correct, more so than any he had before seen translated from the Egyptian. I then showed him those which were not yet translated, and he said that they were Egyptian, Chaldaic, Assyriac, and Arabic; and he said they were true characters. He gave me a certificate, certifying to the people of Palmyra that they were true characters, and that the translation of such of them as had been translated was also correct. I took the certificate and put it into my pocket, and was just leaving the house, when Mr. Anthon called me back, and asked me how the young man found out that there were gold plates in the place where he found them. I answered that an angel of God had revealed it unto him. He then said to me, “Let me see that certificate”. I accordingly took it out of my pocket and gave it to him, when he took it and tore it to pieces, saying that there was no such thing now as ministering of angels, and that if I would bring the plates to him he would translate them. I informed him that part of the plates were sealed, and that I was forbidden to bring them. He replied, “I cannot read a sealed book.” I left him and went to Dr. Mitchell, who sanctioned what Professor Anthon had said respecting both the characters and the translation.31”

It is interesting to see the realization of the prophecy of the great prophet Isaiah. Isaiah described the coming forth of the Book of Mormon and the restoration of the Gospel of Jesus Christ as a “ marvelous work and a wonder.32” A revelation from the Lord given to the prophet Joseph Smith in February 1829, gave the same vision of this work: “Now behold, a marvelous work is about to come forth among the children of men.33” For every Latter-day Saint, this is a marvelous work and a wonder!

To explain the beliefs of the latter-day Saints, we will describe those thirteen articles of faith that are the basis of our beliefs. Those articles of faith were not produced by some scholars, but came right from the mouth of the prophet Joseph Smith through inspiration of God. “It is a declaration of that which is the most assuredly believed by the Church, for one making earnest inquiry about the truth.34”It is a declaration of belief to the entire world. We will explain in more details those beliefs and include the doctrines of Christ through the Bible and the Book of Mormon. The articles of faith are totally in harmony with the doctrines of Christ. Through those articles of faith, we will see the plain and simple truths taught by the Savior and his prophets. We will explain the “Mormon” beliefs and ways of worshipping Almighty God.

Part 1-The Godhead

2008-03-04T19:47:00.000-08:00

“ We believe in God, the Eternal Father, and in His Son, Jesus Christ, and in the Holy Ghost."

A) God, the Father
God! Who is he really? Does he really exist? When we look around at the beauty of the world and its organization, everything denotes and testifies that there is a God. Everyone, at least once in their lifetime wonders about it. It is reasonable to say that most of the people, here on the earth, believe in a supreme being, called by many different names. From God to Allah, from Buddha to the Great Spirit.
It is a true and basic belief that we have, as members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, that there is a God! A living God. He is perfect, all wise and all-powerful! The prophet Joseph Smith once said: “If men do not comprehend the character of God, they do not comprehend themselves.1” Through a revelation concerning the church organization received in April 1830, the prophet Joseph Smith recorded: “By these things we know that there is a God in heaven, who is infinite and eternal, from everlasting to everlasting the same unchangeable God, the framer of heaven and earth, and all things which are in them; And that he created man, male and female, after his own image and his own likeness, created he them; And gave unto them commandments that they should love and serve him, the only living and true God, and that he should be the only being whom they should worship.2”
Many Christians believe in a God and a Son, as one being. After studying the Bible in depth, the true gospel of Jesus Christ appears in its simple truth. “ 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.3” What a beautiful way for our Father in heaven to show us His great love. His Son came to earth and gave his life for us. While on earth, Jesus Christ was baptized by immersion, by John the Baptist in the Jordan River. Matthew gave an account of this baptism. “And Jesus, when he was baptized, went up straightway out of the water....And lo a voice from heaven, saying, "This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.4” What a beautiful experience. If a voice was coming out from heaven saying "This is my beloved Son", how could Jesus Christ and God the Father be the same beings ?

Later on, after Jesus Christ was resurrected, he appeared to Mary Magdalene in the Garden and reaffirmed the same truth when she tried to touch him, wanting to make sure that the person she was seeing was real. He said “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.5” Jesus Christ was acknowledging his Sonship and the greatness of His father, who is the Father of all. The final and great truth about the Godhead6 was announced while Jesus Christ was praying to his Father for those who believe that he has sent him7: “That they all may be one; as thou, Father, art in me, and I in thee, that they also may be one in us: that the world may believe that thou hast sent me. And the glory which thou gavest me I have given them; that they may be one, even as we are one8” Jesus Christ expresses his desire of unity between the saints and their Lord just as God the Father is united with his Son Jesus Christ. God the Father is literally a Father.
The Book of Mormon reinforce this eternal truth by giving us a little more insight on the subject: “And this is my doctrine, and it is the doctrine which the Father hath given unto me; and I bear record of the Father, and the Father beareth record of me, and the Holy Ghost beareth record of the Father and me; and I bear record that the Father commandeth all men, everywhere, to repent and believe in me. And thus will the Father bear record of me, and the Holy Ghost will bear record unto him of the Father and me; for the father, and I, and the Holy Ghost are one.9” These are the words that the Lord addressed to his people while visiting on the American continent. We believe that God the Father, Jesus Christ and the Holy Ghost are three separate and different beings although, one in unity and purpose. God the Father being the Father of all, living from eternities to eternities.

B) Jesus Christ, the Son
Jesus Christ was sent by the Father to redeem us from our sins and showed us the way to return to the Father. Some confusion may occur in the fact that the Son, Jesus Christ, may also be called the Father; having taken part in the creation of the world with his Father.
“And God said, let us make man in our image, after our likeness...10”. Moses knew whom was this "us" spoken about in the book of Genesis. He gave an account himself of the creation while he was being taught by the Lord: “And I, God, said unto mine Only Begotten, which was with me from the beginning: Let us make man after our own image, after our likeness...11”.
“Us” was God the Father and his Son Jesus Christ. Jesus Christ created the earth and every one of us under the direction of his Father.
Many centuries ago, Jesus Christ asked his Apostles while they were at the coast of Ceasarea Phillipi: “Whom do men say that I the Son of man am?12” . Proof of the confusion of the time is that they referred to him as John the Baptist, or any other prophet. With a desire to find out what they, the Apostles thought about him, he asked: “But whom say ye that I am?13” . Simon Peter answered: “Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God.14” At that time, the divine Sonship of Christ had been revealed to Peter Simon, not by men's knowledge but by the Father, which is in heaven15."

Jesus Christ is the Son of God. He is also our Savior and Redeemer; He was the only one pure and perfect enough to take the sins of the world upon Him. One of the prophets of the Church, David O. Mckay said: “ The gospel teaches that Christ is the Son of God, the Redeemer of the world. No true follower is satisfied to accept him merely as a great Reformer, the ideal Teacher, or even as the one perfect Man. The Man of Galilee is not figuratively, but literally, the Son of the living God 16.”
Jesus Christ, during his mortal life, showed us the way to return to our heavenly Father. He, being “The way, the truth and the life.17” He taught important truths that help us become more like him and our Father in heaven. He simply asked us to do by the simple thing: “If ye love me, keep my commandments.18” Because he paid the price for us, he obtained the right to judge us. “For the Father judgeth no man, but hath committed all judgment unto the Son [..]. 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 me19”, said Jesus Christ. The Father hath committed all judgment unto the Son who seeks to do the will of his Father “For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are on earth.... And he is before all things, and by him all things consist.20” In fact, John expresses the idea that Jesus Christ will be our advocate with the Father21.
Each of us will be judged by our works and the desires of our hearts. A revelation given to the Prophet Joseph Smith from the Lord expresses the truth: “For I, the Lord, will judge all men according to their works, according to the desire of their hearts.22”

C) The Holy Ghost
We have treated of two essential beings constituting the Godhead. The third one is called the Holy Ghost; being a personage of spirit. “The Father has a body of flesh and bones as tangible as man's; the Son also; but the Holy Ghost has not a body of flesh and bones, but is a personage of spirit. Were it not so, the Holy Ghost could not dwell in us. A man may receive the Holy Ghost, and it may descend upon him and not tarry with him.23” He has a real importance in the Godhead. He testifies of the truth. His role is to testify of Jesus Christ.
While Jesus Christ was with his Apostles, just before his crucifixion, he explained to them that he was about to leave and return home to His father. But he wouldn't leave the Apostles alone. He would send them the Holy Ghost or Comforter: “But when the comforter is come, whom I will send unto you from the Father, even the Spirit of truth, which proccedeth from the Father, he shall testify of me.24” The Holy Ghost testifies of the truth, about Christ; just as Christ testifies of the Father.

The Holy Ghost often times is referred to as the Comforter. He also has the power to enlighten our minds, to stimulate our conscience through feelings, and witnesses of the truthfulness of all things. “ And by the power of the Holy Ghost ye may know the truth of all things.25”

The Apostle Paul identified these feelings from the Holy Ghost, while he was teaching the people in Galatia. He used the analogy of a spirit tree and explained the fruit coming from this tree, just like every tree produces fruit. Any truth, coming from the Lord is confirmed by the Holy Ghost. “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, long-suffering, gentleness, goodness, faith. Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.26” From the Mormon Doctrine, we read: “The Holy Ghost is the Comforter, Testator, Revelator, Sanctifier, Holy spirit, Holy Spirit of Promise, Spirit of Truth, Spirit of the Lord, and Messenger of the Father and the Son, and his companionship is the greatest gift that mortal man can enjoy. 27”

Any truth can be confirmed through the power of the Holy Ghost. Those feelings mentioned by the Apostle Paul are some of the ways the Lord uses to talk to his children. It is the way the Lord has provided so that his children can find the truth and not be lost in darkness and confusion.
In the world many truths are given, many truths are taken. The Lord loves us so much that he made it possible for us to recognize which is from Him, and which is from man. God the Eternal Father, Jesus Christ and the Holy Ghost are what we call the Godhead. Three different beings, all witnessing of the other and having the same purpose which make them one. It is fundamental to know them; to appreciate them, and recognize their role and their importance.

References:

1. Teaching of the Prophet Joseph Smith, pg. 343
2. Doctrine and Covenants 20: 17-19
3. John 3: 16
4. Matthew 3: 17
5. John 20: 17
6. Godhead meaning “God the Father, Jesus Christ the Son, and The Holy Ghost”
7. See John 17: 20
8. John 17: 21-22
9. 3 Nephi 11: 32, 36
10. See Genesis 1: 26
11. See Pearl of Great Price; Book of Moses 2: 26
12. Matthew 16: 13
13. Matthew 16: 15
14. Matthew 16: 16
15. See Matthew 16:17
16. David O. McKay, Gospel Ideals, pg. 46
17. See John 14: 6
18. John 14: 15
19. See John 5: 22, 30
20. See Colossians 1: 16-17
21. See 1 John 2: 1
22. Doctrine and Covenants 137: 9
23. Doctrine and Covenants 130: 22-23
24. John 15: 26
25. Moroni 10:5
26. Galatians 5: 22-23
27. Bruce R. McConkie, Mormon Doctrine, pg. 359

Part 2-Our Own Responsibility in God's Plan

2008-03-04T19:44:00.000-08:00

“ We believe that men will be punished for their own sins, and not for Adam's transgression."

It is a common believe in different faiths that we are punished because Adam partook of the forbidden fruit. As a consequence, we have a judgment upon us, which we are not responsible for. It is a hard concept to accept once we know God, as a loving Father, has given us the gift of free agency. The chance to freely choose between good and evil. The prophet Lehi, in the book of Mormon expresses this idea after a revelation from the Lord: “And men are instructed sufficiently that they know good from evil. [...]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.1”

A) Adam and Eve’s responsibility in God’s plan
Since the beginning of time, the Lord established the truth that we have receive this wonderful gift of free agency. While giving some counsel to Adam in the Garden of Eden, he said: “...Of every tree of the garden thou mayest freely eat.2" The account of Moses gives us more insight on the creation " ...But of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, thou shalt not eat of it, nevertheless, thou mayest choose for thyself, for it is given unto thee; but remember that I forbid it, for in the day thou eat thereof thou shalt surely die.5” God gave him an opportunity to choose for himself.
Here on earth, there is an opposition in everything so that we may be able to learn to make correct choices. Lehi, talking to his son, said: “For it must be, that there is an opposition in all things. If not so, my first-born in the wilderness, righteousness could not be brought to pass, neither wickedness, neither holiness nor misery, neither good or bad. Wherefore, all things must needs be a compound in one; wherefore, if it should be one body it must needs remain as dead, having no life neither death, nor corruption nor incorruption, happiness nor misery, neither sense nor insensibility.4”
“And now 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.5”

God, a true and loving Father, gives us the conditions; the blessings for obedience and punishment as a result of disobedience. But we make our own choices. When we talk about the act of Adam and Eve, in the Garden of Eden, we express the act as a transgression and not as a sin. Adam did not sin in eating of the fruit of the tree of knowledge of good and evil because, in His great plan, God had decreed that he should eat and fall. Why would God have given such a commandment? Another early prophet of the Church, Joseph F. Smith, gave is opinion on the Fall: “Just why the Lord would say to Adam that he forbade him to partake of the fruit of the tree is not made clear in the Bible account, but in the original as it comes to us in the book of Moses it is made definitely clear. It is that the Lord said to Adam that if he wished to remain as he was in the garden, then he was not to eat the fruit, but if he desired to eat it and partake of death he was at liberty to do so. So really it was not in the true sense a transgression of a divine commandment. Adam made the wise decision, in fact the only decision that he could make. 6” So the main question to be decided by Adam and Eve was to find out whether they desired to remain in the Garden of Eden. If they did, they were not to partake of the fruit of the tree. They would remain in their state forever and we would not be here now. If they partook of the fruit, the Lord would forbid them to stay in the Garden but they would be able to “be fruitful and replenish the earth.”
Once Eve had partaken of the fruit of knowledge of good and evil, she would be cast out of the Garden of Eden7. Adam, having received the commandment to replenish the earth, saw the design of the Lord and his plan. So, he did partake of the fruit to be with Eve and to fulfill God's command “ to be fruitful and replenish the earth”
The fall was necessary for us. Without the fall, we would not be here and experience our mortal life. We believe that it was God’s plan since the beginning, just as much as it was His plan that Jesus Christ would be our savior.

B) Necessity of a Savior
Adam and Eve were cast out of the presence of God. As a result, they were subject to mortal death. To this end, God provided a Savior who would overcome this physical death. Through the Atonement, we can also overcome spiritual death, which come upon us as a result of our sins. We are not responsible for the transgression of Adam but we endure and suffer the consequences of physical and spiritual death. Those consequences help us grow and learn while in this life. It is also through those consequences that Adam and Eve were able to learn and grow spiritually by choosing between good and evil. Through the death and resurrection of our Savior Jesus Christ, we will be able to return and live with our Heavenly Father.

C) Our free agency
Although Christ paid the price for us, it does not eliminate our personal and individual responsibility. We need to follow the steps that Christ set up while he was ministering on earth. During this life, we choose between good and evil. Sometimes, we fall short of perfection and we sin. Sin is to act knowingly and willfully against the will of God. The death and the sufferings of Jesus Christ in Gethsemane for our sins give us a chance to repent and be forgiven of these sins.
Because of our free agency, we will have to answer for the decisions we make during this life. Adam transgressed, but it is denying the sacrifice of Jesus Christ and the power of redemption he offers us, to say that we are under condemnation.
Adam is not responsible for our sins and we are not responsible for Adam's transgression. We will be punished for our own transgressions: “ Whosoever hath sinned against me, him will I blot out of my book.8” It is a truth that has always existed and the Saints knew it in the Old Testament time.
“The fathers shall not be put to death for the children, neither shall the children be put to death for the fathers: every man shall be put to death for his own sin.9” Thus was the Law of Moses given. “The soul that sinneth, it shall die. The son shall not bear the iniquity of the father, neither shall the father bear the iniquity of the son…10”

D) Children are free from Adam’s transgression
Because of our imperfectness, each of us sin and fall short of the example of Jesus Christ. That is the reason why repentance and baptism must be taught to every one who is accountable and capable of committing sin. The prophet Moroni recorded in the Book of Mormon: “ Behold I say unto you that this thing shall ye teach- repentance and baptism unto those who are accountable and capable of committing sin…11”. Some religions believe that little children or babies need to be baptized because of the transgression of Adam. They teach that the punishment, as a result of this transgression, is over the little ones
The same Moroni, 400 years after Jesus Christ came and established His church on earth, knew that this practice would eventually come. He express his feelings about it: “ And after this manner did the Holy Ghost manifest the word of God unto me; wherefore, my beloved son, I know that it is a solemn mockery before God, that ye should baptize little children.[....] Little children need no repentance, neither baptism. Behold, baptism is unto repentance to the fulfilling the commandments unto the remission of sins. But little children are alive in Christ, even from the foundation of the world; if not 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. 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.12”

The Atonement of Jesus Christ removes all obstacles. The Atonement of Jesus Christ helps us overcome the obstacles of sin and death. Jesus Christ took upon him the effect of sins of all humanity. Through the Atonement, we will be back At– One with God; only if we use it in our life through repentance.

References:

1. 2 Nephi 2: 5, 27
2. See Genesis 2: 16
3. Moses 3: 17
4. 2 Nephi 2: 11
5. Helaman 14: 30
6. Joseph Fielding. Smith, Answers to Gospel Questions, 4: 81
7. See Genesis 2: 17
8. Exodus 32: 33
9. Deuteronomy 24: 16
10. Ezekiel 18: 20
11. See Moroni 8: 10
12. See Moroni 8: 9, 11-13, 19-20

Part 3 The Atonement of Christ and it's Effect in our life

2008-03-04T19:42:00.000-08:00

“ We believe that through the Atonement1 of Christ, all mankind may be saved, by obedience to the laws and ordinances of the
gospel."

The Atonement of Jesus Christ is one of the most wonderful gifts Christ has given us. Jesus Christ paid the price for us. Two major obstacles were standing in our way to become like our Heavenly Father and to return to him as result of the fall and of our own sins.

A) Obstacles of physical death and spiritual death

The first obstacle is the obstacle is death. The bodies that we have are imperfect; for a purpose. Imperfect, because we are subject to the laws of this world which he has created. As a result of this imperfection, we experience sicknesses, pain and sorrow... These imperfections play a great part in our progression. These imperfections also help us to appreciate the good things of this world: “For it must needs be, that there is an opposition in all things [...] And if ye shall say there is no law, ye shall also say there is no sin. If ye shall say there is no sin, ye shall also say there is no righteousness. And if there be no righteousness there be no happiness. And if there be no righteousness nor happiness there be no punishment nor misery. And if these things are not there is no God. And if there is no God we are not, neither the earth; for there could have been no creation of things, neither to act nor to be acted upon, wherefore all things must have vanished away[…]. And to bring about his eternal purposes in the end of man [...] it must needs be that there was an opposition...2”

In addition to being imperfect, our bodies are mortal. The body of our Father in heaven is perfect and immortal. So, every one of us will die to end this mortal life. It is a process that each of us will experience. Death is a result of the fall; “But now is Christ risen from the dead, and become the firstfruits 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.3” It is part of the plan of our Father, which is in heaven, that we are able to become like him. From the teachings of the prophets in the book of Mormon, we learn the same truth: “ For as death hath passed upon all men, to fulfill the merciful plan of the great Creator, there must need be a power of resurrection, and the resurrection must needs come unto man by reason of the Fall [...] Wherefore, it must needs be an infinite atonement-save it should be an infinite atonement this corruption could not put on incorruption[...] And if so, this flesh must have laid down to rot and to crumble to its mother earth, to rise no more.4”
Once we die, which is physical death5, a separation occurs between the physical body and the spirit. As we see in our civilization, the body is buried or cremated depending on personal reasons and opinions. On the other hand, the spirit continues to live as our spirits live now and goes to a place prepared by our Father in Heaven. This place is called the Spirit World. Many Christians call this place “spirit paradise”.

Jesus Christ, crucified and buried in the tomb, went as a spirit, to preach unto the Spirits in Spirit prison. “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.6” “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 spirit.7”
During these three days, He taught those who had not received a knowledge of Jesus Christ and His gospel. At death, a judgment takes place separating those who have been baptized and faithful, being in a spirit paradise, and those who have not received the gospel.
What wonderful proof of the love that our Heavenly Father has for us! He gives a chance for everyone to know the gospel that they may decide for themselves to follow or reject it; that they may be judged justly.

We cannot overcome the obstacle of death by ourselves. Jesus Christ overcame this obstacle for us. On the third day after his death, his followers gathered to the tomb “The first day of the week cometh Mary Magdalene early, when it was yet dark, unto the sepulchre, and seeth the stone taken away from the sepulchre. Then she runneth, and cometh to Simon Peter, and to the other disciple, whom Jesus loved, and saith unto them, They have taken away the Lord out of the sepulchre, and we know not were they have laid him. Peter therefore went forth, and that other disciple, and came to the sepulchre. So they ran both together, and the other disciple did outrun Peter, and came first to the sepulchre. And he stooping down, and looking in, saw the linen clothes lying; yet went he not in. Then cometh Simon Peter following him, and went into the sepulchre, and seeth the linen clothes lie. And the napkin, that was about his head, not lying with the linen clothes, but wrapped together in a place by itself. Then went in also that other disciple, which came first to the sepulchre, and he saw and believed. For as yet they knew not the scripture, that he must rise again from the dead.7”
What a wonderful experience. The teaching by Jesus Christ about the resurrection, to His Apostles, was finally being understood by them. His body was not there. Jesus Christ, the Son of God was resurrected!
His physical death had been overcome and now, His spirit had been reunited with his body. He received a glorified, immortal body. As Mary went to touch him, when he appeared to her, he said, “ Touch me not; for I am not yet ascended to my Father...9”
The prophets on the American continent knew about this plan for us. They knew about Jesus Christ as recorded in the Book of Mormon “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 Mary10” King Benjamin, a great prophet, prophesied this a hundred and twenty four years before the birth of the Lord. They knew as Jesus Christ explained; that He was and still is the only way to return to the presence of God, the Father; For Jesus said “I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me11”. “And moreover, I say unto you, that there shall be no other name given nor any other way nor means whereby salvation can come unto the children of men, only in and through the name of Christ, the Lord Omnipotent.12"

Another great personage in the Book of Mormon, a missionary at the time and about eighty-two years before Christ, taught the people in America about the resurrection. “Now, there is a death which is called a temporal death; and the death of Christ shall loose the bands of 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. Now, this restoration shall come to all, both old and young, both bond and free, both male and female, both the wicked and the righteous; and even there shall not so much as a hair of their heads be lost; but every thing shall be restored to its proper frame, as it is now, or in the body, and shall be brought and be arraigned before the bar of Christ the Son, and God the Father, and the Holy Spirit...13” Jesus overcame this obstacle of physical death for us. This gift of the resurrection is given to every Man.14
Every person born on the face of the earth receives the right to partake of the gift of resurrection and will stand before God to answer for this life. Thus, we can see that the Lord is merciful and full of love toward us.

The second obstacle keeping us from returning to our Father in Heaven is our own sins. This obstacle is called the spiritual death15. Because we fall short and because of our acts against the will of God, we withdraw ourselves from his presence “ But your iniquities have separated between you and our God, and your sins have hid his face from you, that he will not hear.16”
Sin is something that we all do. None can say that he is free from sin because we are not perfect. “If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us17”, said John in his epistle. Our imperfection, our natural man that is carnal and devilish, is being tempted by the devil. Thus all mankind is lost unless God redeems his people. We must realize that one part of the challenge we have is to overcome this natural man by yielding to the enticing of the spirit. King Benjamin, a prophet in the western hemisphere enlightened his people with this truth: “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 of the natural man 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 the Father18.” To give us a chance to grow spiritually and become more like him, we learn to choose between good and evil, between obeying God or disobeying him. There is no middle way.

Sin makes us unhappy. Sometimes it might bring a false sense of satisfaction to some of us; the time comes up rapidly when remorse covers the soul of the sinner. We feel sorrow for those sins. More than bringing unhappiness and consequences in this life, it brings consequences in the life to come. Jesus Christ prepared a way for us that cleanse from our sins; “But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleaneth us from all sins.19”
In the garden of Gethsemane, Christ personally paid the price for every one of us. Thus said Amulek in the Book of Mormon “And now, behold, I will testify unto you of myself that these things are true. Behold, I say unto you, that I do know that Christ shall come among the children of men, to take upon him the transgressions of his people, and that he shall atone for the sins of the world; for the Lord God hath spoken it. For it is expedient that an Atonement should be made; for according to the great plan of the Eternal God there must be an atonement made, or else all mankind must unavoidably perish; yea, all are hardened; yea, all are fallen and are lost, and must perish except it be through the atonement which is expedient should be made.20”
Without the Atonement, the supreme sacrifice of our Lord, we could not return to the presence of God, because of this state that we are in.

B) Importance of Christ’s Atonement to overcome physical as well as spiritual death
A story, that was presented to me while I attended an Institute of religion class, may illustrate the importance of Christ and His important role as mediator in the plan of God so that we may return to him.
A man wanted to buy a house. It had always been his desire but he did not have the money to afford it. He knew that if he could borrow some money, he could work hard and make enough money to pay back the loan. A lot of us who have a house may recognize this kind of situation. So, he went to see a banker to whom he asked to lend him enough money to buy the house. The banker accepted with one condition. The contract was that in a year, he would get his money back. If not, he will take all the possession of the man and send him to prison. The young men accepted the contract knowing that he could work hard and make enough money to pay the debt.
As the days pass by, the young man started to work really hard, until friends came around and tempted him with worldly pleasures in the city. The young man decided that he would have enough time to pay the debt, so he followed them. Little by little, it went from an hour to an entire day till it became a habit, to the point that he was spending a lot more time spending money than earning it.
The day eventually came. He was asked to pay the debt by the banker. The young man realized that he didn't have enough to pay the debt of the contract. There is a law of Justice that demands that the money should be given back to the banker. In this case, the young man, not having the money, will lose everything he has, and will go in prison.
The young man asked for mercy because to him, it did not seem just that he had to go in prison.
Those two men are debating between two great laws, the law of Justice and the law of Mercy. None of them can be satisfied. One was asking for Justice, the other begging for Mercy.
A third person came into the home. With much love, he turned to the banker and gave him the amount of money necessary to leave the young man alone. In this way, the law of Justice was satisfied. The banker had the money he was looking for. The third person turned back to the young man and expressed that he loved him and he would pay for him because he is full of Mercy, and in return, the young man will have to serve him until the debt his over.

In a similar way, we are all like this young man. We have been given a life to better ourselves and prepare to go back to our Heavenly Father. The worldly pleasures stand in our way to accomplish this goal. In this life, we commit sin by disobeying the law our Eternal Father has lovingly given us. Because of our sins, a law of Justice existing since the foundation of the world, demands that we must be accountable for those sins and suffer the consequences of them; which is being cast out of the presence of God. Jesus Christ, the great Mediator, came into the world and took upon him the sins of the world that all may be saved in him. In this way, we are in debt to him. No one else could have paid the price. Through Christ, we are made free from the effects of a broken law, but only through repenting, meaning forsaking the sin and not doing it again, Man is cleansed through the Atonement. He asks us to follow him, as the perfect example that will allow us to come back in the presence of God. “Though he were a Son, yet learned he obedience by the things which he suffered. And being made perfect, he became the author of eternal salvation unto all them that obey him.21”
Through the Atonement of Christ, bonds of death are broken and Man will be resurrected. The repentant will not have to suffer for their sins.
Because of Jesus Christ's Atonement, we are not responsible for Adam's transgression. He removed the bonds of death. We are all indebted to Jesus Christ, the only one who could make it possible for us to return to God. In Adam we die, In Christ, we are resurrected! 22
“ And since man had fallen he could not merit anything of himself; but the sufferings and death of Christ atone for their sins, through faith and repentance, and so forth; and that he breaketh the bands of death, that the grave shall have no victory, and that the sting of death should be swallowed up in the hopes of glory23.”

Faith and repentance are two of the steps that Christ asked us to follow to make this atonement effective in our lives; He had set up the requirements: “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.24”
“ 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.25” Again he said while he visited the people in America and established his church among them: “And no unclean thing can enter into his kingdom; therefore nothing enter into his rest save it be those who have washed their garments in my blood, because of their faith, and the repentance of all their sins, and their faithfulness unto the end. Now this is the commandment: Repent, all ye ends of the earth, and come unto me and be baptized in my name, that ye may be sanctified by the reception of the Holy Ghost, that ye may stand spotless before me at the last day.26”
These are basics steps, which are called the first principles and ordinances of the gospel of Jesus Christ. We will discuss those in more details, in the next part.

References Part 3
1. Atonement meaning “deliverance from the penalty of a broken law though an act, which cleans, disannuls, redeems, forgives, pardons, and reconciles. Atonement also means at-one with God through the sacrifice of Christ.
2. See 2 Nephi 2: 11, 13, 15
3. 1 Corinthians 15: 20-22
4. See 2 Nephi 9: 6-7
5. Physical Death: Through the fall of Adam, man became subject to death. The fall made it possible for God’s spirit Children, us, to obtain a body and earthly experiences.
6. 1 Peter 3: 18-19
7. 1 Peter 4: 6
8. John 20: 1-9
9. John 20: 17
10. Mosiah 3: 8
11. John 14:6
12. Mosiah 3:17
13. See Alma 11: 42-44
14. See 1 Corinthians 15: 20-22
15. Spiritual Death: Man, while in mortality, transgresses the laws. A law of justice, given in heaven, demands a price paid for a broken law. The price is a separation from God.
16. Isaiah 59: 2
17. 1 John 1: 8
18. Mosiah 3: 19
19. 1 John 1: 7
20. Alma 34: 8-9
21. Hebrews 5: 8-9
22. See 1 Corinthians 15: 21-22
23. Alma 22: 14
24. John 3: 5
25. 2 Nephi 9: 23-24
26. 3 Nephi 27: 19-20

Part 4-The First Principles and Ordinances of the Gospel of Jesus Christ

2008-03-04T19:40:00.000-08:00

“ We believe that the first principles and ordinances of the gospel are: First, faith in the Lord Jesus Christ; second, repentance; third, baptism by immersion for the remission of sin; fourth, laying on of hand for the gift of the Holy Ghost."

Since Jesus Christ is the great mediator, everything is centered in him. We have faith in Jesus Christ. We repent of our sins through Jesus Christ. We are baptized into the church of Jesus Christ by immersion, just like Jesus was. We receive the Holy Ghost by His authority. Jesus Christ gave us principles and ordinances that he wants us to follow so we can get back in the presence of our Heavenly Father.
The difference between principles and ordinances is that an ordinance is performed by one having the authority such as blessings, baptisms, laying on of hands for the Gift of the Holy Ghost. A principle such as faith and repentance require individual research and development of the principle until it becomes a gift from God.

A) Faith in the Lord Jesus Christ
The first principle of the Gospel is faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. A truth is given in the Old Testament, in the book of Hebrews, and explains the importance of faith: “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 him1.” Thus we know that without faith it is impossible to please God.
“Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.2” Faith in Jesus Christ is to have a firm belief that he is the Son of God and the Savior of the world. How can we expect to be saved by someone in whom we don't believe? Faith is an important part of the plan of our Heavenly Father. We know that faith in Jesus Christ is essential to our salvation. “He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned.3” The prophet Moroni, in the Book of Mormon express the same truth: “ For no man can be saved, according the words of Christ, save they shall have faith in his name; wherefore, if these things have ceased, then has faith ceased also; and awful is the state of man, for they are as though there had been no redemption made4.”

How can we obtain faith?
The first step is through hope: “faith is things, which are hoped for and not seen; wherefore, dispute not because ye see not, for ye receive no witness until the trial of your faith.5” Moroni added “ And what is it that ye shall hope for? Behold I say unto you that ye shall have hope through the atonement of Christ...6” Once we obtain hope in Christ, we need to listen carefully to His words. The prophet Alma teaches, in the Book of Mormon how we can obtain and develop faith: “Now, we will compare the word unto a seed. Now if ye give place, that a seed may be planted in your heart, behold, if it be a true seed, or a good seed, if ye do not cast it out by your unbelief, that ye will resist the spirit of the Lord, behold, it will begin to swell within your breasts…7” We need to nourish this seed: “And behold, as the tree beginneth to grow, ye will say: Let us nourish it with great care, that it may get roots, that it may grow up, and bring forth fruit unto us...8” In all we do to develop our faith, we need to have the hope and belief that we shall receive answers to our prayers. God is a rewarder of those who seek him; Christ taught: “Whatsoever thing ye shall ask the Father in my name, which is good, in faith believing that ye shall receive, behold it shall be done unto you.9”

Once we are “ meek, and lowly of heart10”; once we open our eyes and hearts11 and receive this good word of Christ, we will get to know him through our own studies or by the testimonies of those who have faith: “Faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.12”. To obtain and develop faith, we need to obey the commandments13 and exercise this little particle of faith into works “Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone. Faith without work is dead.14” Thus we will build our foundation on Christ: “ And now, my sons, remember, remember that it is upon the rock of our redeemer, who is Christ, the Son of God, that ye must build your foundation; that when the devil shall send forth his mighty winds, yea, his shafts in the whirlwind, yea, when all his hail and his mighty storm shall beat upon you, it shall have no power to drag you down to the gulf of misery and endless wo, because of the rock upon which yea are built, which is a sure foundation, a foundation whereon if men build they cannot fall.15” Faith comes little by little, step by step, from a simple believe to a sure knowledge.16
Once we obtain faith in Christ, we will love him and his teachings. We know that he wants the best for us. We, then, accept his atonement and all that he has asked us to do. We will follow his example and put our trust in him.
Faith is a wonderful gift that the Lord gives to those who diligently seek him. “But if ye will nourish the word, yea, nourish the tree as it beginneth to grow, by your faith with great diligence, and with patience, looking forward to the fruit thereof, it shall take root; and behold, it shall be a tree springing up unto everlasting life.17”
Faith in Jesus Christ is the essence of the Gospel. It is a step to our salvation. A few examples of faith in the Book of Mormon will show the kind of determination faith brings. After leaving Jerusalem in 600 BC, Lehi, a prophet had a vision that they needed to carry with them the records of the Jews and a genealogy of their forefathers they had left behind. Nephi, a righteous son of Lehi was asked by his father to go and bring back those records. He said: “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.18”
Later on, Nephi is talking to his brothers who are loosing their faith because of the tribulations they had to go through in the wilderness on their way to a promised land: “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.19” It is this kind of faith that motivates us, that helps us overcome the trials and difficulties of this life.

B) Repentance
As we exercise faith in Christ, we will want to repent of all the wrong choices we make. Repentance is only possible through Jesus Christ; He being the only one that took upon him all of our sins; He being the one to whom we are indebted to.
The process of repenting is not something new. Repentance is a principle that has existed since the fall of Adam. In fact, this life is a probationary state. It is a time granted unto us to learn to choose between good and evil, repent of our sins, and prepare to meet God. “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 dead20.” Another prophet, by the name of Nephi, talked about this time granted unto us: “ And the day 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.21”
True and sincere repentance can follow a simple pattern of four steps.
The first step is to realize and admit that we have done something wrong, something against the will of God “For I acknowledge my transgressions: and my sin is ever before me,22” said David pleading for forgiveness. It might be the hardest step because of the tendency we have to rationalize everything that we do. The tendency we have to find excuses or ways to call the bad, good! But, none of the excuses or rationalization will change the fact that we acted against the will of God, and committed a sin. Of course, God could have made us perfect from the beginning without giving us a chance to grow spiritually by learning to choose between good and evil. This, was the great plan of the devil. The devil wanted every one of us to have no agency. In this way we would all come back in the presence of our Heavenly Father and him. Lucifer wanted to receive all the glory of the Father. The Lord revealed some truth concerning the creation of the world to the prophet Moses: “Satan said: Behold, here I am, send me, I will be thy son, and I will redeem all mankind, that one soul should 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 had given him, and also, that I should give unto him my own power; by the power of mine Only Begotten, I caused that he should be cast down.23”
The plan of our Father in Heaven was to give us a chance to learn by ourselves, to distinguish good from evil, that we may learn from our own experiences and decisions. He would provide a Savior, his Only Begotten Son, who would redeem us from our sins. He knew that we would fall short of perfection. Repentance is granted unto those who sincerely have the desire to change and humble themselves instead of suffering for the consequences of our disobedience.
God's plan was accepted by every one of us. It is interesting to see the difference between the plan of God and the plan of Lucifer. By eliminating our free agency, Satan was looking for his selfish desire to obtain God’s glory. He was taking away from us any choices that would allow us to progress toward becoming like our Heavenly Father; any chance to progress spiritually by choosing between right and wrong. This total act of selfishness and lack of love toward us was to satisfy his own desire to obtain all the glory, even the glory of God. On the other hand, the plan of God, supported by Jesus Christ, was not selfish. Instead of looking with selfishness to his own glory, his first preoccupation was that we may be able to grow spiritually; that we may become like him someday. It required a lot of trust for his children, whom he loves individually. He would send them into the world, give them the light of Christ or conscience, laws, the Holy Ghost, and inspired leaders to help them recognize the truth in this dark world and to follow it. But the final decision would depend on each individual to follow him or not.

Inevitably, all will sin in this life. We must feel sorrow for the sins we have committed. The prophet Lehi expresses his feelings: “Behold, my soul delighteth in the things of the Lord; and my heart pondereth continually upon the things, which I have seen and heard. Nevertheless, notwithstanding the great goodness of the Lord, in showing me his great and marvelous works, my heart exclaimeth: O wretched man that I am! Yea, my heart sorroweth because of my flesh; my soul grieveth because of mine iniquities.24”

We also need to ask God to forgive us through sincere prayer. Another personage of the Book of Mormon gave a great account of his dealing with the Lord in asking for remission of his sins: “ And I will tell you of the wrestle which I had before God, before I received a remission of my sins [...] 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.25” It might require long prayers and humility; for “Because ye are compelled to be humble, blessed are ye; for a man sometimes, if he is compelled to be humble, seeketh repentance.26” It also requires a sincere desire to change our hearts. In addition to asking for forgiveness, we need to show, by our acts, that we are truly sorry for the things we have done. We need to do everything we can to correct the problems that our actions may have caused. Paul is calling the Saints to repentance: “But showed first unto them... that they should repent and turn to God, and do works meet for repentance.27”
Finally, if we truly and sincerely repent, we need to experience a “change of heart”. Alma explains the meaning of experiencing a change of heart: “ And now behold, I ask of you...have ye spiritually been born of God? Have ye received his image in your countenances? Have ye experienced this mighty change in your hearts? [...] Or do ye imagine to yourself that ye can lie unto the Lord in that day, and say - Lord, our works have been righteous works upon the face of the earth- and that he will save you...28”
We need to overcome these sinful acts. This means to turn away from these sins, and desire to do these things no more. “O, my beloved brethren, turn away from your sins; shake off the chains of him that would bind you fast; come unto that God who is the rock of your salvation,29” is the invitation from the prophets of old. A revelation given to Joseph Smith on the subject reaffirms this truth: “And now, verily I say unto you, I, the Lord, will not lay any sin to your charge; go your ways and sin no more; but unto that soul who sinneth shall the former sins return, saith the Lord your God.30”
By overcoming temptations and falling short of perfection, we work toward our perfection and overcome our imperfections, as a result of our own weaknesses. Through this process, we need to exercise faith that the Lord will forgive us; because he will. He loves us. He wants us to be happy. “And their sins and iniquities will I remember no more.31” Jesus Christ gave a wonderful parable while teaching the Pharisees32 . This parable illustrates a prodigal son. We can learn from it the importance of repentance and how important it is to forgive ourselves as well as others.
Sins make us unhappy and miserable, and make the devil happy. On the other hand, sincere repentance brings us the peace that we need in our life and a witness that we've been forgiven.
The principle of repentance is not a one-time process. Even after we have accepted Jesus Christ in our lives and decided to follow his teachings, we continue to fall short of perfection and we sin again. Repentance is a process we need to use throughout our lives. Whenever we make wrong decisions by disobeying the commandments of our Heavenly Father, we need to repent. Repentance is a principle that will change our hearts. Amulek, in the Book of Mormon talked about repentance: “And now, as I said unto you before, as ye have had so many witness, therefore, I beseech of you that ye do not procrastinate the day of your repentance until the end; for after this day of life, 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 that I will repent, that I will return to my God. Nay, ye cannot say this; for that same spirit which doeth possess your bodies at the time that ye go out of this life, that same spirit will have power to possess your body in that eternal world...33” As important as the principle Amulek teaches us, we cannot take a chance on our salvation by procrastinating. We might have a tendency to say that it is all right, that we have time to repent or there is no need to: Christ does not redeem his people in their sins but from their sins. He redeems his people through their repentance34 .
If we don't repent, we put in danger our own salvation: “Except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish.35”

C) Baptism
Repentance is an important part in the preparation for baptism. Moroni, in the Book of Mormon, gave the requirement to join the Church of Christ: “Neither did they receive any unto baptism save they came forth with a broken heart and a contrite spirit, and witnessed unto the church that they are truly repented of all their sins.36” That is another reason why infant baptism has no justification.

Once we exercise our faith in Christ and repent of our sins, we prepare ourselves to receive the ordinance of baptism. On the day of Pentecost, while Peter was teaching the people and testifying of the resurrection of the Savior, a divine gift was given him “And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the spirit gave them utterance.37” Through the Holy Ghost, they could speak in different tongues to all those that assembled themselves to hear the gospel of Jesus Christ through the Apostles. People from many places were assembled38 . They were amazed! Those prepared and receptive to the spirit could recognize a divine manifestation of the power of God “And they were all amazed...39”; those not in tune with the Spirit and not receptive to it could not recognize anything, so, they were mocking not understanding “ Others mocking said, these men are full of new wine.40” Through Peter's teaching, the Spirit confirmed the truth to the people “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?41” These wonderful feelings explained came from the manifestation of the Holy Ghost 42 testifying of the truth.
Having received this witness and recognizing the truth they asked Peter what they had to 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 Holy Ghost.43” Peter was expressing the simple and profound teachings of Jesus Christ.
The word baptism comes from the Greek word “baptizo”, meaning heavy dipping or immersion. Jesus Christ showed us the way; the perfect example. “Then cometh Jesus from Galilee to Jordan unto John, to be baptized of him. But John forbade him, saying, I have need to be baptized of thee, and cometh thou to me? And Jesus answering said unto him, suffer it to be so now: for thus it becometh us to fulfill all righteousness. Then he suffered him. 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.44”
Why would Jesus come out of the water if he were not baptized by immersion? Baptism by immersion is a symbol of his death, burial and resurrection. “ 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.45” Baptism is also a symbol of the end of our old life and the beginning of our new life as a disciple of Jesus Christ. The Book of Mormon teaches us additional truth concerning the meaning of baptism and gives us some insight concerning Christ's baptism: “Wherefore I would that ye should remember that I have spoken unto you concerning that prophet which the Lord showed unto me, that should baptize the Lamb of God, which should take away the sins of the world. And now, if the Lamb of God, he being Holy, should have need to be baptized by water, to fulfill 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 fulfill 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, 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.46” We see that Jesus Christ, being perfect and having no need to be baptized, received this ordinance to express complete obedience and submissiveness to the commandments of his Father; setting an example for us. We need to express the same kind of submissiveness to all the commandments of the Lord.

Through the ordinance of baptism, we make a covenant with God. A covenant is a sacred promise, a real agreement with God. Our part of the covenant is, to accept Jesus Christ, to become his followers, and do so by keeping his commandments and endure to the end of our life. A covenant is a two-way promise. Heavenly Father promises that our sins will be forgiven, and that we will have His Spirit to be with us, as long as we keep our part of the covenant.
Thus, the people that Peter and the Apostles were teaching received a confirmation of the spirit and were baptized; three thousand of them “Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day they were added unto them about three thousand souls.47”

Jesus answered Nicodemus' question in the Book of John “Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God.48” Baptism is the gate by which we enter the kingdom of God. We must be baptized to become a member of the Church of Jesus Christ. Baptism has to be performed by someone who has the authority of the priesthood, and is authorized to perform ordinances in the name of Jesus Christ. As we would not accept a speeding ticket from a milkman, there is no validity to a baptism performed by someone who has not received the authority to baptize.
John the Baptist was the one who had the authority to baptize unto repentance, at the time of the Savior. Once the Savior came, he bestowed upon his apostles a higher authority, a higher priesthood giving them authority to confer the Holy Ghost. The first presidency of the Church have the right and keys to this priesthood. So we see the need for some people to be re-baptized: “And it came to pass, that, while Apollos was at Corinth, Paul having passed through the upper coasts came to Ephesus: and finding certain disciples, he said unto them; have ye received the Holy Ghost since ye believed? And they said unto him, We have not so much as heard whither there be any Holy Ghost. And he said unto them, Unto what then were ye baptized? And they said, Unto John's baptism. Then said Paul, John verily baptized with the baptism of repentance, saying unto the people, that they should believe on him which should come after him, that is, on Christ Jesus. When they heard this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. And when Paul had laid his hands upon them, the Holy Ghost came on them; and they spake with tongues, and prophesied.49”

Baptism is a sacred ordinance, which is to be performed by the proper authority and in the name of Jesus Christ.
The Book of Mormon gives us more knowledge on how to prepare ourselves for baptism. We need to believe in Christ “And whoso believeth in me, and is baptized, the same shall be saved...50” We need to have a determination to serve him, “And none were received unto baptism save they took upon them the name of Christ, having a determination to serve him to the end.51” We need to be desirous to be called His people52 . We need to repent and be willing to keep his commandments53; “And the Father said: Repent, repent and be baptized in the name of my Beloved Son54”. It is important to develop a broken heart and a contrite spirit “Neither did they received any unto baptism save they came with a broken heart and a contrite spirit...55”
We become like a child: “And again I say unto you, ye must repent, and become as a little child, and be baptized in my name, or ye can in nowise receive this things. And again I say unto you, ye must repent, and be baptized in my name, and become as little child, or ye can in nowise inherit the kingdom of God,56” said the Lord Jesus Christ. The prophet Alma taught: “And now, as ye are desirous to come unto the fold of God, and to be called his people, and are willing to bear one another's burdens, that they may be light; Ye, and are willing to mourn with those that mourn; yea, and comfort those that stand in need of comfort, and to stand as witnesses of God at all times and in all things, and in all places that ye may be in, even until death...; Now I say unto you, if this is the desire of your hearts, what have ye against being baptized in he 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 ?57”

Baptism is a wonderful way to show our acceptance of the Lord and seal our desire to follow him.
On baptism, especially infant baptism, the prophet Joseph Smith received a revelation from the Lord which states: “ Every member of the church of Christ having children is to bring them unto the elders before the church, who are to lay their hands upon them in the name of Jesus Christ, and bless them in his name. No one can be received into the church of Christ unless he has arrived unto the years of accountability before God, and his capable of repentance. Baptism is to be administered in the following manner unto all those who repent- The person who is called of God and has authority from Jesus Christ to baptize, shall go down into the water with the person who has presented himself or herself for baptism, and shall say, calling him or her by name: having been commissioned of Jesus Christ, I baptize you in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. Amen. Then shall he immerse him or her in the water, and come forth again out of the water.58”
The Lord has set the age of accountability at eight years of age; “And again, inasmuch as parents have children of Zion, or in any other stakes which are organized, that teach them not to understand the doctrine of repentance, faith in Christ the Son of the living God, and of baptism and the Gift of the Holy Ghost by the laying on hands, when eight years old, the sin be upon the heads of the parents. 59 “
The Lord holds parents responsible for teaching baptism to their children and provide them an understanding of the meaning and purpose of this ordinance.

D) The Gift of the Holy Ghost
After baptism, we receive the Gift of the Holy Ghost by the lying on of hands by someone who has the authority from God. At this point, it is important to express the difference between the spirit of Christ or light of Christ, often mentioned in the scriptures, and the Holy Ghost, comforter, or spirit of truth.
The spirit of Christ or light of Christ is given to every man that comes into the world. It has the power to stimulate the mind and gives inspiration to men for discovery and talents.
The Holy Ghost or Spirit of truth is a personage of spirit. He is part of the Godhead as mentioned earlier. He serves us in two different ways.
The first way is through the power that He has. The power of the Holy Ghost can be with man before being baptized to convince and witness to him the truthfulness of Christ and His gospel. As a witness of the Savior, he also testifies of His teachings and works; and also a witness of the servants of Christ. Through its power, he may guide us while we are in contact with the truth, but will not remain constantly with us.
Second, the Holy Ghost is a gift directly from God. As a gift, it is given to those who have been baptized and have accepted Christ's teachings. It is bestowed upon men by the lying on of hands by someone having the priesthood authority from God. Once the gift is given, members of Christ’s church are entitle to his influence constantly as long as they remain worthy of it. The gift of the Holy Ghost is only conferred on man after proper and authorized baptism 60. In the Book of Mormon, it is recorded that Jesus Christ gave the Nephite disciples the power to confer the Gift of the Holy Ghost: “ The words of Christ, which he spake unto his disciples, the twelve whom he had chosen, as he laid his hands upon them - And he called them by name, saying: Ye shall call on the Father in my name, in mighty prayer; and after ye have done this ye shall have power that to him upon whom ye shall lay your hands, ye shall give the Holy Ghost; and in my name shall ye give it, for thus do mine Apostles. Now Christ spake these words unto them at the time of his first appearing; and the multitude heard it not, but the disciples heard it; and on as many as they laid their hands, fell the Holy Ghost.61” The gift of the Holy Ghost is a sanctifying and purifying power. He is spoken of as "Fire". The Holy Ghost helps us recognize the truth, and helps us through the difficulties of life. Referred to as the comforter, he comforts us in times of trials and sorrow. The Holy Ghost has the power to bring things to our remembrance: “ 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 you62.” He also has the power to guide us by letting us know what we should do; “Behold, this is the doctrine of Christ, and there will be no more doctrine given until after he shall manifest himself unto you in the flesh. And when he shall manifest himself unto you in the flesh, the things, which he shall say unto you shall ye observe to do.63”
The Holy Ghost has the power to testify of the truthfulness of all things; “ And by the power of the Holy Ghost ye may know the truth of all things.64”
One of the early Apostles of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Elder Parley P. Pratt, said about the Holy Ghost: “It quickens all the intellectual faculties; increases, enlarges, expands and purifies all the natural passions and affections; and adapts them, by the gift of wisdom, to their lawful use…. It inspires virtue, kindness, goodness, tenderness, gentleness and charity. It develops beauty of person, form and features…. It develops and invigorates all the faculties of the physical and intellectual man. It strengthens, invigorates, and gives tone to the nerves. In short, it is, as it were, marrow to the bone, joy to the heart, light to the eyes, music to the ears, and life to the whole being.” What a wonderful gift which brings light to the countenance to those that enjoy its presence.
The Holy Ghost is felt whenever we pour out our souls to our Heavenly Father. Prayer is the key to communication with God. It is the key that opens the way between Heaven and us. One of the early leaders of the church wrote: “Every prayer is heard, and every sincere prayer is answered. They who pray should be content to await the answer at the time and in the manner comporting with God’s wisdom. He knows what is for our good and bestows His blessings accordingly. The testimony of untold millions, that their prayers have been heard, is a convincing testimony that God hears and answers prayers. A prayer is not complete unless gratitude for blessings is expressed. It is by the power of the Lord that we live and move and have our being. This should be stated gratefully as we pray to our Father in Heaven. 65”

E) Enduring to the end
Once these steps are complete, we can start on the straight and narrow path of life. When we are baptized, we want to show our Heavenly Father that we can live the full Gospel plan. The Holy Ghost is here to guide us in this path but it is our responsibility to follow its prompting. It is called “enduring to the end” in the scriptures: “ Wherefore, do the things which I have told you I have seen that your Lord and your Redeemer should do; for, for this cause have they been shown unto me, that ye might know the gate by which ye should enter. For the gate by which ye should enter is repentance and baptism by water; and then cometh a remission of your sins by fire and by the Holy Ghost. And then ye are in the strait and narrow path which leads to eternal life; yea, ye have entered by the gate; ye have done according to the commandments of the Father and the Son; and ye have received the Holy Ghost, which witnesses of the Father and the Son, unto the fulfilling of the promise which he hath made, that if ye entered in by the way ye should receive. And now, my beloved brethren, after ye have gotten into this strait and narrow path, I would ask if all is done? Behold I say unto you, Nay; for ye have not come thus far save it were by the word of Christ with unshaken faith in him, relying wholly upon the merits of him who is mighty to save. Wherefore, ye must press forward with steadfastness in Christ, having a perfect brightness of hope, and a love of God and of all men. Wherefore, if ye shall press forward, feasting upon the word of Christ, and endure to the end, behold, thus saith the Father: Ye shall have eternal life.66”
To keep our baptismal covenant or promise and enjoy the companionship of the Holy Ghost, we must keep the commandments of God throughout our life. Some look at the commandments as restrictions, but God gives us commandments to point the way we can return to live with him. Just as airplanes need lights on both side of the runway to assure a perfect landing so that the passengers may arrive at their destination safely, commandments are the lights along the way to assure us of our return to our destination; to live with our Heavenly Father. “For the commandment is a lamp; and the law is light; and reproofs of instruction are the way of life.67” “For behold, it is easy to give heed to the words of Christ, which will point to you a straight course to eternal bliss...68”
God knows us better than we know ourselves. He knows what is good for us and he knows what makes us unhappy. He also knows what will take away our free agency.
The commandments are given unto us to define the straight and narrow path, which leads to our Heavenly Father.
Only by obeying the commandments of God, can we find real and lasting happiness.
The prophet Isaiah said: “There is no peace, saith my God, to the wicked69”. The prophet Samuel predicted six years before Christ appeared on the American continent “But behold, your days of probation are past; ye have procrastinated the days of your salvation until it is everlastingly to late, and your destruction is made sure; yea, for ye have sought all the days of your lives for that which ye could not obtain; and ye have sought for happiness in doing iniquity, which thing is contrary to the nature of that righteousness which is in our great and Eternal Head70”.

Jesus Christ and his Apostles invited everyone to exercise faith , be baptized and receive the gift of the Holy Ghost by the laying on of hands. Followers and servants of the Lord , in our days, invite everyone to follow the teachings of the Savior.

References:

1. Hebrews 11: 6
2. Hebrews 11: 1
3. Mark 16: 16
4. Moroni 7: 38
5. See Ether 12: 6
6. See Moroni 7: 41
7. See Alma 32: 28
8. See Alma 32: 37
9. See Moroni 7: 26
10. See Moroni 7: 43
11. See John 12: 40
12. Romans 10: 17
13. See Doctrine and Covenants 1: 17-21
14. James 2: 17, 20
15. Helaman 5: 12
16. See Alma 32: 26-43
17. Alma 32: 41
18. 1 Nephi 3:7
19. 1 Nephi 7: 12-13
20. Alma 12: 24
21. See 2 Nephi 2 : 21
22. Psalms 51:3
23. See Moses 4: 1-3
24. 2 Nephi 4: 16-17
25. Enos 1: 4-5
26. See Alma 32:13
27. See Acts 26: 20
28. See Alma 5: 14-37
29. 2 Nephi 9: 45
30. Doctrine and Covenants 82: 7
31. Hebrews 10: 17
32. See Luke 15: 11-32
33. See Alma 34: 33-36
34. See Helaman 5: 10-11
35. Luke 13: 3

36. Moroni 6: 2
37. Acts 2:4
38. See Acts 2: 9-11
39. See Acts 2: 12
40. Acts 2: 13
41. Acts 2: 37
42. See Galatians 5: 22-23
43. Acts 2: 38
44. Matthew 3: 13-16
45. Romans 6: 3-5
46. 2 Nephi 31: 4-12
47. Acts 2: 41
48. John 3: 5
49. Acts 19: 1-6
50. See 3 Nephi 11: 33
51. Moroni 6: 3
52. See Mosiah 18: 8
53. 2 Nephi 31: 11
54. See 2 Nephi 31: 10
55. See Moroni 6: 2
56. 3 Nephi 11: 37-38
57. See Mosiah 18: 8-10
58. Doctrine and Covenants 20: 70-74
59. Doctrine and Covenants 68: 25
60. See Acts 8: 12-25
61. Moroni 2: 1-3
62. John 14: 26
63. 2 Nephi 32: 6
64. Moroni 10 :5
65. John A. Widsoe, Evidences and Reconciliations, 1: 313
66. 2 Nephi 31: 17-20
67. Proverbs 6: 23
68. See Alma 37: 44
69. Isaiah 57: 21
70. Helaman 13: 38

Part 5-God's Authority

2008-03-04T19:37:00.000-08:00

“We believe that a Man must be called of God, by prophecy, and by the laying on of hands by those who are in authority, to preach the gospel and administer in the ordinances thereof.”

“And Moses spake unto the Lord, saying, Let the Lord, the God of the spirit of all flesh, set a man over the congregation; Which may go out before them, and which may go in before them, and which may lead them out, and which may bring them in; that the congregation of the Lord be not as sheep which have no shepherd. 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 thou shall put some of thy honour upon him, that all the congregation of the children of Israel may be obedient.1”

A) We must be called of God
Every man, in any position in the Church of Christ, must be called of God. No one has the right to call himself to do anything; but must be called of God: “And no man taketh this honour unto himself, but he that is called of God, as was Aaron.2” Although God chooses his prophets directly (see the calling of Moses or Joseph Smith), other callings must be revealed by inspiration to the servants of the Lord for “ Surely the Lord God will do nothing, but he revealeth his secret unto his servants the prophets.3”

B) The priesthood
To accomplish His work and purposes, the Lord has given His servant the authority to perform and act in His name. This authority is called the Priesthood. Once Jesus Christ chose his twelve Apostles, he bestowed upon them the priesthood: “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 sickness and all manner of decease.4” Only one person holds all the keys of authority in the Church. It is the prophet or President of the church.
While Jesus Christ was establishing His church on the earth, He gave those keys pertaining to the Priesthood to Peter: “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.5” Thus, Peter, at the death of Christ, was acting as President of the Church, holding the keys of the Priesthood. The Priesthood is conferred by the laying on of hands by someone who already has received this authority: "And when they had fasted and prayed, and laid their hands on them, they sent them away.6” Thus, every worthy male, in the Church of Jesus Christ, may receive the Priesthood authority. Through the Priesthood all the necessary ordinances of the gospel of Jesus Christ can be performed.

C) The restoration of the Church of Jesus Christ
Let us go back in history to understand the need for a restoration of this authority. There are many truths available to man. We could categorize these truths as two kinds.

The first is the ideas of men. The ideas of men are always changing and limited. We could use the example of scientific theories. Science is wonderful. It helps men develop their ideas in trying to understand the laws of nature in the universe. It helps men develop knowledge of the Eternal truths of God. But because our ideas are limited, we cannot fully comprehend the Eternal truths of God. For many years there was a theory that the earth was flat and the sun revolved around the earth. Modern scientists realized that these theories were completely untrue. Theories change as we grow in knowledge. But the truths of our Father in Heaven are eternal and unchanging. We learn that the prophets, a least seven years before Christ, knew about this truth. They wrote about God: “Yea, by the power of his voice doth the whole earth shake; Yea, by the power of his voice, do the foundation rock, even to the very center. Yea, and if he say unto the earth- Move -it is moved (...) And thus, according to his words the earth goes back, and it appeareth unto man that the sun standeth still; yea, and behold, this is so; for surely it is the earth that moveth and not the sun.7”
About seven years before Christ, it was revealed to the prophets that the earth revolved around the sun. The prophets knew this truth from the beginning of time, because it was revealed from God. This is an example that God knows everything. It is upon Eternal truths that he has created us and given us commandments. It is through the truths of God that we find true happiness in this life and prepare ourselves to return to His presence.
It becomes essential for each of us to find these truths. While Jesus Christ was on earth, He established his Church. He wanted to make sure that the truth was taught to everyone. Christ loves us! He does not want us to be confused. He wants us to know the truth so that we may be able to enjoy the blessings that come from living it.
“And he that doeth truth cometh to the light, that his deeds may be made manifest, that they are wrought in God.8” He called men who learned firsthand experience about these truths; “ Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellow citizens with the saints, and of the household of God. And are build upon the foundation of the Apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone.9” These men are called prophets and apostles. He gave them the authority, the right and power to act in His name. This authority was called the priesthood*.

Even though Jesus Christ was rejected, persecuted and eventually crucified, after his death he continued to lead His Church by revelation to his prophets and apostles. The word " revelation" is translated from the Greek word "apocalypse" which means to make known or uncover. The principle of revelation is one of the greatest truths contained in the gospel of Jesus Christ. This is the way Christ has provided for men to know about the truth, to let men know how they can return to live in God’s presence. Revelations may be given to the saints through the Holy Ghost, but also by other means, like visions, dreams or visitations. Revelations, for the Church, are given to the living prophet who holds the keys and has the authority to receive revelations for the Church. One may receive revelation for himself, or for his own family. Revelations are given pertaining to the calling received and the rights and keys pertaining to that office or calling.

As mentioned earlier, after the death of Christ, Peter was the one who had received those keys and acted as the prophet of the Church. Prophets have been teaching those truths since the beginning of the world. They recorded them in sacred scriptures. Through this continuing revelation process, the truths were taught clearly, without any confusion. As a matter of fact, the prophets and apostles made sure those truths were taught clearly. The Apostles went throughout the world to teach the gospel, establish the truth and correct false doctrines. But because of the wickedness of the people, they rejected them. Because of the wickedness of the people, doctrines were changed.
“ 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.10”
“Now the end of the commandment is charity out of a pure heart, and of a good conscience, and of faith unfeigned: from which some having swerved have turned aside unto vain jangling: desiring to be teachers of the law; understanding neither what they say, nor whereof they affirm.11” “ 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.12” Because of the confusion that was taking place and the persecution against the church, some church members fell into error and unrighteousness.
Under Nero 64 AD., Christians were held responsible for destruction that occurred at the time, and they were tortured and forced into confession. The apostle Paul was beheaded, and Peter crucified.
Under the Domitian 94 AD., Christians were forced to worship idols and were persecuted if they refused to do so.
Under Trujan 100 AD (approximately) Christianity was considered as an unpardonable offense. If Christians did not deny their faith they were put to death. The persecution continued until the reign of Constantine, 300 AD., who made Christianity a religion of state for political reasons.

But, the church had already changed in comparison to the one Christ had established. The church was in a state of increasing perversion. Some changes that occurred may be found in the mode of baptism, the ceremony of baptism and the beginning of infant baptism. The ordinance of the sacrament, which was supposed to be simple and sacred, became long ceremonies with long prayers surrounded by vessels of gold and silver. The organization changed introducing distinctions and recognition between bishops. People were to pay for salvation or remission of sins. Scriptures were reserved for spiritual teachers and not for the followers13.

All these resulted in a state of darkness. The apostles being the foundation of the church were rejected by the people and at times, killed. The Lord took the priesthood authority of the church from the earth. No longer was there a church on earth receiving direct revelation from God. As a result, Man started to rely upon human wisdom which lead to confusion and false ideas taught as truth. This falling away from the truth of the church of Christ is called the apostasy. The apostle Paul prophesied about this apostasy.“ 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.14”

There was a lot of confusion in the world about religion. But the Lord would never leave his children in confusion because he wants them to know the gospel. He wants them to know the principles that will lead them back to our Heavenly Father. For many years, the Lord prepared for the gospel of Christ to be restored in its fullness upon the earth. Through great men, under the influence of the spirit, he prepared a place, a state of mind, and freedom of religion that His church may be established again on the earth. One such man was Joseph Smith. He learned from first hand experience the truth about God, and the way that we can return to him. A few years after his vision, while he was translating the Book of Mormon, he had certain questions about the mode of baptism and the necessary authority, which was mentioned in this sacred writing.
“ Yea, and there was continual peace among them, and exceedingly great prosperity in the church because of their heed and diligence which they gave unto the word of God, which was declared unto them by Helaman, and Shiblom, and Corianton, and Ammon and his brethren, ye, and by all those who had been ordained by the Holy Order of God, being baptized unto repentance, and sent forth to preach among the people.15” When Jesus Christ showed himself unto the people in America he gave the authority to his disciples to teach and baptize; “ and the Lord said unto him: I give unto you power that ye shall baptize these people when I am again ascended unto heaven. And again the Lord called others, and said unto them likewise; and he gave unto them power to baptize.16” Those writings are in perfect accord with the biblical teachings, “ 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.17” “ And when they had fasted and prayed, and layed their hands on them they went them away.18”
In answer to his prayer of May 15th, 1829, while Joseph Smith and Oliver Cowdery were in the woods, John the Baptist appeared to them, as a resurrected being, and conferred upon Joseph the Aaronic Priesthood, named after Aaron. These are the words the angel spake unto them. “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...19” John the Baptist held the keys of the preparatory gospel and ministering of angels. Because John the Baptist was the one having this authority at the time Jesus Christ desired to be baptized, Christ walked for many days to find him and receive a proper baptism. The Aaronic priesthood, called the lesser priesthood “has power in administering outward ordinances20”, such as baptism and the sacrament.
A short time later, in June 1830, Joseph Smith received the higher priesthood from the hands of Peter, James and John, also as resurrected beings, who were called to lead the church at Christ’s death. It is the exact same priesthood Jesus Christ brought while ministering on earth21. A revelation given to Joseph Smith the Prophet in 1830 states: “ and also with Peter, and James, and John who I have sent unto you, by whom I have ordained you and confirmed you to be apostles, and especial witnesses of my name, and bear the keys of your ministry and of the same things which I revealed unto them.22” This authority or higher priesthood is called the Melchizedek Priesthood. “Yea, humble yourself even in as the people in the days of Melchizedek, who was also a high priest after the same order which I have spoken, who also took upon him the high priesthood forever. And it was this same Melchizedek to whom Abraham paid tithes; ye, even our father Abraham paid tithes of one tenth of all he possessed. But Melchizedek having exercised mighty faith, and received the office of the high priesthood according to the Holy Order of God, did preach repentance unto his people23”. These were the words Alma taught his people on the American continent. From the Bible we learn about the Melchizedek Priesthood. “For every high priest taken from among them is ordained for men in this pertaining to God, that he may offer both gift and sacrifices for sins. And no man taketh this honour unto himself, but he that is called of God, as was Aaron. So also Christ glorified not himself to be made a high priest; but he that said unto him, thou art my son, to day have I begotten thee. As he saith in also in another place, thou art a priest, forever after the order of Melchisedec.24”
Through these two priesthoods all the necessary gospel ordinances can be given and received. It is the authority to baptize and confirm a member into Christ's church. By this authority, one can also receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. This authority is given to every faithful, worthy male member of the Church to administer the ordinances thereof. To express how important this priesthood is and how it is received, we could quote the story of Simon in the new testament who seeks to buy this gift and was rebuked by Peter the Apostle: “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. 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 hast neither part nor lot in this matter: for thy heart is not right in the sight of God.25”

The priesthood is to be exercised upon principles of righteousness: “Behold, there are many called, but few are chosen. And why are they not chosen? Because their hearts are set so much upon the things of this world, and aspire to the honors of men, that they do not learn this one lesson- That the right of the priesthood are inseparably connected with the powers of Heaven, and that the powers of Heaven cannot be controlled nor handled only upon the principles of righteousness. That they may be conferred upon us, it is true; but when we undertake to cover our sins, or to gratify our pride, our vain ambition, or to exercise control or dominion or compulsion upon the souls of the children of men, in any degree of unrighteousness, behold, the Heavens withdraw themselves; the Spirit of the Lord is grieved; and when it is withdrawn, Amen to the priesthood or authority of that man. We have learned by sad experience that it is the nature and disposition of almost all men, as soon as they get a little authority, as they suppose, they will immediately begin to exercise unrighteous dominion. Hence many are called, but few are chosen. No power or influence can or ought to be maintained by virtue of the priesthood, only by persuasion, by long suffering, by gentleness and meekness, and by love unfeigned; by kindness, and pure knowledge, which shall greatly enlarge the soul without hypocrisy, and without guile- Reproving betimes with sharpness, when moved upon by the Holy Ghost; and then showing forth afterwards an increase of love toward him whom thou hast reproved, lest he esteem thee to be his enemy. That he may know that thy faithfulness is stronger than the cords of death. Let thy bowels also be full of charity towards all men, and to the household of faith, and let virtue garnish thy thoughts unceasingly; then shall thy confidence wax strong in the presence of God; and the doctrine of priesthood shall distill upon thy soul as the dews from heaven.26”

These words were spoken by the prophet Joseph Smith explaining the responsibility that rests on the shoulders of those who receive the priesthood. This gift enables us to receive personal inspiration and guidance from God.

References:

1. Numbers 27: 15-20
2. Hebrews 5: 4
3. Amos 3:7
4. Matthew 10: 1
5. Matthew 16: 19
6. Acts 13: 3
7. Helaman 12: 11-13, 15
8. John 3: 21
9. Ephesians 2: 19-20
10. Galatians 1: 6-7
11. 1 Timothy 1: 5-7
12. 1 John 2: 18
13. See James Talmage, The Great Apostasy
14. 2 Thessalonians 2: 1-3
15. Alma 49: 30
16. See 3 Nephi 11: 21-22
17. Luke 9: 1
18. Acts 13: 3
19. See Doctrine and Covenants 13
20. See Doctrine and Covenants 107: 14
21. See Hebrews 7
22. Doctrine and Covenants 27: 12
23. See Alms 13: 14-15, 18
24. Hebrews 5: 1, 4-5
25. See Acts 8: 18-21
26. See Doctrine and Covenants 121: 34– 45

Part 6-Organization of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints

2008-03-04T19:32:00.000-08:00

“ We believe in the same organization that existed in the primitive church, namely, apostles, prophets, pastors, teachers, evangelists and so forth. "

A) Restoration of the church as an “organization”
Once Joseph Smith received the authority or priesthood, the Lord commanded him to re-establish the Church of Jesus Christ, on April 6, 1830. It is the restored Church. The same church that Christ organized while He was on the earth. Peter expressed this truth while preaching: “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.1” Peter knew that before the Second Coming of the Lord, he would come again and restore His church.

B) The name of the Church: Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
The name of the Church is the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and not the "Mormons".
The name Mormon has been given because of the strong belief Latter-day Saints have in the Book of Mormon. But the Church is called by the name of Jesus Christ. Paul speaking said: “For the Husband is the head of the wife, even as Christ is the head of the Church: and he is the saviour of the body.2” The same teaching was given by Jesus Christ on the American continent:
“And they said unto him: Lord, we will that thou wouldst tell us the name whereby we shall call this church; for there are disputations among the people concerning this matter. And the Lord said unto them: Verily, verily, I say unto you, why is it that the people should murmur and dispute because of this thing? Have they not read the scriptures, which say ye must take upon you the name of Christ, which is my name? For by this name shall ye be called at the last day; And whoso taketh upon him my name, and endureth to the end, the same shall be saved at the last day. Therefore, whatsoever ye shall do, ye shall do it in my name; therefore ye shall call the church in my name; and ye shall call upon the Father in my name that he will bless the church for my sake. And how be it my church save it be called in my name? For if a church be called in Moses' name then it be Moses' church; or if it be called in the name of a man then it be the church of a man; but if it be called in my name then it is my church, if it so be that they are built upon my gospel. Verily I say unto you, that ye are built upon my gospel; therefore ye shall call whatsoever things ye do call, in my name; therefore if ye call upon the Father, for the church, if it be in my name the Father will hear you; And if it is be that the church is built upon my gospel then will the Father show forth is own works in it.3”
The name Latter-day Saints has been added to distinguish the Church of Jesus Christ of today, with the primitive Church of Christ while He was ministering on the earth. A revelation was given to Joseph Smith, the prophet, a year after the church was organized which stated: “And also those to whom these commandments were given, might have power to lay the foundation of this church, and to bring it forth out of obscurity and out of darkness, the only true and living church upon the face of the whole earth, with which I, the Lord, am well pleased, speaking unto the church collectively and not individually.4”

C) Organization within the Church
The church is organized the same way it was organized when the Savior established his church on the earth. “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 fullness of Christ.5”
A prophet holding the keys of the priesthood and supported by two counselors, constitute the first presidency of the Church. The prophet receives direct revelation from Christ, but Christ, is at the head of the Church.
Twelve Apostles have also been chosen by the Lord, through revelation, to teach God’s plan for us, to perform the Lord's work on the earth and lead His church with authority. They make sure that the gospel is taught correctly throughout the world. These men are true witnesses of the Lord Jesus Christ. Thus, the Church of Christ is lead by revelation from the Lord through living prophets: for “Surely the Lord god will do nothing, but he revealeth his secret unto his servants the prophets.6” The church is worldwide and grows every year at a phenomenal rate. From 6 members in 1830, 11,000,000 members of the Church living throughout the world today.
Quorum of seventies are organized to go throughout the world and make sure that the Gospel truths are taught correctly without misunderstanding; “After these things the Lord appointed other seventy also, and sent them two by two before his face into every city and place, whither he himself would come.7”

Elders are chosen to take part in the welfare of the souls of each members; “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.8” “And when they had ordained them elders in every church, and had prayed with fasting, they commanded them to the Lord, on whom they believed.9” The church is organized in regions, stakes, wards and branches throughout the world. Each ward has a bishop, “Paul and Timotheus, the servants of Jesus Christ, to all the saints in Christ Jesus which are at Philipi, with the bishops and deacons10”. Each bishop has the qualification required from the Lord to officiate “ This is a true saying, if a man desire the office of a bishop, he desireth a good work. A bishop then must be blameless, the husband of one wife, vigilant, sober, of good behaviour, given to hospitality, apt to teach; not given to wine, no striker, not greedy of filthy lucre, but patient, not a brawler, not covetous; one that ruleth well his own house, having his children in subjection with all gravity; for if a man know not how to rule his own house, how shall he take care of the church of God?11”
Through the priesthood authority, elders of the church have the authority to heal the afflicted; “Is any sick among you? let him call for the elders of the church; and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord.12”

D) Come unto Christ: A responsibility
It is our responsibility to come unto Christ by being a member of His church. Moroni said, in the Book of Mormon “Neither did they receive any unto baptism save they came forth with a broken heart and a contrite spirit, and witnessed unto the church that they truly repented of all their sins. And none were received unto baptism save they took upon them the name of Christ, having a determination to serve him to the end. And after they had been received unto baptism, and were wrought upon and cleansed by the power of the Holy Ghost, they were numbered among the people of the church of Christ; and their names were taken, that they might be remembered and nourished by the good word of God, to keep them in the right way, to keep them continually watchful unto prayer, relying alone upon the merits of Christ, who was the author and the finisher of their faith.13”
Christ's church contains the fullness of his gospel. Only in His church can we find the authority to perform gospel ordinances. It is important for everyone to find His church.
I recall one simple example using a milkman. Let us say that we are driving very fast. Let us say that we are driving over the speed limit when a milkman sees us driving too fast. He stops us and tells us that he will give us a ticket. Would it make sense that he could give us a ticket? Without the authority, he cannot do so. In a similar way, we cannot receive baptism by someone not having the authority. It is essential that we find this authority. This authority is found in Christ's church, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

E) Church meeting and fellowship
“And the church did meet together oft, to fast and to pray, and to speak one with another concerning the welfare of their souls. And they did meet together oft to partake of bread and wine, in remembrance of the Lord Jesus.14” The Lord wants us to meet often that we may worship him and remain active in our faith. The sacrament is an essential part of these worship services. It is sometimes called “communion” and “last supper”. The Lord introduced it just before he was crucified: “And he took bread, and gave thanks, and breaks it, and gave unto them, saying, This is my body, which is given for you: this do in remembrance of me. Likewise also the cup after supper, saying, This cup is the New Testament in my blood, which is shed for you.15”

Christ commands his followers to meet often, “And behold, ye shall meet together oft; and ye shall not forbid any man from coming unto you when ye shall meet together, but suffer them that they may come unto you and forbid them not.16”
To follow God's commandments, the followers of Christ meet every Sabbath day. Ezra Taft Benson, one of the prophets of the Church wrote: “The purpose of the Sabbath is for spiritual uplift, for a renewal of our covenants, for worship, for prayer. It is for the purpose of feeding the spirit, that we may keep ourselves unspotted from the world by obeying God’s command.17”
The sacrament helps members of the church remember that Christ suffered for our sins and by His death and resurrection made it possible for us to return to the presence of our Heavenly father. On the same point of importance, this ordinance helps us remember the covenant or promise we made with God when we were baptized. When we partake of the sacrament we renew the promise to follow him and we have his Spirit with us, as long as we keep our part of the covenant.
The Saints go to church to be taught and to teach one another the gospel of Jesus Christ. Each of us has the chance to be a special individual, a unique individual with unique experiences. In this way, everyone can be strengthened through the experiences and testimonies of others. It brings a unique sense of unity and fellowship. “It is like a fire made with many logs. Together, the logs make a great fire and generate much heat. But if the logs are separated to burn individually, they soon cool. Instead of bright flames, they produce a dull glow. If they are left alone, soon the glow will die. Church members need to meet together to share convictions, to learn from each other, and to strengthen one another.18”
It is a great family that meets together. Everyone cares for his brother and sister. Everyone is heading in the same direction, with the goal to return in the presence of our Heavenly Father. It gives every member a chance to participate in the spiritual growth of his fellowman. It gives everyone a chance to serve the Lord and to develop and share personal talents and gifts. A lot of interaction is possible and makes this church a living Church.
By going to church, it enables the Saints to keep the Sabbath day holy which is one of the commandments of God. It also enables the Saints to develop knowledge and understanding of the truth. It brings opportunities to use the priesthood and strengthen the Disciples of Christ. Finally, it helps each of us to better understand the purposes of God, his love for us, and to make the Atonement of Jesus Christ more effective in our own lives.

References Part 6
1. Acts 3: 19-20
2. Ephesians 5: 23
3. 3 Nephi 27: 3-10
4. Doctrine and Covenants 1: 30
5. Ephesians 4: 11-13
6. Amos 3: 7
7. Luke 10: 1
8. Titus 1: 5
9. Acts 14: 23
10. Philippians 1: 1
11. 1 Timothy 3: 1-5
12. James 5:14
13. Moroni 6: 2-4
14. Moroni 6: 5-6
15. Luke 22: 19-20
16. 3 Nephi 18: 22
17. Ezra Taft Benson, God, Family, Country: Our Three Great Loyalties, pp. 103-4
18. Missionary Discussions: Uniform System for Teaching the Gospel

Part 7-The Gifts of the Spirit; Part of Christ's Church

2008-03-04T19:29:00.000-08:00

“We believe in the gift of tongues, prophecy, revelation, visions, healing, interpretation of tongues, and so forth."

“Wherefore I give you to understand, that no man speaking by the Spirit of God calleth Jesus accursed: and that no man can say that Jesus is the Lord, but by the Holy Ghost. Now there are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit.1” The Lord said to the people on the American continent: “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.2”

One of the prophets, Moroni, explained the same truth given by Paul to the people in Corinth: “Nothing that is good denieth the Christ, but acknowledgeth that he is. And ye may know that he is by the power of the Holy Ghost; wherefore, I would exhort you that ye deny not the power of God; for he worketh by power, according to the faith of the children of men, the same today and tomorrow, and forever. And again, I exhort you, my brethren, that ye deny not the gifts of God, for they are many; and they come from the same God. And there are different ways that these gifts are administered; but it is the same God who worketh all in all; and they are given by the manifestations of the Spirit of god unto men, to profit them.3”

For the benefit of his followers, the Lord has given to those who receive the Holy Ghost different gifts; that everyone may be edified. As the scriptures explain; many gifts are bestowed upon men and women who have received the Holy Ghost and remain faithful to their covenant with God. A revelation from the Lord given to the prophet Joseph Smith states: “And again, verily I say unto you, I would that ye should always remember, and always retain in your minds what those gifts are, that are given unto the church. For all have not every gift given unto them; for there are many gifts, and to every man is given a gift by the Spirit of God.4”

For this study, we will discuss the different gifts of the Spirit, and see how the Bible and the Book of Mormon complement each other. All the gifts the Lord gave to His primitive Church are found, in our day in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The Lord restored the same gifts when he restored His gospel on the earth.

The gift of tongues: While the Apostles were teaching the people on the day of the Pentecost, they received this gift: “And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance. Now when this was noised abroad, the multitude came together, and were confounded, because that every man heard them speak in his own language.5” In the Book of Mormon, Alma, the prophet, is reminding the people how blessed they have been and are, when they have followed the Lord: “Having been visited by the Spirit of God; having conversed with angels, and having been spoken unto by the voice of the Lord; and having the Spirit of prophecy, and the Spirit of revelation, and also many gifts, the gift of speaking with tongues, and the gift of preaching, and the gift of the Holy Ghost, and the gift of translation...6” The prophet Moroni added: “For behold, to one is given the Spirit of God that he may teach the word of wisdom; and again, to another, the interpretation of languages and of divers kinds of tongues.7”
The gift of tongue is the ability to preach the gospel in all languages. God gives a gift so men may go all over the world and announce the good news of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints sends missionaries around the world to preach repentance and baptism; 60.000 missionaries are laboring in the world. The missionaries receive this gift of tongue while doing the work of the Lord. Often times, within 2 to 6 months, they are able to speak a new language, which would take years without the influence of the Spirit of the Lord.

The gift of prophecy: In the Old Testament, Samuel received this gift from the Lord: “And the Spirit of the Lord will come upon thee, and thou shalt prophecy with them, and shalt be turned into another man. And when they came thither to the hill, behold, a company of prophets met him; and the spirit of God came upon him, and he prophesied among them.8”
On the day of the Pentecost, the apostles of the Lord taught the words of the Savior: “And it shall come to pass in the last days, saith God, I will pour out my Spirit upon all flesh: and your sons and your daughters shall prophecy, and your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams.9” This gift is given to faithful members to guide them through their life. Also, the prophet prophesies for the people, being a special instrument in the hand of the Lord to let us know His truth. The Book of Mormon teaches us: “And I, Nephi, said unto them: Behold they were manifest unto the prophet by the voice of the Spirit; for by the Spirit are all things made known unto the prophets, which shall come upon the children of men according to the flesh.10”

The gift of revelation: Jesus was giving a discourse on the mission of the Holy Ghost: “Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come.11”
A great follower of the Lord, in the Book of Mormon expressed his feelings about revelation: “Yea, he that repenteth and exerciseth faith, and bringeth forth good works, and prayeth continually without ceasing- unto such it is given to know the mysteries of God; yea, unto such it shall be given to reveal things which never have been revealed; yea, and it shall be given unto such to bring thousands of souls to repentance, even as it has been given unto us to bring these our brethren to repentance.12” Ammon explained how we could receive personal revelations. The prophet Nephi added: “For he that diligently seeketh shall find; and the mysteries of God shall be unfolded unto them, by the power of the Holy Ghost, as well in these times as in times of old, and as well in times of old as in times to come; wherefore, the course of the Lord is one eternal round.13” Just as in the bible time, the prophets, 600 years before Christ appeared on the American continent knew about those gifts. They are part of the truth, part of the gospel of Jesus Christ.

The gift of visions: One of the prophets explained a vision that he received in the Old Testament: “And he put forth the form of an hand, and took me by a lock of mine head; and the spirit lifted me up between the earth and the heaven, and brought me in the visions of God to Jerusalem, to the door of the inner gate that looketh toward the north...And behold, the glory of the God of Israel was there, according to the vision that I saw in the plain.14” Prophets of old received visions when the Lord wanted to teach them. Another example in the Book of Mormon shows the ways of the Lord. Nephi explains the vision that his father, the prophet Lehi, received from the Lord: “And being thus overcome with the Spirit, he was carried away in a vision, even that he saw the heavens open, and he thought he saw God sitting upon his throne, surrounded with numberless concourses of angels in the attitude of singing and praising their God.15” This is one way the Lord used to talk to his prophets of old, and through His modern-day prophet today.

The gift of healing: When the Lord chose his twelve Apostles, he gave them power to “heal all manner of sickness and all manner of disease.16” With such a gift and power, they did many miracles. The Lord was ministering with this gift: “...God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Ghost and with power: who went about doing good, and healing all that were oppressed of the devil; for God was with him.17” Paul explained the diversity of the gifts of the Spirit17: “To another (it is given) faith by the same Spirit; to another the gifts of healing by the same spirit.” This gift was passed down to the elders of the Church through priesthood power to administer the sick: “Is any among you afflicted? let him pray. Is any merry? let him sing psalms. Is any sick among you? let him call for the elders of the church; and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord. And the prayer of faith shall save the sick.19” It is the way the church was organized in Christ’s time and is in our days. Elders have received this priesthood authority and a gift for the healing of the sick. The Book of Mormon prophet, Moroni, testifies of the same gift pertaining to the Church of Jesus Christ: “And to another (it is given) exceedingly great faith; and to another, the gift of healing by the same Spirit.20”

The gift of interpretation of tongues21: Paul taught about those gifts: “And there are differences of administrations, but the same Lord. And there are diversities of operations, but it is the same God, which worketh all in all. But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man to profit withal. For to one is given by the Spirit the word of wisdom; to another the word of knowledge by the same Spirit; to another the working of miracles; to another prophecy; to another discerning of spirits; to another divers kinds of tongues; to another the interpretation of tongues.” Moroni, in the Book of Mormon added those words: “And again I speak unto you who deny the revelations of God, and say that they are done away, that there are no revelations, nor prophecies, nor gifts, nor healing, nor speaking with tongues, and the interpretation of tongues; behold I say unto you, he that denieth these things knoweth not the gospel of Christ; yea, he has not read the scriptures; if so, he does not understand them. For do we not read that God is the same yesterday, today, and forever.22”
This is the gospel of Jesus Christ. These gifts are given to those that diligently seek them.

References Part 7
1. 1 Corinthians 12:3-4
2. See 2 Nephi 31: 12
3. Moroni 10: 6, 7-8
4. Doctrine and Covenants 46: 10-11
5. Acts 2: 6
6. Alma 9: 21
7. Moroni 10: 9, 16
8. 1 Samuel 10: 6, 10
9. 9 Acts 2: 17
10. 1 Nephi 22: 2
11. John 16: 13
12. Alma 26: 22
13. 1 Nephi 10: 19
14. See Ezekiel 8: 3-4
15. 1 Nephi 1: 8
16. Matthew 10: 1
17. See Acts 10: 38
18. 1 Corinthians 12: 9
19. James 5: 13–15
20. Moroni 10: 11
21. 1 Corinthians 12: 5-8, 10
22. Mormon 9: 7- 9

Part 8-The Bible and The Book of Mormon: Two Witnesses of Christ

2008-03-04T19:25:00.000-08:00

“We believe the bible to be the word of God as far as it is translated correctly; we also believe the Book of Mormon to be the word of God.”

The Bible contains a record of the people from the beginning of “Genesis” to the birth of Christ; it is called the Old Testament. It is a record of many prophets who taught the gospel to the people and prophesied about the birth and divine mission of the Savior. From the book of Matthew to the book of Revelation is the record of Christ and His apostles. It is called the New Testament. Jesus Christ came into the world to establish His church and overcome sin and death for us. As prophets of old were writing these records, they knew that those records would be for a future time. “Now go, write it before them in a table, and note it in a book, that it may be for the time to come for ever and ever.1”

The Bible is the word of God. To those who read it, this truth may be confirmed individually.

A) A comparison
The Book of Mormon testifies of the Bible. The prophets, on the American continent, knew about the Bible. Nephi, a prophet on the American continent, saw a vision and expressed his feelings about it. An apostasy was to come forth so the church of Jesus Christ could be restored. It was more than an individual apostasy. Nephi, in his vision, saw people from different churches, who professed to be the church of Christ, put incorrect doctrines into the Bible and corrupted it. He qualified those churches that taught incorrect doctrines as "Abominable churches". “The book that thou beholdest is a record of the Jews, which contains the covenants of the Lord, which he hath made unto the House of Israel; and it also containeth many of the prophecies of the holy prophets; and it is a record like unto the engravings which are upon the plates of brass, save they are not so many; nevertheless, they contain the covenants of the Lord, which he hath made unto the House of Israel; wherefore, they are of great worth unto the gentiles. And the angel of the Lord said unto me: thou hast beheld that the book proceeded forth from the mouth of a Jew; and when it proceeded forth from the mouth of a Jew it contained the fullness of the gospel of the Lord, of whom the twelve apostles bear record; and they bear record according to the truth which is in the Lamb of God. Wherefore, these things go forth from the Jews in purity unto the gentiles, according to the truth, which is in God. and after they go forth by the hand of the twelve apostles of the Lamb, from the Jews unto the Gentiles, thou seest the formation of that great and abominable church which is most abominable above all other churches; for behold, they have taken away from the gospel of the Lamb may parts which are plain and most precious; and also many covenants of the Lord have they taken away. And all this have they done that they might pervert the right ways of the Lord, that they might blind the eyes and harden the hearts of the children of men. Wherefore, thou seest that after the book hath gone forth through the hands of the great and abominable church, that there are many plain and precious things taken away from the book, which is the book of the Lamb of God.2”
The prophet Nephi saw all that in vision 600 years before the birth of Christ.

B) Prophecies about the Book of Mormon and our days
We see a lot of confusion in our day with many Churches that believe in the same Bible, but interpret it differently. The Apostles and Prophets did not intend this confusion when they kept records of their dealings with the Lord.
For this reason, the Lord has revealed the Book of Mormon, another testament of Jesus Christ. The prophet Ezekiel, in the Old Testament, prophesied about these two books; comparing them as two different “stick3”: “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. And when the children of thy people shall speak unto thee, saying, Wilt thou not shew us what thou meanest by these? Say unto them, Thus saith the Lord God; behold, I will take the stick of Joseph, which is in the hand of Ephraim, and the tribes of Israel his fellows, and will put them with him, even with the stick of Judah, and make them one stick, and they shall be one in mine hand. And the sticks whereon thou writest shall be in thine hand before their eyes.4”
The stick of Judah spoken about in this scripture represents the children of Israel; the people in Jerusalem at the time.
The Lord Jesus Christ said: “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.5”
Jesus Christ, after His resurrection, visited the American continent. He established His church among those other “sheep”. He told them about the people in Jerusalem: “This much did the Father command me, that I should tell unto them: That 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 now, because of stiffneckedness and unbelief they understood not my word; therefore I was commanded to say no more of the Father concerning this thing unto them. But, verily, I say unto you that the Father hath commanded me, and I tell it unto you, that ye were separated from among them because of their iniquity; therefore it is because of their iniquity that they know not of you. And verily, I say unto you again that the other tribes hath the Father separated from them; and it is because of their iniquity that they know not of 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 understood me not... 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.6”
The people on the American continent were descendants of Joseph. They were of the stick of Ephraim. They wrote records testifying of the Savior, Jesus Christ. Nephi, one of the early prophets on the American continent shared: “And it came to pass that I beheld the remnant of the seed of my brethren, and also the book of the Lamb of God, which had proceeded forth from the mouth of the Jew, that it came forth from the Gentiles* unto the remnant of the seed of my brethren. And after it had come forth unto them I beheld other books, which came forth by the power of the Lamb, from the Gentiles7 unto them, unto the convincing of the Gentiles and the remnant of the seed of my brethren, and also the Jews who were scattered upon all the face of the earth, that the records of the prophets and of the twelve apostles of the Lamb are true. And the angel spake unto me, saying: These last records, which thou hast seen among the Gentiles, shall establish the truth of the first, which are of the twelve apostles of the Lamb, and shall make known the plain and precious things which have been taken away from them; and shall make known to all kindreds, tongues, and people, that the Lamb of God is the Son of the Eternal Father, and the Savior of the world; and that all men must come unto him, or they cannot be saved.8”

The Lord has said of the Bible and the Book of Mormon, that they will be joined together and become one. Lehi, a prophet, just before his death gave some instructions to his children. He expressed an interesting vision that he had received for his son Joseph about 580 years BC: “And now I speak unto you, Joseph, my last born in the wilderness of mine afflictions; yea, in the days of my greatest sorrow did thy mother bear thee... For behold, thou art the fruit of my loins; and I am a descendant of Joseph who was carried captive into Egypt. And great were the covenants of the Lord which he made unto Joseph.9” The story of Joseph who was carried captive into Egypt is found in the book of Genesis starting in chapter 37.
Lehi, continuing the explanation of his vision to his son Joseph said: “Wherefore, Joseph (who was carried captive) truly saw our day. And he obtained a promise of the Lord, that out of the fruit of his loins the Lord God would raise up a righteous branch unto the house of Israel; not the Messiah, but a branch which was to be broken off; nevertheless, to be remembered in the covenants of the Lord that the Messiah should be made manifest unto them in the latter-days, in the spirit of power, unto the bringing of them out of darkness unto light -yea, out of hidden darkness and out of captivity unto freedom.10” It is interesting to note that Joseph Smith was also a descendant of Ephraim. This Joseph, from the book of Genesis, received a revelation about Joseph Smith of the latter-days and the Book of Mormon. Lehi explained it: “For Joseph truly testified, saying: A seer shall the Lord my God raise up, who shall be a choice seer unto the fruit of my loins. Yea, Joseph truly said: Thus saith the Lord unto me: A choice seer will I raise up out of the fruit of thy loins; and he shall be esteemed highly among the fruit of thy loins. And unto him will I give commandment that he shall do a work for the fruit of thy loins, his brethren, which shall be of great worth unto them, even to the bringing of them to the knowledge of the covenants which I have made with my fathers. And I will give unto him a commandment that he shall do none other work, save the work which I shall command him. And I will make him great in mine eyes; for he shall do my work. And out of weakness he shall be made strong, in that day when my work shall commence among all my people, unto the restoring thee, O house of Israel, saith the Lord. And his name shall be called after me; and it shall be after the name of his father. And he shall be like unto me; for the thing, which the Lord shall bring forth by his hand, by the power of the Lord shall bring my people unto salvation. Yea, thus prophesied Joseph: I am sure of this thing, even as I am sure of the promise of Moses; for the Lord hath said unto me, I will preserve thy seed forever. And the words which he shall write shall be the words which are expedient in my wisdom should go forth unto the fruit of my loins. And it shall be as if the fruit of thy loins had cried unto them from the dust; for I know their faith. And they shall cry from the dust; yea, even repentance unto their brethren, even after many generations have gone by them. And it shall come to pass that their cry shall go, even according to the simpleness of their words. And now, behold, my son Joseph, after this manner did my father of old prophesy.11”

The prophets knew about the coming forth of the Book of Mormon. It came out of the dust because it was buried by the last prophet of the Book of Mormon, Moroni. They knew Joseph Smith would be chosen to translate those writings and restore the gospel in the latter-days.
The Bible as well as the Book of Mormon is the word of God. Both of these books stand as a witnesses of Christ; witnesses of His divine Sonship and of his role as Creator, Savior and Judge of the world. The apostle Paul helped us know how the word of God would be established upon the earth. It is the divine law of witnesses: “This is the third time I am coming to you. In the mouth of two or three witnesses shall every word be established.12”
The Bible is one record that witnesses the word of the Lord. The book of Mormon is another one. An example of the importance of the law of witnesses is the illustration of hinges on a door. Why would you want to use two hinges instead of only one? How do the two hinges working together make the door more stable? In the same way, the Bible and the Book of Mormon are united to teach the gospel of Jesus Christ. They firmly establish the truth. Both support the truth of the gospel and the divine nature of Jesus Christ.13

C) How we can know that it is true?
We know the Bible is the word of God from the Holy Ghost confirming the truth as we read it. The same can be said about the truthfulness of the Book of Mormon. God has said, “ask and ye shall receive, knock and it shall be open unto you.”
The prophet Moroni, while writing his last thoughts and testimony of the Book of Mormon, sealed the book with a promise to all those that would read it. And thus are his words: “Behold, I will exhort you that when ye shall read these things, if it be wisdom in God that ye should read them, that ye would remember how merciful the Lord hath been unto the children of men, from the creation of Adam even down until the time that ye shall receive these things, and ponder it in your hearts. 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.14”
This promise is simple. God has knowledge of everything. He can tell us what is right and what is wrong. God promises he will send the Holy Ghost to let us know the truth. The Holy Ghost is manifest in many different ways. Among those, are feelings we described earlier.15

This invitation is for everyone; believers as well as non believers.

Brief explanation of a "stick”: From Hebrew, wood meaning wooden writing tablets. It was really common to use those in Ezeckiel's time. In his days, writings were recorded on parchment rolled unto a stick, which made a scroll. First, it was a record of Judah (the bible) containing the religious history of the ancestor of Judah and of his descendant, with a primary focus on Jesus Christ.
Next, the record of Judah would be joined with the record of the descendant of Joseph of Egypt and his son Ephraim (the Book of Mormon). The Book of Mormon also focuses primarily on Christ.

Brief explanation of the "Gentiles”: Literally, the word Gentile means “of the same clan or race”. In the Bible, it is often substituted as “nations”. After the kingdom of Israel was destroyed and the ten tribes were led away into Assyrian captivity, those of the kingdom of Judah called themselves Jews and designated all others as Gentiles.16 The Gentiles that accept the gospel of Jesus Christ are adopted, through baptism, into the house of Israel.

References Part 8
Isaiah 30: 8
3 Nephi 13: 23-27
See Explanation of a “stick” at on pg 96
Ezekiel 37:15-20
John 10: 14-16
See 3 Nephi 15: 16-24
See Explanation of “Gentiles” on pg. 96
1 Nephi 13: 38-40
2 Nephi 3: 1, 4
2 Nephi 3: 5
2 Nephi 3: 6-8, 13,15-16, 19-20, 22
2 Corinthians 13:1
Missionary Discussions: Uniform System for Teaching the Gospel.
Moroni 10: 3-5
Galatians 5: 22-23
Bruce R. McConkie, Mormon Doctrine.
References
1. See explanation of books on page 7
2. See introduction page of The Book of Mormon
3. See Genesis 11: 5-9
4. Ether 1: 33
5. See Genesis 10: 25
6. See Genesis 37
7. 2 Nephi 3: 4
8. See Genesis 48: 16
9. See Omni 1: 15-16
10. See Jeremiah 16:11-13
11. See History of Joseph Smith on page 11
12. See introduction page of The Book of Mormon
13. See introduction page of Doctrine and Covenants
14. See introduction page of The Pearl of Great Price
15. See Pearl of Great Price; Joseph Smith History vs. 4
16. Meaning “separated”
17. See Pearl of Great Price; Joseph Smith History vs. 8
18. See Pearl of Great Price; Joseph Smith History vs. 10
19. Meaning “without any reproach.”
20. See Pearl of Great Price; Joseph Smith History vs. 11-12
21. See Pearl of Great Price; Joseph Smith History vs. 13
22. See Pearl of Great Price; Joseph Smith History vs. 14
23. See Pearl of Great Price; Joseph Smith History vs. 16-17
24. See Pearl of Great Price; Joseph Smith History vs. 19
25. See explanation of The Book of Mormon on page 7
26. See Pearl of Great Price; Joseph Smith History vs. 30-47
27. See Pearl of Great Price; Joseph Smith History vs. 33
28. Isaiah 29: 10
29. See Part 5 & 6
30. Isaiah 29: 11-12
31. See Pearl of Great Price; Joseph Smith History vs. 64-65
32. Isaiah 29: 14
33. Doctrine and Covenants 4: 1
34. See History of the Church V4 pg. 535

Part 9-Continuing Revelation From God

2008-03-04T19:20:00.000-08:00

“ We believe all that God has revealed, all that he does now reveal, and we believe that he will yet reveal many great and important things pertaining to the kingdom of God."

A) God’s pattern
The prophet Amos expressed an important truth about the dealings of God with his children. “Surely the Lord God will do nothing, but he revealeth his secret unto his servants the prophets.1”
God always chose prophets to reveal His truths that they may be witnesses and testify of the divinity of the Savior Jesus Christ. This scripture also teaches that without prophets we would not know the fullness of God’s plan. God is the same yesterday, today, and tomorrow. He is the same forever and ever; if not, he would cease to be God. So why would He change His pattern for revealing his truths? “For I am the Lord, I change not.2” Paul explained: “Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever.3” The prophet Mormon added: “For do we not read that God is the same yesterday, today, and forever, and in him there is no variableness neither shadow of changing? And now, if ye have imagined up unto yourselves a god who doth vary, and in whom there is shadow of changing, than have ye imagined up unto yourselves a god who is not a god of miracles. And if there were miracles wrought then, why has God ceased to be a God of miracles and yet be an unchangeable Being? And behold, I say unto you he changeth not; if so he would cease to be God; and he ceaseth not to be God, and is a God of miracles.4”
Without revelation, Man would not know of the things of God nor be saved with any degree of salvation in the Eternities. Even though everyone can receive personal revelation and guidance through the Holy Ghost, in the Lord's Church, the First Presidency, the council of the twelve Apostles and patriarchs are entitled to receive revelation for others. They are prophets, seers and revelators to the church and to the world. Daniel, the prophet in the Old Testament, testified to the King Nebuchadnezzar: “But there is a God in heaven that revealeth to the king Nebuchadnezzar what shall be in the latter days.5” By revelation through the prophet Daniel, the king knew of latter days. God revealed many things through his prophets since the beginning of time.
He continues to reveal things, through His prophet, and will continue till his “purposes may be accomplished and his work done.7”
One thing important to mention is the reason we are on earth. Many people wonder about this basic principle. To help us understand that, He explained to all his prophets the plan that He established for his children. A plan of love that would allow us to, come on earth, experience life and return to Him. This is the plan of salvation, plan of happiness or plan of redemption as often mentioned in the scriptures.

B) The plan of salvation
To help us understand His plan, is the knowledge that we lived, before we were born into this world. The prophet Jeremiah expressed the words of the Lord to him: “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 nation.7” The prophet Alma in the Book of Mormon, knew this truth as well as Jeremiah: “I would that ye should remember that the Lord God ordained priests, after the order of his Son, to teach these things unto these people. And those priests were ordained after the order of his Son, in a manner that thereby the people might know in what manner to look forward to his Son for redemption. And this the manner after which they were ordained- being called and prepared from the foundation of the world, according to the foreknowledge of God, on account of their exceeding faith and good works; in the first place being left to choose good or evil; therefore they having chosen good, and exercising exceedingly great faith, are called with a holy calling... And thus they have been called to this holy calling on account of their faith, while others would reject the Spirit of God on account of the hardness of their hearts and blindness of their minds, while, if it had not been for this they might have had as great privilege as their brethren.8”
The Lord knew the prophet Jeremiah before he came to earth in a pre-mortal life existence. He knew each of us before we came to earth. Jeremiah was chosen before he was born to become a prophet. He received His calling through his faith and obedience. We do not remember this state of our life, but he has revealed to His prophets that knowledge so that we may understand the importance of this life.

As we mentioned earlier, we are His children. We lived as a spirit with Him before we were born. Our spirit bodies were created in His image: “For in him we live, and move, and have our being; as certain also of our own poets have said, For we are also his offspring.9” We wanted to become like our Heavenly Father, but we were different from him in certain ways. First, His spiritual progression exceeded ours, and we did not have a physical body like His. Heavenly Father loves us so much that He wanted us to become like Him. Just like a father who wants his children to receive the same blessings he has. Heavenly Father wants the same thing.
In order for that to happen, he prepared a plan that would help us become like him. The first step was to come to earth. In the book of Abraham10, the Lord revealed His secret to his servant Abraham. He explained to him our pre-existence and the reason we came to earth: “Now the Lord had shown unto me, Abraham, the intelligence 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 art one of them; thou wast chosen before thou wast born. 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 a 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.11”

The fact that we are here on earth today shows that we have accepted this plan and decided to follow it. Many people have been asked: “What is the purpose of life?” Many still wonder about this question as well as what will happen in the after life.
A life without purpose looses direction. It might be difficult to find real meaning in waking up every morning and meeting the challenges of the world. Without an eternal goal, it is difficult to reach an eternal progression.
The purpose of life is simple. It is to work toward becoming like our Father in Heaven and to prepare ourselves to return to Him through opportunities that He will provide. Paul said: “Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling.12” The prophet Moroni expressed a similar truth: “O then despise not, and wonder not, but hearken unto the words of the Lord, and ask the Father in the name of Jesus for what things soever ye shall stand in need. Doubt not, but be believing, and begin as in times of old, and come unto the Lord with all your heart, and work out your own salvation with fear and trembling before him.13” Everything that does not lead to becoming like our Heavenly Father is not needed. In the end, worldly things will make no difference.

Our birth provides us a physical body, which is imperfect, being earthly and mortal. Having a mortal body is a step toward receiving a glorified and immortal body like our Heavenly Father. We are given the gift of free agency: “And men are instructed sufficiently that they know good from evil.14" "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.15”
We are free to choose between good and evil as the prophet Alma said in the Book of Mormon: “Now there was no law against a man’s belief; for it was starkly contrary to the commands of God that there should be a law which should bring men on to unequal grounds. For thus saith the scripture: Choose ye this day, whom ye will serve.16” Freedom is given to man to choose whom he wants to serve; but we are responsible for the choices that we make. By learning to distinguish between good and evil and by choosing the good, we get a step closer becoming like our Heavenly Father. This life becomes a probationary state: “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.17”
Amulek testified: “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 (...) Ye cannot say, when ye are brought to that awful crisis, that I will repent, that I will return to my God. Nay, ye cannot say this; for that same spirit which doth posses your bodies at the time that ye go out of this life, that same spirit will have power to possess your body in that eternal world18.” Later he said: “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.19 ”
Faith is an important principle because we do not remember our pre-mortal life. Our choices become important because of the consequences on earth and in the life to come: “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 dead20 .”

Once we understand and realize the importance of our choices and know the purpose of this life, then we want to control our physical bodies. We want to act in a manner that will reflect our desire to become more like Heavenly Father and return to His presence.
These bodies are mortal; so, each one of us will die. For lots of people, death is an end. It is a time when we loose our loved one and fear we will not see them again. But in the gospel of Jesus Christ death is part of our Heavenly Father’s plan: “For as death hath passed upon all men, to fulfill the merciful plan of the great Creator, there must need be a power of resurrection, and the resurrection must needs come unto man by reason of the fall; and the fall came by reason of transgression; and because men became fallen they were cut off from the presence of the Lord21 .” At death, our spirit and our physical body are separated. The prophet Alma, teaching his sons, said: “Now, concerning the state of the soul between death and the resurrection- Behold, it has been made known unto me by an angel, that the spirits of all men, as soon as they are departed from this mortal body, yea, the spirits of all men, whether they be good or evil, are taken home to that God who gave them life22 .” While our bodies are in the grave, our spirit continues to live and goes to a place that has been prepared for them. It is called the “spirit world”.
“Then shall the dust return to the earth as it was: and the spirit shall return unto God who gave it23.”
Continuing his explanation on life after death, the prophet Alma said about 70 years BC: “And then it shall come to pass, that the spirits of those who are righteous are received into a state of happiness, which is called paradise, a state of rest, a state of peace, where they shall rest from all their troubles and from all care, and sorrow. And then shall it come to pass, that the spirits of the wicked, yea, who are evil- for behold, they have no part nor portion of the spirit of the Lord; for behold, they chose evil works rather than good; therefore the spirit of the devil did enter into them, and take possession of their house-and these shall be cast out into outer darkness; there shall be weeping, and wailing, and gnashing of teeth, and this because of their own iniquity, being led captive by the will of the devil24.”

Then comes the day of the resurrection. Just like Jesus Christ was resurrected; each of us will be resurrected. Our spirit will be reunited with our body in an immortal condition. Once resurrected, we will be brought to stand before the Lord to be judged according to our faithfulness and diligence in keeping His commandments. We have to answer for the way we lived. Of this, many prophets and Apostles testified. We will quote some of their writings for our study. “ Verily, verily, I say unto you, The hour is coming, and now is, when the dead shall hear the voice of the Son of God: and they that hear shall live. For as the Father hath life in himself; so hath he given to the Son to have life in himself; And hath given him authority to execute judgment also, because he is the Son of Man. 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.25” “But behold, I say unto you, the kingdom of God is not filthy, and there cannot any unclean thing enter into the kingdom of God; wherefore there must needs be a place of filthiness prepared for that which is filthy26 .” “Wherefore, we shall have a perfect knowledge of all our guilt, and our uncleanness, and our nakedness; and the righteous shall have a perfect knowledge of their enjoyment, and their righteousness, being clothed with purity, yea, even with the robe of righteousness27.” “Therefore if that man repenteth not, and remaineth and dieth an enemy to God, the demands of divine justice do awaken his immortal soul to a lively sense of his own guilt, which doth cause him to shrink from the presence of the Lord, and doth fill his breast with guilt, and pain, and anguish, which is like an unquenchable fire, whose flame ascendeth up forever and ever28 .” Amulek testified: “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 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 guilt29 .”
Later on, the prophet Alma added on the words of Amulek saying: “And Amulek hath spoken plainly concerning death, and being raised from this mortality to a state of immortality, and being brought before the bar of God, to be judged according to our works, Then if our hearts have been hardened, yea, if we have hardened our hearts against the word, insomuch that it has not been found in us, then will our state be awful, for then we shall be condemned. For our words will condemn us, yea, all our works will condemn us; we shall not be found spotless; and our thoughts will also condemn us; and in this awful state awful state we shall not dare to look up to our God; and we would fain be glad if we could command the rocks and the mountains to fall upon us to hide us from his presence. But this cannot be; we must come forth and stand before him in his glory, and in his power, and in his might, majesty, and dominion, and acknowledge to our everlasting shame that all his judgments are just; that he is just in all works, and that he is merciful unto the children of men, and that he has all power to save every man that believeth on his name and bringeth forth fruit meet for repentance30 .”

Those prophets knew exactly about death and resurrection. They knew the importance of this life and the judgments of their God. As mentioned in the footnote (29), it is important to explain the term “restored”. Our bodies will be resurrected and become immortal and perfect; but our spirit will remain in the same state that when we left the earth. Alma testified: “The one raised to happiness according to his desires of happiness, or good according to his desires of good; and the other to evil according to his desires of evil; for as he has desired to do evil all the day long even so shall he have his reward of evil when the night cometh. And so it is on the other hand. If he hath repented of his sins, and desired righteousness until the end of his days, even so he shall be rewarded unto righteousness. These are they that are redeemed of the Lord; yea, these are they that are taken out, that are delivered from that endless night of darkness; and thus they stand or fall; for behold, they are their own judges, whether to do good or do evil. Now, the decrees of God are unalterable; therefore, the way is prepared that whosoever will may walk therein and be saved. And now behold, my son, do not risk one more offense against your God upon those points of doctrine, which ye have hitherto risked to commit sin. Do not suppose, because it has been spoken concerning restoration, that ye shall be restored from sin to happiness. Behold, I say unto you, wickedness never was happiness. And now, my son, all men that are in a state of nature, or I would say, in a carnal state, are in the gall of bitterness and in the bonds of iniquity; they are without God in the world, and they have gone contrary to the nature of God; therefore, they are in a state contrary to the nature of happiness. And now behold, is the meaning of the word restoration to take a thing of a natural state and place in an unnatural state, or to place it in a state opposite its nature? O, my son, this is not the case; but the meaning of the word restoration is to bring back again evil for evil, or carnal for carnal, or devilish for devilish- good for that which is good; righteous for that which is righteous; just for that which is just; merciful for that which is merciful. Therefore, my son, see that ye are merciful unto your brethren; deal justly, judge righteously, and do good continually; and if ye do all these things then shall ye receive your reward; yea, ye shall have mercy restored unto you again; ye shall have a righteous judgment restored unto you again; and ye shall have good rewarded unto you again. For that which ye do send out shall return unto you again, and be restored; therefore, the word restoration more fully condemneth the sinner, and justifieth him not at all.31”

Once we come to understand these truths, it brings more meaning and importance to life. This life is a time to prepare ourselves to meet God. If we have followed the way he taught us to live, we will be able to return to live in His presence and dwell with him in a glory, called the celestial glory. This glory is compared to the sun in the New Testament. For those who inherit this glory or kingdom, they are promised a fullness of joy. They will become like our Heavenly Father.
The Lord said: “In my Father's house are many mansions.32 " For those who have not been faithful following the commandments through faith, obedience and repentance; and who have not accepted the ordinances that Christ teaches us, Heavenly Father, in His great love will reward them with another degree of glory. Because they have not qualified for the fullness of joy, they will receive a lesser degree of glory. This demonstrates the love Heavenly Father has for each of His children. This truth was revealed a long time ago but unfortunately partially lost through the Apostasy. The Apostle Paul taught about these different degrees of glory: “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.33”
The degrees of glory differ according to our faithfulness. The prophet Joseph Smith received a vision on the different degrees of glory while studying John 5: 29. It was on February 1832, two years after the church was reorganized. (See Doctrine and Covenants 76)
The knowledge of the kingdoms God has prepared for His children show how great is the plan of our Eternal Father. It shows how much He loves each one of his children. He wants us to be happy.

Remember when you were little child. Let us imagine a boy, playing ball in front of the window of his house. His dad warned him a few times to play somewhere else because he might break the window; but he decides to keep playing there anyway. Finally, the boy by mistake, breaks the window. He feels terrible and knows his dad won't be happy because he had warned him. He would rather hide himself instead of looking at his dad in the eyes. He would feel uncomfortable. Our Father in Heaven has given us commandments to avoid breaking the windows of our lives, or breaking laws that would make us unhappy. But, we have tendency to do it anyway, by lack of faith, desire or obedience. One day, if we don't repent, we will have to face Him. Those of us that know what was right and willingly do the contrary anyway won't feel comfortable in front of him. To enable us to partake of some reward and glory, he has prepared different places were we won't live in his presence. It would be terrible to live forever with the knowledge that we could have lived in his presence if we had not rejected him. And for some it will be!
Heavenly Father is a loving father that wants His children to come back in His presence. It is because of disobedience, that we keep ourselves from enjoying the fullness of the blessings He has in store for us and the place that He has prepared for us after this life. This life is really important because our decisions here will have an influence for both our life on earth and after death.

C) Salvation for the dead
The Lord said in the scriptures talking to Nicodemus: “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.34” Unfortunately, many people on this earth won’t have an opportunity to be baptized. We stressed the importance of baptism earlier. Baptism is the only way to enter into the kingdom of heaven. A question may arise about the people who have never heard of Jesus Christ. Is it reasonable to think that our Heavenly Father would condemn them?! For all those who come to know Heavenly Father and have felt of His tremendous love; it is impossible to imagine that he would condemn people without giving them a chance to accept the gospel.
An important truth in the Bible explains us a little more about the people who have died without a chance to be baptized. We read earlier about the Spirit world. The Apostle Peter explained where the Savior was during the three days between His death and resurrection. He said: “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. 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.35”
Those children of our Heavenly Father who have not been blessed with the gospel in this life will be taught the gospel in the spirit world. In his great plan of love for each of us, Heavenly Father gives an opportunity for us to accept or reject the gospel.

The gospel is the same forever and ever. Those steps of salvation which are Faith, Repentance, Baptism and receiving the gift of the Holy Ghost are the same in heaven and on earth. It is possible for a spirit to exercise faith and repent, but when it comes to baptism, it becomes necessary to involve a body.

A truth, partially lost through the apostasy, explains the doctrine of baptism for the dead. It was revealed again through the prophet Joseph Smith. This doctrine is not new. While Paul was teaching the people concerning the resurrection of the dead, he asked the simple question: “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?36” In other words, why are we doing baptism for the dead if there is no resurrection? Baptism for the dead was practiced in the early church of Jesus Christ.
The prophet Joseph Smith received a revelation concerning baptism for the dead as part of the restoration of the Church of Jesus Christ. Words of the angel Moroni to Joseph Smith: “Behold, I will reveal unto you the Priesthood, by the hand of Elijah the prophet, before the coming of the great and dreadful day of the Lord. And he shall plant in the hearts of the children the promises made to the fathers, and the hearts of the children shall turn to their fathers. If it were not so, the whole earth would be utterly wasted at his coming.37" The prophet Joseph Smith was promised that he would receive the key or authority to bring back hearts of the children to their father. This key and authority would be given by the hands of the prophet Elijah. The prophet Malachi, in the Old Testament, testified about the importance of the prophet Elijah and his mission in the last days: “For, behold, the day cometh, that shall burn as an oven; and all the proud, yea, and all that do wickedly, shall be stubble: and the day that cometh shall burn them up, saith the Lord of hosts, that it shall leave them neither root nor branch. Behold, I will send you Elijah the prophet before the coming of the great and dreadful day of the Lord: He shall turn the heart of the fathers to the children, and the heart of the children to their fathers, lest I come and smite the earth with a curse.38.”
The prophet Joseph Smith commented about this scripture: “I might have rendered a plainer translation to this, but it is sufficiently plain to suit my purpose as it stands. It is sufficient to know, in this case, that the earth will be smitten with a curse unless their is a welding link of some kind or other between the fathers and the children, upon some subject or other- and behold what is that subject? It is baptism for the dead. For we without them cannot be made perfect. Neither can they nor we be made perfect without those who have died in the gospel also; for it is necessary in the ushering in the dispensation of the fullness of times, which dispensation is now beginning to usher in, that a whole and complete and perfect union, and welding together of dispensations, and keys, and powers, and glories should take place, and be revealed from the days of Adam even to the present time. And not only this, but those things which never have been revealed from the foundation of the world, but have been kept hide from the wise and prudent, shall be revealed unto babes and sucklings in this, the dispensation of the fullness of times.39”

The prophecy concerning Elijah was fulfilled in April 1836, in the Kirtland Temple through the prophet Joseph Smith. Joseph Smith received a revelation concerning this matter. As recorded, this is an epistle from the prophet to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, containing further directions on baptism for the dead dated of September 1842: “As I stated to you in my letter before I left my place, that I would write to you from time to time and give you information in relation to many subjects, I now resume the subject of the baptism for the dead, as that subject seems to occupy my mind, and press itself upon my feelings the strongest, since I have been pursued by my enemies. And further I want you to remember that John the Revelator was contemplating this very subject in relation to the dead, when he declared, as you will find recorded in revelation 20: 12- And I saw the dead, small and great, stand for 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. You will discover in this quotation that the books were opened; and another book was opened, which was the book of life; but the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works; consequently, the books spoken of must be the books which contained the record of their works, and refer to the records which are kept on the earth. And the book which was the book of life is the record which is kept in heaven; the principle agreeing precisely with the doctrine which is commanded you in the revelation contained in the letter which I wrote to you previous to my leaving my place- that in all your recordings it may be recorded in heaven. Now, the nature of this ordinance consists in the power of the priesthood, by the revelation of Jesus Christ, wherein it is granted that whatsoever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven, and whatsoever you loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven. Or, in other words, taking a different view of the translation, whatsoever you record on earth shall be recorded in heaven, and whatsoever you do not record on earth shall not be recorded in heaven; for out of the books shall your dead be judged, according to their own works, whether they themselves have attended to the ordinances in their own propria persona, or by the means of their own agents, according to the ordinance which God has prepared for their salvation from before the foundation of the world, according to the records which they have kept concerning their dead. It may seem to some to be a very bold doctrine that we talk of- a power which records or binds on earth and binds in heaven. Nevertheless, in all ages of the world, whenever the Lord has given a dispensation of the priesthood to any man by actual revelation, or any set of men, this power has always been given. Hence, whatsoever those men did in authority, in the name of the Lord, and did it truly and faithfully, and kept a proper and faithful record of the same, it became a law on earth and in heaven, and could not be annulled, according to the decrees of the great Jehovah. This is a faithful saying. Who can hear it? And again, for the precedent, Matthew 16: 18, 19: And I say also unto thee, that thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it. 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 shall loose on earth shall be loose in heaven. And now, my dearly beloved brethren and sisters, let me assure you that these are principles in relation to the dead and the living that cannot be lightly passed over, as pertaining to our salvation. For their salvation is necessary and essential to our salvation, as Paul says concerning the fathers- that they without us cannot be made perfect- neither can we without our dead be made perfect.40”

For all those that accept the gospel of Jesus Christ in the spirit world, they are given an opportunity to be baptized. Faithful members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints do genealogical research to identify their ancestor and, perform their baptism by proxy here on earth. These baptisms must be performed in sacred places. The temples are used to accomplish sacred ordinances for both the living and the dead. This truth brings hope and shows the great love that Heavenly Father has for us. He loves us so much that he wants to make sure that we, individually, will have a chance to follow him or not. About the importance of the temple work, John A. Widsoe said: “Temple work…gives a wonderful opportunity for keeping alive our spiritual knowledge and strength… The mighty perspective of eternity is unraveled before us in the holy temples; we see time from its infinite beginning to its endless end; and the drama of eternal life is unfolded before us. Then I see more clearly my place amidst the things of the universe, my place among the purposes of God; I am better able to place myself where I belong, and I am better able to value and to weigh, to separate and to organize the common, ordinary duties of my life, so that the little things shall not oppress me or take away my vision of the greater things that God has given us. 41” Those great blessings are promised to everyone that enters the temple.

D) Divine gifts from God
During this life on earth, our Heavenly Father has given us divine gifts. Among those is the power of procreation, which enables us to participate in the creation of life. It also gives us a chance to lead and help those children that Heavenly Father gives us, to live according to his gospel.
To help us learn to control this power of procreation and make sure that it would be used in a proper way, God has given us laws. He has set up the standard when he gave the commandment: "Thou shalt not commit adultery.42"

Every Latter-day Saint makes a serious commitment to this law called the law of chastity. God has commanded us not to have any sexual relationship with anyone except our husband or wife to whom we are legally married. But the law of chastity goes a little farther than that. Jesus Christ, the Apostles and the prophets in both eastern and western world expounded more on the subject: “But I say unto you, That whosoever looketh on a woman to lust after her hath committed adultery with her already in his heart.43” The Book of Mormon prophet, Alma, was explaining his feelings to his son about transgressing that law: “And this is not all, my son. Thou didst do that which was grievous unto me; for thou didst forsake the ministry, and did go over into the land of Siron among the borders of the Lamanites, after the harlot Isabel. Yea, she did steal away the hearts of many; but this was not excuse for thee, my son. Thou shouldst have tended to the ministry wherewith thou wast entrusted. Know ye not, my son, that these things are an abomination in the sight of the Lord; yea, most abominable above all sins save it be the shedding of innocent blood or denying the Holy Ghost?.44” Thoughts motivate our actions. The Lord taught us that impure thoughts as well as impure actions make us unworthy to return to His presence. It is our responsibility to learn to control our thoughts. “For out of the heart proceed evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, fornications, thefts, false witness, blasphemies: These are the things which defile a man: but to eat with unwashen hands defileth not a man.45”
The King Benjamin, a prophet in the Book of Mormon, exhorts his people in this way: “But this much I can tell you, that if ye do not watch yourselves, and your thoughts, and your words, and your deeds, and observe the commandments of God, and continue in faith of what ye have heard concerning the coming of our Lord, even unto the end of your lives, ye must perish. And now, O man, remember, and perish not.46”

It is important when bad thoughts come into our mind not to dwell on them! It is important to be modest in our actions, speech and dress. Each member of the church of Jesus Christ is a representative of the gospel of Jesus Christ and has made the promise to take Christ's name upon them. The law of chastity is for our good. For every law, a blessing is promised for those who follow it.
There are penalties for those who misuse those gifts by violating the law of chastity. The major penalty is the loss of the Spirit. The Lord Jesus Christ taught: “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.47” The apostle Paul added: “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.48” Helaman, a Book of Mormon prophet, explained why people lost the Spirit: “And they saw that they had become weak, like unto their brethren, the Lamanites, and that the Spirit of the Lord did not more preserve them; yea, it had withdrawn from them because the Spirit of the Lord doth not dwell in unholy temples.49”

The law of chastity will help us control our appetites and desires of the flesh. It will help us put our spiritual above our natural and physical man. “For the natural man is an enemy to God, and has been from the fall of Adam, and will be, forever and ever, unless he yields to the enticings of the Holy Spirit, and putteth off the natural man and becometh a saint through the atonement of Christ the Lord, and becometh as a child, submissive, meek, humble, patient, full of love, willing to submit to all things which the Lord seeth fit to inflict upon him, even as a child doth submit to his father.50”
Family relationship is also one of the greatest gifts God has given us. It is also one of our greatest source of joy. The marriage and family relationships do not need to end at death. “And I will give unto thee (talking to Peter) the keys of the kingdom of heaven: and whatsoever thou shall bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt loose on earth shall be loose in heaven.51” The apostle Paul said: “Nevertheless neither is the man without the woman, neither the woman without the man, in the Lord.52”

The prophet Joseph Smith received a revelation from the Lord that families have the opportunity to be sealed together for eternity. These sealings take place in the house of the Lord. In the temple and by the power of the priesthood, families receive the promise to be eternal as long as they keep their part of the promise, which is to follow the commandments. In a revelation given to Joseph Smith in 1832, the Lord said: “I, the Lord, am bound when ye do what I say; but when ye do not what I say, ye have no promise.53” It is wonderful to see the love that God has for us. We can be together forever, enjoying the relationship of our families; continuing to enjoy this beautiful love that exist between husband and wife, children and parents, beyond the veil of death.

We can learn to control our physical body through a law of health that comes from the Lord, called the “Word of Wisdom”. To understand this law, we need to know that those bodies we have received at birth are sacred and considered as temples54. Once baptized, we also receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. The Holy Ghost is a member of the Godhead. He cannot dwell in unholy temples. God knows us, He created us. He knows what is good for our bodies and what would damage them.
In the revelation on the Word of Wisdom received by the prophet Joseph Smith in 1833, the Lord explains that fruits, vegetables and grains are good for the body and that we should use them with thanksgiving. He counsels us on wholesome food. Through this law of health, he commands us not to take into our bodies alcohol, tobacco, coffee, tea and harmful drugs. These substances have the power to damage not only our bodies but also our Spirit. It is a Word of Wisdom. Many other things are not good for our body and each of us must decide which they are. This law teaches us to use wisdom and not partake of anything that would be addictive or harmful. Addiction makes our spirit and body a slave to substances not needed and often destructive.
Our Heavenly Father promises us great blessings if we obey this law. The Lord revealed: “And all saints who remember to keep and do these saying (concerning the Word of Wisdom), walking in obedience to the commandments, shall receive health in their navel and marrow to their bones; And shall find wisdom and great treasures of knowledge, even hidden treasures; And shall run and not be weary, and shall walk and not faint. And I, the Lord, give unto them a promise, that the destroying angel shall pass by them, as the children of Israel, and not slay them.55” We will enjoy a greater health. Treasures of knowledge will be unfolded to the faithful, even hidden treasures. Strength and protection will be a result of obeying this law. We will receive happiness in this life and great joy in the life to come.

Many people in the world live this precept whether they are members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints or not. Great blessings are given because the Lord is mindful of all his children and he loves each one. These commandments are proof of His love for us. They are not given in a restrictive way, but to guide us in life. To help us not to fall in the dark ways the devil has prepared for us. The world is full of good things and bad things. The commandments help us discern between those two. They help us appreciate the good things, to be happy and avoid all the things that would make us unhappy. Just as you would tell your children “Do not put your finger in the fire because it will hurt really bad!”; The Lord knows the "fires" of this world and shows us the right way. But, in His infinite love, He gives us the right to choose for ourselves. He will not force us.

E) Overcoming self-centeredness
Every one of us as human beings have the tendency to become self centered, look for our own self-interest and forget about others. It can be dangerous spiritually. For “the Lord knoweth the thoughts of man, that they are vanity.56” Paul described the last days: “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, true breakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good, traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God.57”
The Book of Mormon prophet, Nephi, said: “O that cunning plan of the evil one! O the vainness, and the frailties, and the foolishness of men! When they are learned they think they are wise, and they hearken not unto the counsel of God, for they set it aside, supposing they know of themselves, wherefore, their wisdom is foolishness and it profiteth them not. And they shall perish. But to be learned is good if they hearken unto the counsels of God. But wo unto the rich, who are rich as to the things of the world. For because they are rich they despise the poor, and they persecute the meek, and their hearts are upon their treasures; wherefore, their treasure is their god. And behold, their treasure shall perish with them also.58”
The prophet Mormon also knew how the world would be: “Behold, the Lord hath shown unto me great and marvelous things concerning that which must shortly come, at that day when these things shall come forth among you. Behold, I speak unto you as ye were present, and yet ye are not. But behold, Jesus Christ hath shown you unto me, and I know your doing. And I know that ye do walk in the pride of your hearts; and there are none save a few only who do not lift themselves up in the pride of their hearts, unto the wearing of very fine apparel, unto envying, and strifes, and malice, and persecutions, and all manner of iniquities: and your churches, yea, even every one, have become polluted because of the pride of your hearts.59”

While on earth, a lawyer asked Jesus “Which is the greatest commandment in the law? Jesus said unto him, Thou shall love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like unto it, thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.60” Paul, while teaching the Galatians, said: “For all the law is fulfilled in one word, even in this; Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.61"
Loving God with all our hearts and loving others as ourselves help us to overcome this self-centeredness. The prophet, King Benjamin expressed a great truth to his people in the Book of Mormon: “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.62”
When we serve others, we are in the service of our God. By following these two great commandments we can become more like Jesus Christ; the perfect example of love. Apostles and prophets testified of the importance of those two commandments on both sides of the world. Paul, the apostle, gave a wonderful exhortation on charity and the pure love of Christ. Among his teachings in the 13th chapter of Corinthians, he said:
“Charity suffereth long, and is kind; charity envieth not; charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up... Charity never faileth.63” John said: “We are of God: he that knoweth God heareth us; he that is not of God heareth not us. Hereby know we the spirit of truth, and the spirit of error. Beloved, let us love one another: for love is of God; and every one that loveth is born of God, and knoweth God. He that loveth not knoweth not God; for God is love. 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. Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us, and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins. Beloved, if God so loved us, we ought also to love one another.64” In the other part of the world, the prophet Nephi said: “ ...Wherefore, the Lord God hath given a commandment that all men should have charity, which charity is love. And except they should have charity they were nothing.65”

The prophet Mormon also gave a great lecture on charity: “And again, behold I say unto you that he cannot have faith and hope, save he shall be meek, 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. And charity suffereth long, and is kind, and envieth not, and is not puffed up, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil, and rejoiceth not in iniquity but rejoiceth in the truth, beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things. Wherefore, my beloved brethren, if ye have not charity, ye are nothing, for charity never faileth. Wherefore, cleave unto charity, which is the greatest of all, for all things must fail- 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.66”

Once we obtain this desire in our heart to love and serve God, we realize that it requires some sacrifices. It has been a difficult test for men, but it has also been a way to show God that we are willing to put him first in our life. Everything that we posses we should sincerely be willing to sacrifice. The Lord said: “So likewise, whosoever he be of you that forsaketh not all that he hath, he cannot be my disciple.67” He taught the people in America: “ And ye shall offer up unto me no more the shedding of blood68 ; yea, your sacrifices and your burnt offerings shall be done away, for I will accept none of your sacrifices and your burnt offerings. And ye shall offer for a sacrifice unto me a broken heart and a contrite spirit.69”

The most common sacrifice might be time spent in the service of the Lord and His Church. Even this kind of sacrifice can be difficult but those who have the sincere desire will receive blessings in such a way that they will not feel like they missed anything; because they won't. They have put the Lord first in their life. Our willingness to sacrifice is essential to prepare to receive eternal life. The Lord said: “He that findeth his life shall lose it: and that loseth his life for my sake shall find it.70” The Apostle Paul gave an account of his sacrifice for the Lord's sake: “Yea doubtless, and I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but dung, that I may win Christ.71” It is through sacrifice that we develop faith and draw closer to the Savior. The prophet Joseph Smith said: “...A religion that does not require the sacrifice of all things never has power sufficient to produce the faith necessary unto life and salvation...72”

We can show sacrifice through the law of the fast. “Wherefore have we fasted, say they, and thou seest not? wherefore have we afflicted our soul, and thou taketh no knowledge? Behold, in the day of your fast ye find pleasure, and exact all your labours. Behold ye fast for strife and debate, and to smite with the fist of wickedness: ye shall not fast as ye do this day, to make your voice to be heard on high. Is it such a fast that I have chosen? a day for a man to afflict his soul? is it to bow down his head as a bulrush, and to spread sackcloth and ashes under him? wilt thou call this a fast, and an acceptable day to the Lord?73”
While teaching the people on the American continent, the Lord said: “Moreover, when ye fast be not as the hypocrites, of a sad countenance, for they disfigure their faces that they may appear unto men to fast. Verily I say unto you, they have their reward. But thou, when thou fastest, anoint thy head, and wash thy face; That thou appear not unto men to fast, but unto thy Father, who is in secret; and thy Father who seeth in secret, shall reward thee openly.74” Through the law of the fast, we can show our Father in Heaven that we want to put him first in our life. Food being one of our first priorities in life, fasting helps us put God above our worldly cares and desires. Member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints fast for a period of time of two meals on the first Sunday of every month. Then, they gather together in a special testimony meeting where they may express their feelings and experiences that helped them grow in their faith. Fasting is a great opportunity to grow spiritually and helps us learn to govern and control our physical bodies. It is important to include prayers for others and ourselves during our fast, and use this time to receive divine guidance through the Holy Ghost. It helps us find answers for specific questions in our lives and specific decisions we have to make. We can receive a confirmation in our heart if we are in tune with the Spirit.

Fasting is a way for us to help those in need. Every member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints contributes the money saved while fasting to care for the needy. This money goes directly to help members of the church having financial and other problems as well as members of other faiths in some instances. The Church has a tremendous welfare system to care for the needy.

There is no professional clergy in the Church. This money given by faithful members goes entirely to the needy throughout the world. It is not mentioned often in the media, but whenever a catastrophe occurs in any part of the world, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is one of the first organization that makes sure the people receive aid. In this way, this law enables us to become selfless and gives us an opportunity to participate in the Lord's work. It also helps us to become more like him. Prophets in the Old Testament said: “So we fasted and besought our God for this: and he was intreated of us. 75” David recorded: “But as for me, when they were sick, my clothing was sackcloth: I humbled my soul with fasting; and my prayer returned into mine own bosom.76” In the other part of the world, a prophet was also testifying of this law. Alma gained a testimony of the truth of the Gospel through fasting: “Behold, I say unto you they are made known unto me by the Holy Spirit of God, Behold, I have fasted and prayed many days that I might know these things of myself. And now, I do know of myself that they are true; for the Lord God hath made them manifest unto me by his Holy Spirit; and this is the Spirit of revelation which is in me.77” Helaman, another great prophet explained how his people obtained strength: “Nevertheless they did fast and pray oft, and did wax stronger and stronger in their humility, and firmer and firmer in the faith of Christ, unto the filling of their souls with joy and consolation, yea, even to the purifying and the sanctification of their hearts, which sanctification cometh because of their yielding their hearts unto God.78” Fasting is powerful. It is a wonderful way to get closer to the Lord. It has the power to strengthen our faith and lives.

Another way members of the Church of Jesus Christ learn to put God first in their lives is by obeying and living the law of Tithing. The law of Tithing is not something new; it has always existed: “And all the tithe of the land, whether of the seed of the land, or of the fruit of the tree, is the Lord's: it is holy unto the Lord.79” “And as soon as the commandment came abroad, the children of Israel brought in abundance the firstfruit of corn, wine, and oil, and honey, and of all the increase of the field; and the tithe of all things brought they in abundantly.80” The prophet Malachi exhorts his people to pay their tithing. The Lord said to the people in America: “Will a man rob God? Yet ye have robbed me. But ye say, wherein have we robbed thee? In tithes and offerings. Ye are cursed with a curse: for ye have robbed me, even this whole nation. Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be meat in mine house, and prove me now herewith, saith the Lord of hosts, if I will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it. And I will rebuke the devourer for your sakes, and he shall not destroy the fruits of your ground; neither shall your vine cast her fruit before the time in the field, saith the Lord of hosts. And all nations shall call you blessed: for ye shall be a delightsome land, saith the Lord of hosts.81”

To fully understand this law, we need to realize that everything that we possess in this life comes from God. He is the source of everything we have. The word tithing comes from “tenth”, meaning one tenth. The Lord gives us everything and asks us to return to Him one tenth of our increase. In that way we participate in the building up of His kingdom on earth. This money goes to the building of churches, temples, and other needs for the comfort and worship of the Saints. We are promised that the Lord will bless us both spiritually and temporally. It proves our faith. It is impossible to see the result of obeying the law of Tithing without living it. But the Lord said “prove me”. Every member of the Church of Jesus Christ has received this test of faith with the law of Tithing. For some, it is easier than others but it will strengthen our faith, making us unselfish and more like Jesus Christ. It is wonderful to be able to see the love of the Lord in our lives. He promised that He would remember us!

Law of Moses: Law given by God through the prophet Moses to the house of Israel. It was a way to prepare them to live a higher law that would be more spiritual. The Law of Moses consisted in some ceremonies, rituals and sacrifices of animal to help them remember their responsibility and the future sacrifice of the Savior. (See Exodus 34: 1-2, Romans 3: 20, Ephesians 2: 14-16)

References Part 9
1. Amos 3: 7
2. Malachi 3: 6
3. Hebrews 13: 8
4. Mormon 9: 9-10, 19
5. See Daniel 2: 28
6. See Joseph Smith, The Standard of Truth
7. Jeremiah 1: 5
8. Alma 13: 1-4
9. Acts 17: 28
10. See Explanation on The Book of Abraham pg. 8
11. Abraham 3: 22-25
12. Philippians 2:12
13. Mormon 9:27
14. 2 Nephi 2: 5
15. 2 Nephi 2: 27
16. Alma 30: 7-8
17. See 2 Nephi 2 :21
18. Alma 34: 31-34
19. Alma 42: 4
20. Alma 12: 24
21. 2 Nephi 9: 6
22. Alma 40: 11
23. Ecclesiastes 12: 7
24. Alma 40: 12-13
25. John 5: 25-29
26. 1 Nephi 15: 34
27. 2 Nephi 9: 14
28. Mosiah 2: 38
29. Alma 11: 42-43
30. Alma 12: 12-15
31. Alma 41: 5-15
32. John 14: 2
33. 1 Corinthians 15: 40-42
34. John 3: 5
35. 1 Peter 3: 18-19, 1 Peter 4: 6
36. 1 Corinthians 15: 29
37. Doctrine and Covenants 2: 1-3
References Part 9 cont.
38. Malachi 4: 1, 5-6
39. Doctrine and Covenants 128: 18
40. Doctrine and Covenants 128: 1, 6-10, 15
41. John A Widstoe, IN Conference Report, April 1922, pg. 97-98
42. Exodus 20: 14; See Matthew 19: 16-18
43. Matthew 5: 28
44. Alma 39: 3–5
45. Matthew 15: 19-20
46. Mosiah 4: 30
47. 1 Corinthians 3: 16-17
48. 1 Corinthians 6: 9
49. Helaman 4: 24
50. Mosiah 3:19
51. Matthew 16: 19
52. 1 Corinthians 11: 11
53. Doctrine and Covenants 82: 10
54. 1 Corinthians 3: 16-17
55. Doctrine and Covenants 89:18–21
56. Psalms 94: 11
57. 2 Timothy 3: 1-4
58. 2 Nephi 9: 28-30
59. Mormon 9: 34-37
60. Matthew 22: 36-39
61. Galatians 5:14
62. Mosiah 2:17
63. See 1 Corinthians 13: 4, 8
64. 1 John 4: 6-11
65. See 2 Nephi 26: 30
66. Moroni 7: 43-48
67. Luke 14:33
68. See explanation of the Law of Moses, pg. 126
69. 3 Nephi 9: 19-20
70. Matthew 10: 39, Matthew 16: 24-26
71. Philippians 3:8
72. Joseph Smith, Lectures on Faith
73. Isaiah 58: 3–5
74. 3 Nephi 13: 16
75. Ezra 8: 23
76. Psalms 35: 13; See Isaiah 58: 8-12
77. Alma 5: 46
78. Helaman 3: 35
79. Leviticus 27: 30
80. 2 Chronicles 31: 5
81. Malachi 3: 8-12; 3 Nephi 24: 8-12

Part 10-The Gathering of Israel

2008-03-04T19:16:00.000-08:00

“We believe in the literal gathering of Israel and in the restoration of the ten tribes, that Zion (the new Jerusalem) will be built upon the American continent; that Christ will reign personally upon the earth and, that the earth will receive its paradisiacal glory."

To learn about the gathering of Israel1, we must go back in history. Abraham, a great prophet of the Old Testament, received many blessings from the Lord due to his faithfulness. The Lord made a special covenant1 with Abraham called the Abrahamic Covenant.

The Lord appeared to Abraham and said: “And I will make of thee a great nation, and I will bless thee above measure, and make thy name great among all nations, and thou shalt be a blessing unto thy seed after thee, that in their hands they shall bear this ministry and Priesthood unto all nations; And I will bless them through thy name; for as many as receive this Gospel shall be called after thy name, and shall be accounted thy seed, and shall rise up and bless thee, as their father; And I will bless them that bless thee, and curse them that curse thee; and in thee (that is, in thy Priesthood) and in thy seed (that is, thy Priesthood), for I give unto thee a promise that this right shall continue in thee, and in thy seed after thee (that is to say, the literal seed, or the seed of the seed of the body) shall the families of the earth be blessed, even with the blessing of the gospel, which are the blessings of salvation, even of life eternal.2”

A) The Abrahamic Covenant3 :
1. Abraham was to be a minister of the gospel of Jesus Christ to a strange nation
2. He was to be a father of a great nation
3. His name would be great among all nations
4. Abraham and his posterity would be given a land, which would be unto them an everlasting inheritance as long they served God
5. Abraham's posterity would be as numerous as the stars of heaven and the sands of the sea
6. Many of his descendant would bear the name of God, even the holy Priesthood
7. In Abraham and that Priesthood, all families of the earth would be blessed
8. Those throughout the world from Abraham's time forward who received the Gospel of Jesus Christ would be accounted as the seed of Abraham
9. Christ would come through Abraham's seed
10. God promised to bless them that blessed Abraham and cursed them that cursed Abraham
11. Circumcision was to be the sign of the covenant
12. The covenant was to be an everlasting one, or a gospel covenant
13. In return for all the foregoing blessings, father Abraham and his posterity were to serve the Lord and keep all his commandments.

Jacob was a descendant of Abraham through his son Isaac. Jacob was also faithful and received great blessings. One of the blessings he received was to be called Israel; meaning a prince with the power of God: “And he said, Thy name shall be called no more Jacob, but Israel: for as a prince hast thou power with God and with men, and hast prevailed.4”
These blessings given to Abraham were to continue upon his seed as long as they were serving the Lord and keeping His commandments. “The Lord shall establish thee an holy people unto himself, as he has sworn unto thee, if thou shalt keep the commandments of the Lord; and they shall be afraid of thee. And the Lord shall make thee plenteous in goods, in the fruit of thy body, and in the fruit of thy cattle, and in the fruit of thy ground, in the land which the Lord sware unto thy fathers to give thee.5”

B) The scattering of the house of Israel
Jacob had twelve sons and with their families, became known as the twelve tribes of Israel: “All these are the twelve tribes of Israel: and this is it that their father spake unto them, and blessed them; every one according to his blessing he blessed them.6” Through the years, the prophets dedicated their time to warn the house of Israel. The Lord revealed to His prophets the consequences of their evil ways. For example, Moses prophesied about this consequence; “And the Lord shall scatter thee among all people, from the one end of the earth even unto the other; and thou shalt serve other gods, which neither thou nor thy fathers have known, even wood and stone.7”
Gradually because they broke the commandments of God, through wars and captivity, they were scattered throughout the world. James, one of the Apostles, addressed his epistle to the twelve tribes: “James, a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ, to the twelve tribes which are scattered abroad, greeting...8” Israelites are now found everywhere in the world.
As a result of this scattering, many of them do not even know they are descendants of the ancient house of Israel.

In the Book of Mormon, the Nephite migration was part of the scattering. Nephi recorded: “Yea, even my father spake much concerning the house of Israel, that they should be compared like unto an olive-tree, whose branches should be broken off and should be scattered upon all the face of the earth. Wherefore, he said it must need be that we should be led with one accord into the land of promise, unto the fulfilling of the word of the Lord, that we should be scattered upon all the face of the earth.9”

C) The actual gathering of the house of Israel
The Lord made a covenant with Abraham and promised that one day they would be gathered. “And after the house of Israel should be scattered they should be gathered together again; or, in fine, after the gentiles had received the fullness of the gospel, the natural branches of the olive-tree, or the remnants of the house of Israel, should be grafted in, or come to the knowledge of the true Messiah, their Lord and their Redeemer.10” The prophet Jeremiah also prophesied: “And I will gather the remnant of my flock out of all countries whither I have driven them, and will bring them again to their folds; and they shall be fruitful and increase.11” Ezekiel also testified of the gathering : "As I live, saith the Lord God, surely with a mighty hand, and with a stretched out arm, and with fury poured out, will I rule over you. And I will bring you out from the people, and will gather you out of the countries wherein ye are scattered, with a mighty hand, and with a stretched out arm, and with fury poured out. And I will bring you into the wilderness of the people, and there will I plead with you face to face. Like as I pleaded with your fathers in the wilderness of the land of Egypt, so will I plead with you, saith the Lord God.12”
One of the reasons this gathering is important is for these tribes to know the Gospel of the Savior Jesus Christ, so they will be ready to meet the Savior when he comes again. The gathering of Israel is an important part of Christ's church. In fact, the prophet Joseph Smith received the keys and authority to direct the work of the gathering. Every prophet since Joseph Smith has held these keys. As the house of Israel accepts the restored gospel, the gathering will take place.

The gathering is composed of two parts. The house of Israel gathers spiritually as they join the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints; they are gathered physically in their return to Jerusalem and the New Jerusalem, which will be built on the American continent. It is the Land promised to the Nephites: “And now, my beloved brethren, I have read these things that ye might know concerning the covenants of the Lord that he has covenanted with all the house of Israel- That he has spoken unto the Jews, by the mouth of his holy prophets, even from the beginning down, from generation to generation, until the time comes that they shall be restored to the true church and fold of God; when they shall be gathered home to the lands of their inheritance, and shall be established in all their lands of promise.13”
The gathering will not be complete until the Second Coming of the Savior. The prophet Joseph Smith received the following revelation about the gathering in the New Jerusalem: "...the time shall come when it shall be revealed unto you from on high, when the city of the New Jerusalem shall be prepared, that ye may be gathered in one, that ye may be my people and I will be your God.14”
“Zion”, in a general sense, is a place where the Saints are gathered and live in peace according to the commandments of God. Zion, or the city of New Jerusalem will be a city built for the Saints, in the last days, where they can live in complete harmony with the Lord. According to the scripture, it is a city of God; as John the revelator said: “Him that overcometh will I make a pillar in the temple of my God, and he shall go no more out: and I will write upon him the name of my God, and the name of the city of my God, which is New Jerusalem, which cometh down out of heaven from my God: and I will write upon him my new name.15” Zion should be built on the American continent, said the prophets: “And that a New Jerusalem shall be built up upon this land (talking about America), unto the remnant of the seed of Joseph, for which things there has been a type.16” A few prophets talked about Zion and the last days. These are some selected prophecies for this study. “And in the last days it shall come to pass, that the mountain of the house of the Lord shall be established in the top of the mountains, and it shall be exalted above the hills; and people shall flow unto it. And many nations shall come, and say, Come, and let us go up to the mountain of the Lord, and to the house of the God of Jacob; and he will teach us of his ways, and we will walk in his paths; for the law shall go forth of Zion, and the word of the Lord from Jerusalem.17 ”

D) Christ shall reign in the last days
There is room for a lot of interpretations, but we believe those mountain of the house of the Lord are the temples, where all the Saints will gather to be taught God's ways. Mountains, in the Old Testament were considered sacred places where revelations from God, to His prophets, were given and received. “For all people will walk every one in the name of his god, and we will walk in the name of the Lord our God for ever and ever. In that day, saith the Lord, will I assemble her that halteth, and I will gather her that is driven out, and her that I have afflicted. And I will make her that halted a remnant, and her that was cast far off a strong nation: and the Lord shall reign over them in mount Zion from henceforth, even for ever.18”
Christ shall reign in person in the last days. “And the days of these kings shall the God of heaven set up a kingdom, which shall never be destroyed: and the kingdom shall no be left to other people, but it shall break in pieces and consume all these kingdoms, and it shall stand for ever.19” The Lord will be king over the earth: “And the Lord shall be king over all the earth: in that day shall there be one Lord, and his name one.20” Christ shall reign: “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.21” Christ shall be the king of kings and come back in splendor as a king in the midst of us.

E) The earth will receive her glory
We believe as the prophets of old concerning the destruction of the earth: “Behold, the day of the Lord cometh, cruel both with wrath and fierce anger, to lay the land desolate: and he shall destroy the sinners thereof out of it.22” “The mountains quake at him, and the hills melt, and the earth is burned at his presence, yea, the world, and all that dwell therein.23” Then the earth will be renewed: “They shall not hurt nor destroy in all my holy mountain, for the earth shall be full of the knowledge of the Lord, as the waters cover the sea.24”
The earth shall move: “Therefore, I will shake the heavens, and the earth shall remove out of her place, in the wrath of the Lord of hosts, and in the day of his fierce anger25” and will there be a physically changed : “For the mountains shall depart, and the hills be removed; but my kindness shall not depart from thee, neither shall the covenant of my peace be removed, saith the Lord that hath mercy on thee.26”
“For the Lord shall comfort Zion: he will comfort all her waste places; and he will make her wilderness like Eden, and her desert like the garden of the Lord; Joy and gladness shall be found therein, thanksgiving, and the voice of melody.27”
The Lord promises a new heaven and earth: “For behold, I create new heavens and a new earth: and the former shall not be remembered, nor come into mind.28” Peter said: “Nevertheless we, according to his promise, look for new heavens and a new earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness.29”

John the revelator saw: “And I saw a new heaven and a new earth: for the first heaven and the first earth were passed away; and there was no more sea. And I John saw the holy city, New Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband.30” This paradisiacal state is the earth receiving a condition like the Garden of Eden: “And they shall say, This land that was desolate is become like the Garden of Eden; and the waste and desolate and ruined cities are become fenced, and are inhabited.31”

The prophets knew about the last days. The Lord had revealed to them about the gathering of Israel, the New Jerusalem or Zion built for the righteous. The prophets knew about the reign of the Lord on the earth which will receive her own glory; a paradisiacal glory. As Peter said; according to the promise given throughout the scriptures, we, as latter-day Saints, look for those signs. How great shall be the day of the Second Coming of the Lord.

Gathering of Israel : The twelve tribes of Israel were scattered when she forsook the Lord, rejected His statutes, and turned to unrighteousness. Israel is now being gathered as she turns to the God of her fathers, stands fast in the everlasting gospel, and turns her heart to righteousness. This gathering is both spiritual and temporal. As they accept the Savior and join the church of Jesus Christ they are spiritually gathered. Temporally, these converts then gather home to the land of their inheritance, and... “established in all their lands of promise”. (See Mormon doctrine p305, 306)

Covenant: A covenant is a promise, or agreement between person or in this case, nation. More often, it is between God and man. God fixes the terms, which man accepts. (See Bible dictionary, Covenant)

References:

1. See Explanation on pg. 137
2. Pearl of Great Price, Abraham 2: 8-11
3. Pearl of Great Price, Abraham 2: 6-11; Genesis 12: 3, 17:7, 10-14
4. Genesis 32: 28
5. Deuteronomy 28: 9-10
6. Genesis 49: 28
7. Deuteronomy 28: 64
8. James 1: 1
9. 1 Nephi 10: 12-13
10. 1 Nephi 10: 14
11. Jeremiah 23:3
12. Ezekiel 20: 33-36
13. 2 Nephi 9: 1-2
14. See Doctrine and Covenants 42: 9, 84: 2
15. Revelation 3: 12
16. Ether 13: 6
17. Micah 4: 1-2
18. Micah 4: 5-7
19. Daniel 2: 44
20. Zechariah 14: 6
21. Revelation 20:4
22. Isaiah 13: 9
23. Nahum 1: 5
24. Isaiah 11: 9
25. Isaiah 13: 13; 2 Nephi 23: 13
26. Isaiah 54: 10; 3 Nephi 22: 10
27. Isaiah 51: 3; 2 Nephi 8: 3
28. Isaiah 65: 17
29. 2 Peter 3: 13
30. Revelation 21: 1-2
31. Ezekiel 36: 35

Part 11-Freedom of Belief

2008-03-04T19:12:00.000-08:00

“We claim the privilege of worshipping Almighty God according to the dictates of our own conscience, and allow all man the same privilege, let them worship how, where, or what they may."

A) The light of Christ
Our Heavenly Father sent us to earth with the knowledge within us of good from evil. He placed this knowledge within us since the beginning of times with Adam and Eve: “For God doeth know that in the day ye eat thereof, then your eyes shall be opened, and ye shall be as gods, knowing good and evil.1” We all received a conscience that dictates and guides us to things that are good: “Pray for us: for we trust we have a good conscience, in all things willing to live honestly.2” This conscience reminds us who we are and the importance of choosing the right. It has the power also to help us realize when we do wrong, for: “There is no peace, saith my God, to the wicked.3”
According to the scriptures, this conscience is also called the Spirit of Christ or light of Christ: “For behold, the spirit of Christ is given to every man, that he may know good from evil; wherefore, I show unto you the way to judge; for every thing which inviteth to do good, and persuade to believe in Christ, is sent forth by the power and gift of Christ; wherefore ye may know with a perfect knowledge it is of God.4”
Moroni continues his teaching saying: “But whatsoever thing persuadeth men to do evil, and believe not in Christ, and deny him, and serve not God, then ye may know with a perfect knowledge it is of the devil; for after this manner doth the devil work, for he persuadeth no men to do good, no, not one; neither do his angels; neither do they who subject themselves unto him. And now, my brethren, seeing that ye know the light by which ye may judge, which light is the light of Christ, see that ye do not judge wrongfully; for with that same judgment which ye judge ye shall also be judged. Wherefore, I beseech of you, brethren, that ye should search diligently in the light of Christ that ye may know good from evil; and if ye will lay hold upon every good thing, and condemn it not, ye certainly will be a child of Christ.5”

B) The gift of free agency
Free agency is given to every one that is born on the earth. It is also compared as a light within us and will quicken our understanding: “And the light which shineth, which giveth you light, is through him who enlighteneth your eyes, which is the same light that quickeneth your understandings.6” We cherish the gift of free agency that God has given us. It is essential to his plan and our progression that we are able to choose between right and wrong.

The prophet Lehi, while giving his last counsel to his sons before his death, said: “Wherefore, men are free according to the flesh; and all things are given them which are expedient unto man. And they are free to choose liberty and eternal life, through the great Mediator of all men, or to choose captivity and death, according to the captivity and power of the devil; for he seeketh that all men might be miserable like unto himself.7” Through this marvelous gift, God gives us a chance to serve whomever we choose to. Joshua wrote: “And if it seem 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 Amorites, in whose land ye dwell: but as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.8”

C) Importance of following the promptings of the light within us
The prophet Alma, while testifying of Christ to an antichrist called Korihor, used the scriptures of old prophets by quoting: “For thus saith the scripture: Choose ye this day, whom ye will serve. 9”
It is a privilege for each of us to find the truth about God and the gospel of Jesus Christ and choose to follow it. God will not force us to follow His commandments. We claim the privilege to worship God according to the conscience within us. Every one should have the chance to worship whatever, however and whenever they want to. Of course, we need to be careful of some kind of worship going against the freedom of people or being destructive even until death. When a form of worship goes against the laws of God, it is a warning sign.
The true gospel of Jesus Christ brings happiness to those that live it. It is not God’s work to bring misery. The conscience or light of Christ will push us to do good, but we still have the agency to follow it or not. The following revelation was given to the prophet Joseph Smith in 1831: “Let no man break the laws of the land, for he that keepeth the laws of God hath no need to break the laws of the land.10”

References Part 11
1. Genesis 3: 5
2. Hebrews 13: 18
3. Isaiah 57: 21
4. Moroni 7: 16
5. Moroni 7: 17-19
6. Doctrine and Covenants 88: 11
7. 2 Nephi 2: 27
8. Joshua 24: 15
9. Alma 30: 8
10. Doctrine and Covenants 58: 21

Part 12 - Our responsibility to the law and governments

2008-03-04T16:47:00.000-08:00

“We believe in being subject to kings, presidents, rulers, and magistrates, in obeying, honoring and sustaining the law."

OUR RESPONSIBILITY TO THE LAW AND GOVERNMENTS

Official Declaration

In 1835, the Church unanimously voted the following declaration of belief regarding governments and laws in general.
It stated: "We believe that governments were instituted of God for the benefit of man; and that he holds men accountable for their acts in relation to them, both in making laws and administrating them, for the good and safety of society. We believe that no government can exist in peace, except such laws are framed and held inviolated as will secure to each individual the free exercise of conscience, the right and control of property, and the protection of life. We believe that all governments necessarily require civil officers and magistrates to enforce the laws of the same; and that such as will administer the law in equity and justice should be sought for and upheld by the voice of the people if a republic, or the will of the sovereign. We believe that religion is instituted of God; and that men are amenable to him, and to him only, for the exercise of it, unless their religious opinions prompt them to infringe upon the rights and liberties of others; but we do not believe that human law has a right to interfere in prescribing rules of worship to bind the consciences of men, nor dictate forms for public or private devotion; that the civil magistrate should restrain crime, but never control conscience; should punish guilt, but never suppress the freedom of the soul. We believe that all men are bound to sustain and uphold the respective governments in which they reside, while protected in their inherent and inalienable rights by the laws of such governments; and that sedition and rebellion are unbecoming every citizen thus protected, and should be punished accordingly; and that all governments have a right to enact such laws as in their own judgments are best calculated to secure the public interest; at the same time, however, holding sacred the freedom of conscience. We believe that every man should be honored in his station, rulers and magistrates as such, being placed for the protection of the innocent and the punishment of the guilty; and that to the laws all men show respect and deference, as without them peace and harmony would be supplanted by anarchy and terror; human laws being instituted for the express purpose of regulating our interests as individuals and nations, between man and man; and divine laws given of heaven, prescribing rules on spiritual concerns, for faith and worship, both to be answered by man to his Maker. We believe that rulers, states, and governments have a right, and are bound to enact laws for the protection of all citizens in the free exercise of their religious belief; but we do not believe that they have a right in justice to deprive citizens of this privilege, or proscribe them in their opinions, so long as a regard and reverence are shown to the laws and such religious opinions do not justify sedition nor conspiracy. We believe that the commission of crime should be punished according to the nature of the offense; that murder, treason, robbery, theft, and the breach of the general peace, in all respects, should be punished according to their criminality and their tendency to evil among men, by the laws of that government in which the offense is committed; and for the public peace and tranquillity all men should step forward and use their ability in bringing offenders against good laws to punishment. We do not believe it just to mingle religious influence with civil government, whereby one religious society is fostered and another proscribed in its spiritual privileges, and the individual rights of its members, as citizens, denied. We believe that all religious societies have a right to deal with their members for disorderly conduct, according to the rules and regulations of such societies; provided that such dealings be for fellowship and good standing; but we do not believe that any religious society has authority to try men on the right of property or life, to take from them this world's goods, or to put them in jeopardy of ether life or limb, or to inflict any physical punishment upon them. They can only excommunicate them from their society, and withdraw from them their fellowship. We believe that men should appeal to the civil law for redress of all wrongs and grievances, where personal abuse is inflicted or the right of property or character infringed, where such laws exist as will protect the same; but we believe that all men are justified in defending themselves, their friends, from the unlawful assaults and encroachments of all persons in times of exigency, where immediate appeal cannot be made to the laws, and relief afforded. We believe it just to preach the gospel to the nations of the earth, and warn the righteous to save themselves from the corruption of the world; but we do not believe it right to interfere with bondservants, neither preach the gospel to, nor baptize them contrary to the will and wish of their masters, nor to meddle with or influence them in the least to cause them to be dissatisfied with their situations in this life, thereby jeopardizing the lives of men, such interference we believe to be unlawful and unjust, and dangerous to the peace of every government allowing human beings to be held in servitude.1”

We do believe that governments are instituted by God so that every one's freedom will be protected. As recorded in the book of Matthew, the Pharisees and Herodians were trying to trap Jesus Christ, to condemn him. In his mastery, avoiding this trap, he proclaimed His doctrine of separation between the Church and the State: “And they sent out unto him there disciples with the Herodians, saying, Master, we know that thou art true, and teachest the way of God in truth, neither carest thou for any man: for thou regardest not the person of men. Tell us therefore, What thinkest thou? Is it lawful to give tribute unto Caesar, or not? But Jesus perceived their wickedness, and said, Why tempt ye me, ye hypocrites? Shew me the tribute money. And they brought unto him a penny. And he saith unto them, whose is this image and superscription? They say unto him, Caesar's. Then saith he unto them, Render therefore unto Caesar the things which are Caesar's; and unto God the things that are God's When they had heard these words, they marveled, and left him, and went their way.2”
Because of the wickedness of men, who would not repent and obey to the Lord's perfect government, there must be two distinct and separate powers; one taking care of the spiritual matters and the other, temporal matters. These two powers are separate and cannot dictate to each other, but men are subject to both of them.

Our responsibility
There are many scriptures that teach us about responsibility. We need to love and serve God and obey the properly ordained civil law. We will mention a few of them. “Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God. Whosoever therefore resisteth the power resisteth the ordinance of God: and they that resist shall receive to themselves damnation. For rulers are not terror to good works, but to the evil. Wilt thou then not be afraid of the power? do that which is good, and thou shalt have praise of the same: For he is the minister of God to thee for good. But if thou do that which is evil, be afraid; for he beareth not the sword in vain: for he is the minister of God, a revenger to execute wrath upon him that doeth evil. Wherefore ye must needs be subject, not only for wrath, but also for conscience sake. For for this cause pay a tribute also: for they are God's ministers, attending continually upon this very thing. Render therefore to all their dues: tribute to whom tribute is due; custom to whom custom; fear to whom fear; honour to whom honour.3”
Paul in his epistle to Timothy recorded: “I exhorts therefore, that first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men; For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty. For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour.4” Paul to Titus: “Put them in mind to be subject to principalities and powers, to obey magistrates, to be ready to every good work. 5”
Alma explained how great the government was during his time and why: “Now it came to pass that in the first year of the reign of the judges over the people of Nephi, from this time forward, king Mosiah having gone the way of all the earth, having warred a good warfare, walking uprightly before God, leaving none to reign in his stead; nevertheless he had established laws, and they were acknowledged by the people; therefore they were obliged to abide by the laws which he had made.6”
We mentioned earlier a revelation given to the prophet Joseph Smith: “Let no man break the laws of the land, for he that keepeth the laws of God hath no need to break the laws of the land.7”
Therefore, it is our responsibility to obey the laws of the land, to honor and sustain them.

References Part 12
1. Doctrine and Covenants 134
2. Matthew 22: 17-22
3. Romans 13: 1-7
4. 1 Timothy 2: 1-3
5. Titus 3: 1
6. Alma 1: 1
7. Doctrine and Covenants 58: 21

Part 13 - The way to Salvation

2008-03-04T16:35:00.000-08:00

" We believe in being honest, true, chaste, benevolent, virtuous, and in doing good to all men; indeed, we may say that we follow the admonition of Paul- We believe all things, we hope all things, we have endured many things, and hope to be able to endure all things. If there is anything virtuous, lovely, or of good report or praiseworthy, we seek after these things."

THE WAY TO SALVATION
Paul, set the standard for all true believers and followers of Jesus Christ: “Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.1”
For the study of this article of faith, we will go through those qualities that qualify us as a true follower of Christ. We will try to understand how we can develop those qualities through the light of the scriptures.

A) Virtues and attributes of a follower of Christ
Honesty: Paul to the Saints in Corinth: “Now I pray to God that ye do no evil; not that we should appear approved, but that ye should do that which is honest...2” Honesty is a great virtue. It walks together with integrity. Honesty may begin within our words: “But I say unto you, Swear not at all; neither by heaven; for it is God's throne: nor by the earth; for it is his footstool: neither by Jerusalem; for it is the city of the great King. Neither shalt thou swear by thy head, because thou canst not make one hair white or black.3” The prophet Jacob taught his people in this way: “Behold, my brethren, he that prophesieth, let him prophesy to the understanding of men; for the Spirit speaketh the truth and lieth not. Wherefore, it speaketh of things as they really are, and of things as they really will be.4”
It is our responsibility to not be dishonest. Paul taught: “Therefore seeing we have this ministry, as we have received mercy, we faint not; but have renounced the hidden things of dishonesty, not walking in craftiness, nor handling the word of God deceitfully; but by manifestation of the truth commending ourselves to every man's conscience in the sight of God.5” In Mosiah's time, the prophet taught this principle to his people by explaining the importance of honesty in their dealings: “And I would that ye should remember, that whosoever among you borroweth of his neighbor should return the things that he borroweth, according as he doth agree, or else thou shalt commit sin; and perhaps thou shalt cause thy neighbor to commit sin also.6” Alma resumed honesty by saying: “Therefore, my son, see that you are merciful unto your brethren; deal justly, judge righteously, and do good continually; and if ye do all these things then shall ye receive your reward; yea, ye shall have mercy restored unto you again; ye shall have a righteous judgment restored unto you again; and ye shall have good rewarded unto you again.7”

Chaste: The scriptures give us a lot of clarity about this virtue. As “a man shall cleave unto his wife8” and follow the Lord, “a virtuous women is a crown to her husband.9” Chastity is found in a sincere pure heart: “Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God.10”. We will develop this virtue as we have the Spirit who allows us to resist temptations; “This I say then, walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh.11” We need to be chaste because our body is a temple: “What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own?12”
We need to be chaste in a physical manner as well as in speech. By remaining chaste in our thoughts and actions, we will be protected from the evil things of this world. It will enable us to have the companionship of the Holy Ghost. The prophet Nephi instructs all of us in that way: “Wherefore, if ye have sought to do wickedly in the days of your probation, then ye are found unclean before the judgment-seat of God; and no unclean thing can dwell with God; wherefore ye must be cast forever.13”

Benevolent: The dictionary explains Benevolent as a disposition to do good, resulting in acts of kindness. The standard has been set by doing good to our enemies, and to everyone: “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.14” What a wonderful example the Savior has set!
Benevolence between husband and wife should reside in the home: “Let the husband render unto the wife due benevolence: and likewise also the wife unto the husband.15” Benevolence is found in pure religion: “Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this, To visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, and to keep himself unspotted from the world.16” The prophet Alma extended the invitation to do good continually.17

Good works: We know that all we have done shall be judged: “For God shall bring every work into judgment, with every secret thing, whether it be good, or whether it be evil.18” The prophet taught us to do good works. From the scriptures we find that we need to:
-Do justly, love mercy and walk humbly with God (Micah 6:8)
-Hunger and thirst after righteousness (Matthew 5: 6)
-Do to others what we would want them to do to us (Matthew 7: 12)
-Work righteously (Acts 10: 35)
-Be a doer of the law (Romans 2: 13, James 1: 22)
-Exercise faith (James 2: 26)
-Pray continually without ceasing (Alma 26: 22, 34: 28)

King Benjamin, a great prophet of the Book of Mormon, gave this profound truth:
“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.19”
Every man shall be rewarded accordingly to his works: “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.20”
Paul said:“Now he that planteth and he that watereth are one; and every man shall receive his own reward according to his own labour.21”
Alma recorded: “Therefore, prepare ye the way of the Lord, for the time is at hand that all men shall reap a reward of their work.22”

Every good thing comes from God. We seek after those things to help us grow, to help us follow the example of the Savior, to help us become more like Him and prepare to return to the presence of our Father in Heaven. Those great virtues will help us become a better person and enjoy life more. We could wonder how the world would be if every human being was looking after those and trying to make them part of their every day life.

B) Christ in Heavenly Father’s plan
We have been discussing the importance of Jesus Christ in the plan of our Father in Heaven. He is the central figure of that plan. Jesus Christ is our Creator. As the prophets recorded, he has created the earth and every thing that constitute this world: “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.23” Everything we have comes from Him.
Jesus Christ is our Savior. Without Him, we could not overcome physical and spiritual death. Thus, we could not return in the presence of our Heavenly Father. His Atonement removed all obstacles standing in our way as we exercise faith and repent of our sins. Finally, Jesus Christ will be our Judge. One day, when our mortal life is over, we will stand in front of him and answer for our works and desires.

Immortality will be given to each of us. It is a free gift given to us because Jesus Christ overcame physical death and was resurrected. Whatever we do in this life, we will be resurrected and immortal; that we may be able to stand before our Maker. Through His grace, Jesus Christ saved us from death. The prophet Nephi testified: “For we labor diligently to write, to persuade our children, and also our brethren, to believe in Christ, and to be reconciled with to God; for we know that it is by grace that we are saved, after all we can do.24”
To obtain eternal life with our Heavenly Father or exaltation, we need to prepare ourselves during this life, to be worthy of this gift. Exaltation or eternal life is the greatest gift of God: “And, if you keep my commandments and endure to the end you shall have eternal life, which gift is the greatest of all the gifts of God.25”

It is only through Christ that we obtain the gift of exaltation: “I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh to the Father but by me.26” saith the Lord.
We need to follow Him and His teachings. Through our membership in the Church of Jesus Christ, we are able to receive all the necessary ordinances, the spiritual guidance and the fellowship needed to progress toward this ultimate goal of exaltation. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is organized to help all the children of our Heavenly Father receive eternal life or exaltation. God, while teaching Moses on a mountain, showed him the immensity of heaven and explained to him his purposes: “For behold, this is my work and my glory--to bring to pass the immortality and eternal life of man.27”

C) The mission of the Church
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is organized after the purposes of God, to help bring salvation to all His children. To make that possible, the church has divided its mission in three different aspects of salvation.

The first aspect is the salvation of its members. Perfecting the Saints, as taught by the Apostles : “ 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.28” It is an important part of the church.
A "Saint" is someone who has accepted Christ through baptism in His church and have committed to follow Him throughout his life.
Through the church, every member receives guidance by modern day prophets and apostles. It is also a place to learn about the gospel of Jesus Christ that we may print His words and example in our hearts. In the church we can enjoy the fellowship of others and it gives us wonderful opportunities to serve the Lord and our fellow beings. “My little children, let us not love in word, neither in tongue; but in deed and in truth.29”

As mentioned earlier, there is no paid clergy in the church. Members receive assignments and responsibilities to participate in the Lord's vineyard and helping us to become like Heavenly Father. The church helps us to receive all the ordinances necessary to return to the presence of our Father in Heaven. The prophet Moroni, in the book of Mormon taught: “And after they had been received unto baptism, and were wrought upon and cleansed by the power of the Holy Ghost, they were numbered among the people of the church of Christ. and their names were taken, that they might be remembered and nourished by the good word of God, to keep them in the right way, to keep them continually watchful unto prayer, relying alone upon the merits of Christ, who was the author and the finisher of their faith. And the church did meet together oft, to fast and to pray, and to speak one with another concerning the welfare of their souls. And they did meet together oft to partake of bread and wine, in remembrance of the Lord Jesus.30”

The second aspect the church focuses on, is to Proclaim the Gospel. Sharing the gospel is an essential responsibility of all those that have already received it. Christ taught: “But I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not: and when thou art converted, strengthen thy brethren.31” James taught: “Let him know, that he which converteth the sinner from the error of his way shall save a soul from death, and shall hide a multitude of sins.32”
A revelation given to the prophet Joseph Smith sheds more light on the responsibility of those that have received the gospel to share it. It is stated: “Behold, I sent you out to testify and warn the people, and it becometh every man who hath been warned to warn his neighbor. Therefore, they are left without excuse, and their sins are upon their own heads.33”
Every member of the church received, and continues to receive blessings and joy in their life. Even though life is not easy, the gospel brings peace and hope. Through their examples and love for God and family, members can extend an invitation to learn more about Christ's Gospel. Once a person has found something that brings peace, joy and serenity into their life; they will want to share it. Members work for the salvation of people around them who want to follow Christ.

Finally, the third aspect is Redeeming the dead. The purpose of this work is to give a chance for those who have passed away, to receive the Gospel. Those who have not heard the gospel in this life have an opportunity to hear it in the life to come.34
Through Genealogical Research, members of the church look for their ancestors and perform sacred ordinances for them such as baptism which can only performed on earth. These ordinances performed in behalf of the dead, by proxy, are done in holy temples. Of those who did not meet the requirements to enter God's kingdom, Paul said: “God having provided some better thing for us, that they without us should not be made perfect.35” It is our responsibly to perform this work for those who are dead; giving them a chance to accept or reject it as they wish.

Those three missions are part of this marvelous work and wonder! It is the Lord's work and we can be a part of it by serving in the church.
The Lord has taught that it is wonderful to have faith, to repent of our sins and show our desire to follow him by baptism, confirmation and receiving the Holy Ghost. But if we do not endure to the end, all this is in vain. Baptism is the gate to enter the strait and narrow path of eternal life. Baptism is not an end by itself but the beginning of a new life as a disciple of Christ. Of this, the prophets testified: “Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat: because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it.36”
On the other hemisphere, they also testified of the importance of enduring to the end.37 Nephi, a Book of Mormon prophet expresses his feelings in this way: “I also have charity for the Gentiles. But behold, for none of these can I hope except they shall be reconciled unto Christ, and enter into the narrow gate, and walk in the strait path which leads to life, and continue in the path until the end of the day of probation.38”

It is important to keep the commandments throughout our life and to serve the Lord until the end. Jesus taught: “And ye shall be hated of all men for my name's sake: but he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved.39” The Lord revealed to Nephi: “And blessed are they who shall seek to bring forth my Zion at that day, for they shall have the gift and the power of the Holy Ghost; and if they endure unto the end they shall be lifted up at the last day, and shall be saved in the everlasting kingdom of the Lamb; and whoso shall publish peace, yea, tidings of great joy, how beautiful upon the mountains shall they be.40” Finally, Nephi concluded: “And now, my beloved brethren, I know by this that unless a man shall endure to the end, in following the example of the Son of the living God, he cannot be saved.41”
Those three aspects that the church focuses on are in complete accord with the mission of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and the purposes of our Heavenly Father. It gives us a chance to participate in the work of the Lord.
By developing these attributes and receiving our spiritual nourishment through the church, we may be able, through the grace of our Savior Jesus Christ, to return to the presence of our Father in Heaven.

References Part 13
1. Philippians 4: 8
2. 2 Corinthians 13: 7
3. Matthew 5: 34-36
4. Jacob 4: 13
5. 2 Corinthians 4: 1-2
6. Mosiah 4: 28
7. Alma 41: 14
8. Genesis 2: 24
9. Proverbs 12: 4
10. Matthew 5: 8
11. Galatians 5: 16
12. 1 Corinthians 6: 19
13. 1 Nephi 10: 21
14. Matthew 5: 44
15. 1 Corinthians 7: 3
16. James 1: 27
17. See Alms 41: 14
18. Ecclesiastes 12: 14
19. Mosiah 2: 17
20. Matthew 16: 27
21. 1 Corinthians 3: 8
22. Alma 9: 28
23. Mosiah 3: 8
24. 2 Nephi 25: 23
25. Doctrine and Covenants 4: 27
26. John 14: 6
27. Pearl of Great Price, Moses 1: 39
28. Ephesians 4: 11-12
29. 1 John 3: 18
30. Moroni 6: 4-6
31. Luke 22: 32
32.James 5: 20
33. Doctrine and Covenants 88: 81-82
34. 1 Peter 3: 18-19, 4: 6
35. Hebrews 11: 40
36. Matthew 7: 13-14
37. See 2 Nephi 31: 17-20
38. 2 Nephi 33: 9
39. Mark 13: 13
40. 1 Nephi 13: 37
41. 2 Nephi 31: 16

Conclusion - My Testimony

2008-03-04T16:30:00.000-08:00

Concluding this work, I realized how much my love for the Savior has grown through the years and through this study. Christ is the center of our life. I add my simple witness that Christ lives! He loves us. I add my simple witness that through his infinite and powerful Atonement, we can return to the presence of our Father in Heaven. It takes acceptance of him from us, and a desire to follow him. Salvation comes by grace after doing our part. I decided to dedicate my life in his service looking with an eye single to his glory and the glory of my Father in Heaven. The road that leads to them, which is the path of life, is a long road filled with many experiences, trials, joy and sorrow. Through these experiences come growth, hope and a greater relation with our Maker.

I'm grateful for the blessing of being borne of wonderful parents who taught me the importance of listening to the righteous desires of my heart and to the spirit.
Their powerful example has touched me in ways that words could never give justice. Christ and his love were at the center of our home. I was also blessed with experiences that helped me learn and find the desire to rely on the Savior. People around me have been wonderful examples; but the example of the Savior and his perfect life has helped me discover myself and where my heart was. I still have a lot to learn about him and his Majesty and I am grateful for it. Improvement is the key to happiness, success and growth.
Simply, I say that those Gospel principles are true. I know of myself that the doctrines of Christ are true without any doubt! The Spirit confirmed it to me.

Almost twenty years ago now, my soul and heart were looking for direction. Baptized at eight and excited for the decision I had made then, I grew up inan environment where I would have to quickly obtain my own testimony. The LDS population was extremely small compared to the millions of people living in my City. As I reached my teenage years, I came to realize that even though I was uncertain about my beliefs, I would need to make a decision soon. Constantly feeling the influences of the world striving to pull me away from my father in Heaven, I finally got to the point where I could not stop thinking about it.

I looked back and started to understand parts of my life. I was in between faithful parents who had received a testimony of their faith in their heart years ago, and friends or other influences who looked at life without worrying about right or wrong and enjoying worldly pleasures.

To them, all these things appeared to be part of life and consequences seemed minimal, but to me, my conscience was telling me otherwise. Without ceasing, questions kept coming to my mind: “Where am I at? Where am I headed? Is there a greater purpose for all of us? What is most important?”

It was the first time in my life that I could not answer these questions for myself. It was a humbling experience to kneel down and rely on the Lord, asking for light and guidance.

I always knew that the Bible was the word of God. Another thing I always knew for sure as if it had been instilled in my DNA was that I could talk to my father in Heaven and receive answers. I felt I had to make a decision because walking on that fence was not bringing me complete happiness.

I will always remember that summer in Italy when I decided to try to understand the other witness of Christ: The Book of Mormon. I had been taught that by reading it, I would find answers to life’s purpose. I would finally see if I needed this book or not; see if it would help me draw closer to my Savior as the Bible did.

In the little town of Dueville, outside of Venice while on summer vacation, I started to read a few pages, and a little more, until I found myself spending many hours reading and pondering the book. I had tried to read it before but this time, it was different. I could hardly stop reading to eat and sleep and most of my time was spent within the pages of the book. I will always remember the desire that started to burn within my heart, to learn and to understand. I was filled with the desire to lose myself in those lines.
All of a sudden, everything was clear, everything made sense and a feeling of peace was with me during those hours of reading. Within three weeks I was reaching the end of the book and I could feel a desireto change my heart, to turn to my Father in Heaven, as the prophet Alma explained: “Have ye spiritually been born of God? Have ye received his image in your countenances? Have ye experienced this mighty change in your hearts? Can you imagine to yourselves that ye hear the voice of the Lord, saying unto you, in that day: Come unto me ye blessed, for behold, your works have been the works of righteousness upon the face of the earth?” (Alma 5:14, 16)
I knew this decision was going to influence the rest of my life.

It is needless to say that the Holy Ghost was confirming to me the truthfulness of those things. I knew it was true. I could not explain it, but I knew.
When I came back, I decided to learn more through reading and prayers. The Lord blessed me through his words and little by little, without really realizing it, I was nourishing this testimony that I had received. Looking around me, I realized that the world's joy was often superficial and did not last. I could see many not relying on God, but relying on the gods of this world, and now clearly seeing in my mind where these “joys” lead was bringing sadness to my heart for those I had witnessed being already prisoners of those choices.

My testimony grew by searching, questioning, studying, praying and exercising my faith to a point that I knew this was the church of Jesus Christ where I could find peace, joy and get closer to God.

It has been years now since this experience happened, but the same feelings are still deep in my heart. I have since served a full time mission as a representative of Jesus Christ in Salt Lake City, Utah. A missionin the service of my God and my fellowmen for two years! I had the chance to meet people from all over the world. I had the chance to discover a different culture and my heart was filled with love. I spent hours and hours sharing my testimony and my heart, sharing the truth concerning the gospel of Jesus Christ, sharing my love for the Lord and our Father in Heaven. To see the lives of families change for the better because they allowed the gospel enter into their hearts, to see smiles on faces that felt the love of the Savior in their personal life, to see eyes marveling has touched my heart in a way that no one could ever understand. None of those experiences would have happened without the hand of the Lord in my life.

My knowledge and testimony have grown in ways that I could never have imagined. The more I learn,the more this feeling pushes and touches me. In the course of my life, many more seemingly small but eternal decisions were awaiting on my path after that beautiful day in my grandmother’s home in Italy. This testimony has been an anchor reminding me of my eternal goal and destination. All the decisions I have made have lead me on a course which I feel has been my father’s in heaven path for me. I just had to make that choice to follow him and how grateful I am for his love and patience.

Today, I simply continue to live my faith by striving to apply all the principles I am fortunate to learn daily. I truly believe that while much learning can happen in reading and studying, the true essence of understanding is in the doing. I consider each day as an opportunity to make a difference and strive to do just that in my interactions with others. My love for my Savior has developed a deep sense of caring for those I come in contact with. I have learned that the more I live the way He wants me to live, the more I want to be better and the more I want to become a source of good for those around me. I currently serve as a Bishop and perhaps the greatest blessing this calling has been to me is the opportunity to witness the power of the Atonement of Christ in the life of His children.

I love God, the Father with all my heart. I know he is real. I know that he is all-powerful and loving. I feel his influence so strongly in my life that I cannot deny it! I am finally starting to understand the importance of Jesus Christ. His Atonement is real and can be applied not only for the repentant but for anyone who wishes to change his or her heart. His pure love brings so much hope. He made it possible for us to return to our Heavenly Father. I know that I am indebted to him and love him so much that I decided to follow him for the rest of my life!

I know that the Holy Ghost bears powerful testimony of our Father in Heaven, Jesus Christ and the truth.The Holy Ghost has confirmed to me that the Book of Mormon is true and is the word of God, as is the Bible.

I know that Joseph Smith is a powerful prophet of God; I know he was chosen, lead and guided by revelation just as the prophets of the Bible were. I know that he was an instrument in the hand of the Lord to re-establish the fullness of the truth in our days.
Truth is everywhere but I know that the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints contains the fullness of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. After a lot of prayers and reading of the sacred scriptures, the Holy Ghost has confirmed its truth to me. I know that this Church is lead by Jesus Christ himself and that he has chosen a living prophet and twelve apostles to give us guidance. I know that only in His Church can we find all the necessary gospel ordinances that will lead us to Christ and our Eternal Father.

I do know those things of myself; not through my weak knowledge, but because God answers prayers when they are sincere and filled with faith. And he answered mine when I really wanted to know!...and I know, he’ll answer yours….

I pray that everyone will decide one day, to ask the Lord about the truthfulness of these things. I leave my love through these words and an invitation to come unto Christ!

Christ is our rock; he is a sure foundation upon which we should build our spiritual selves. As Alma the prophet said: “And now, my sons, remember, remember that it is upon the rock of our Redeemer, who is Christ, the Son of God, that ye must build your foundation; that when the devil shall send forth his mighty winds, yea, his shafts in the whirlwind, yea, when all his hail and his mighty storm shall beat upon you, it shall have no power to drag you down to the gulf of misery and endless wo, because of the rock upon which ye are built, which is a sure foundation, a foundation whereon if men build they cannot fall.2”

These words are from my heart with love and great respect for all.
To those that feel lost, neglected or under the weight of sin I say: “There is hope in Christ, come unto Him!”
To those that are searching for truth I say: “Rely on Christ, come unto Him!”
To those that feel that they know him I say: “Keep learning of Christ, come unto Him!”
To all of us I say: “Let us have him take control in our life, Let us come unto Him!”

It is my testimony,
“The Reflections of a “Mormon “
In the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.

Concluding references:
1. Alma 5: 14, 16
2. Helaman 5: 12