DEFINITIONS: Key to Understanding the Scriptures - Version 2

The Book of Mormon is so amazing, and getting its terms right might just be important to untapping its truths and power to lead us to Christ.  A second, updated version of the original Definitions list.

Definitions:

"Unbelief" means you do not understand and have not accepted true doctrine.  (Comment to Discussion on 1 Nephi 14: 15.)  We go from unbelief to belief when we learn truth.  Not every source, including institutional sources, can be trusted to tell you the truth.  Only the light of Christ, followed by the Holy Ghost is a reliable guide to distinguish between unbelief and belief.  (The Whole Not the Parts.)  Alma connects losing knowledge of God's mysteries directly to being "taken captive by the devil" and being "led by his will down to destruction."  (Knowing the Mysteries.)  Tradition and community error will not bring you to Christ.  We always see the temporary defeat of truth followed by persistent success of error so the Lord can try the souls of men.  Truth returns, within a sea of error, and the humble followers of Christ recognize it.  (Discussion of Mosiah 3: 9.)


"Belief" means you understand and accept true doctrine.  (Comment to Discussion of 1 Nephi 14: 15.)  If you have correct understanding of Him then you have belief. Belief does not become "faith" as used in the Book of Mormon until an angel has ministered to you.  Your belief in Christ is belief.  (Comment to Discussion of 1 Nephi 14: 15.)  We go from belief to faith as we take action consistent with belief in truth. Faith is a principle of power.  It will lead you to receive angels who still minister to those of a sound mind, not given to flights of fantasy or unstable behavior. (The Whole Not the Parts.)  [T]ruth is intended to save us.  We should welcome corrections.  Too often, however, we are offended and think the truth is a hard thing to endure. (1 Ne. 16: 1-3; The Whole Not the Parts.)


"Faith" means you have been visited by an angel.  (Comment to Discussion of 1 Nephi 14: 15.)  Belief does not become "faith" as used in the Book of Mormon until an angel has ministered to you. Your belief in Christ is belief.  There are different definitions of "faith" and I'm not saying that is the only definition ever given. In the Lectures on Faith Joseph Smith gives a different meaning.  He defines faith as a principle of power through action, in which you put your beliefs into action and thereby acquire power; because Joseph related faith to having power.  (Comment to Discussion of 1 Nephi 14: 15.)  Faith was always intended to grow into knowledge.  (Faith, Belief, Knowledge.)  We are brought from faith to knowledge as angels prepare us through their ministry.  (The Whole Not the Parts.)

It will only be when the gentiles begin to have faith like the Brother of Jared that the Lord will make the fullness known again. (Ether 4: 6-7; Received of His Fullness, Part 2.)  The terms for obtaining [real] faith are the same for every man or woman who has ever lived.  Without making the sacrifice it is not possible to obtain the faith.  (Belief becomes knowledge.)  When there is faith, there are miracles.  (Moroni 7: 37.)  When there is faith, then angels minister to the faithful.  (Moroni 7: 37.)  If the time comes when there are no more miracles and there are no more angels ministering to mankind, then it is because of "unbelief, and all is lost."  (Moroni 7: 37.)  "For no man can be saved, according to 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 made." (Moroni 7: 38; Salvation and Signs.)


"Insecurities" are a result of a lack of faith. You deserve them. You have not acquired knowledge yet. You have them as a gift, as a warning that you have not yet received what you need. Nor have you developed faith yet.  I've given you a post that repeats very important and true doctrine from the Lectures on Faith.  It is a blueprint for how you develop faith.  (Developing Your Faith.)



"Knowledge" means you have been visited by the Lord.  (Comment to Discussion of 1 Nephi 14: 15.)  Faith was always intended to grow into knowledge.  Knowledge comes from contact with Jesus Christ. (Ether 3: 19.)  This is the knowledge that saves, and nothing else.  (John 17: 3; Faith, Belief, Knowledge.)  The idea that knowledge of Christ through His personal appearance to you is now unavailable is an old sectarian notion and is false.  (The Whole Not the Parts.)  This is what the Gospel of Christ was intended to confer.  Not just belief, or faith, but knowledge and understanding.  The journey back to God's presence was always the outcome intended by the Gospel. The Gospel message is and always has been that you should receive further light and knowledge by conversing with the Lord through the veil. Not through an intermediary, but in your own behalf, face to face.  (Discussion of 2 Nephi 31: 14.) 


"Signs" do not produce faith and never have.  Signs do, always, and will forever, follow faith. (D&C 63: 9; Salvation and Signs)  Those who "seek signs" are wicked, often adulterous. (Matt. 12: 39, Matt. 16: 4.)  Those who want a sign before they will believe cannot develop faith. (Ether 12: 6.)  Signs, given by God, according to His will, create mighty works by men. (D&C 63: 11.)  However, God's mighty works are often accomplished by small means. Events that are "mighty even unto the power of deliverance" (1 Ne. 1: 20), can be accomplished by so little a means as God warning a family to flee. (1 Ne. 2: 2.)  There will be "signs" and "small means" and "mighty works" still, but they will seem as nothing to those who do not believe. But to people of faith, they will be the power of God unto salvation. (Signs.)  You will see signs and wonders, including great building projects and the astonishing ability to speak in every language across the world in a single time, but that will not deceive those who take the Holy Spirit for their guide.   They will be able to distinguish between the truth and error.  Heaven will be shaken.  (Zion.)


"Salvation" means getting to know the Lord.  (Discussion of 3 Nephi 14: 6.)  [Salvation] is completely in Christ.  "[T]here 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."  (Mosiah 3: 17; Discussion of Mosiah 3: 16-17.)  You must "follow Him."  (Mosiah 5: 8; Discussion of 2 Nephi 31: 17.)  The duty is to come before God "through repentance and faith on the Lord God Omnipotent."  Men can only be saved through repentance.  (Mosiah 3: 21; Discussion of Mosiah 3: 20-22.)  In Mosiah 3: 21, as in other scriptures, angels and prophets use titles for "Christ":

"Lord" because we are to obey Him (Discussion of Mosiah 3: 20-22.) [and also] refers to the Savior as Guide.  (Discussion of Mosiah 3: 9.)
"God" because we are to worship Him (Discussion of Mosiah 3: 20-22.) [and also] refers to Divine right and authority.  (Discussion of Mosiah 3: 9.)
"Omnipotent" because we are assured He has the power to save [us]. (Discussion of Mosiah 3: 20-22.)
"Almighty" refers to the irrevocable nature of the word used by God[.]  (Discussion of Mosiah 3: 9.).
"Father" of your eternal life will be Christ.  (D&C 35: 2.)  He is your Father who is in heaven, because your continuation after the grave will come through His sacrifice.  He will literally provide you with the resurrected body you will inherit.  This makes Him the Father. (See Mosiah 5: 7; Ether's Reference to Christ as Father.)

"Second Comforter" is "no more or less than the Lord Jesus Christ himself. ... [W]hen any man obtains this last Comforter he will have the personage of Jesus Christ to attend him or appear unto him from time to time."  (The Words of Joseph Smith.)  The ministry of the Second Comforter is to bring those to whom He ministers to the Father, and have them accepted by Him.  This means that the Father accepts them as a member of the Heavenly Family, or in other words, promises them exaltation.  [T]he end of [the LORD's] ministry is to have the person accepted by the Father as a son or daughter of God.  (White Stone and a New Name.)  When, however, a person rises up through the merits of Jesus Christ to receive Him as a minister, they are living in a Terrestrial law and inherit Terrestrial blessings. (D&C 76: 77.)  When [the Savior] has finished His preparations with the person, and can bring them to the Father, the person is brought to a point where the Father can accept and acknowledge them as a son. (See D&C 76: 54-59, 92.) They are then begotten of the Father. (Psalms 2: 7; Discussion of 3 Nephi 11: 24-25.)


"LORD's Church" means those who do repent and are baptized in [His] name.  (Discussion of 3 Nephi 18: 16.)


"Sustaining" or "supporting" the Brethren [is] doing what we are asked when asked.  We get assignments or callings, and we ought to do them. When we are asked to obey the word of wisdom, or we are asked to attend a conference, or to undertake some kind of conduct, then we do it.  (Last Week's Comments.)


A "key" is something used to open a lock. It is also something that is "important" or "central in importance."  A "keystone" is the point in an arch that fits in the center, holding the arch together.  Upon it all else rests.   "Keys" are better viewed as a signal, or a sign post along a pathway[.]  Also, "holding a key" is better viewed as being given a strong guide or route to take[.]  If the word is viewed using these meanings, it suggests that holding a "key" implies using it in action.  The First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve use their key positions to manage and maintain the worldwide church organization.  If not for that constant oversight, the organization of the church would lapse into disorganization.  Their "keys" are indispensable to hold the entire structure together.  Without them at the center, like a "keystone," the "building" would collapse.  Offices belonging to others are their responsibility.  For you, there are "keys" which come to us in our own sphere.  Do not be jealous of church positions, they do not matter and are not necessary.  (Keys as a Challenge.)


"System [to] learn the mysteries of heaven" [includes]: [f]irst, angels are sent to prepare men/women[;] [s]econd, they are allowed to behold the Lord's glory; [third,] they converse with the Lord, at which point they are taught the things which have been prepared from the foundation of the earth for their salvation.  (Angels.)  If you want to know all the mysteries of God, He is willing to reveal them.  Not to the impatient, demanding and immature.  But to those who develop a firm mind in every form of godliness, including patience, persistence, faith and sacrifice.  (Moroni 7: 30.)   These things are not won cheaply.  But they are won.  In the great calm of pondering over what He has given to you, you will "know" Him.  Therefore, if you would like to know God, then ponder deeply and meditate on the things He has already given to you.  (Be still and know that I am God.)

In perhaps his greatest sermon, Joseph drew from and expounded on the scriptures to proclaim new doctrines, unheard of by those who had studied the Bible for two thousand years. As he did so he remarked: "It has always been my province to dig up hidden mysteries --new things-- for my hearers. Just at the time when some men think I have no right to the keys of the Priesthood --just at that time I have the greatest right." (TPJS p. 364; Joseph Smith History, Part 2.)


"Truth" means knowledge of things which are, which were, and which are to come. (D&C 93: 24; Nephi's Brother Jacob, Part 4.)  You can only know the truth by having it revealed to you from heaven itself.  (D&C 76: 114-118.)  This is the reason Joseph said if you could gaze into heaven for five minutes you would know more than you would by reading everything that has ever been written on the subject. (TPJS p. 324.)  Either you do as James says, and ask of God, or you will forever remain ignorant of the only knowledge which can save a man. (JS-H 1: 13, referring to James 1: 5.)  [T]ruth is intended to save us.  We should welcome corrections.  Too often, however, we are offended and think the truth is a hard thing to endure. (1 Ne. 16: 1-3; The Whole Not the Parts.)  Are distracting, inspirational stories that do not teach true doctrine capable of hardening your heart?  Can true doctrine become a "thing of naught" even if taught by the power of the Holy Ghost, if the listener hardens their heart?  (Nephi on Holy Spirit.)  Where will we find true doctrine taught? From what source does it come?  Will He not, as He has promised, send true messengers to warn before He cuts off and divides asunder?  If you do not understand this it is because you will not ask Him.  (Discussion of 1 Nephi 13: 33-34.)

[W]e are all required to find the truth.  Anything more or anything less is evil and means we have been deceived.  In addition, the follow up to the parable of the Ten Virgins found in D&C 45:56-57 warns everyone that the five foolish virgins who will not take truth as their guide are going to be hewn down and cast into the fire.  (Truth - anything more or less.)   [T]he idea that deep truths must not be taught or understood is a sign of atrophy in faith, loss of light, and rejection of the fullness intended to be ours.  It is a damnable notion because it will damn people who might otherwise be brought to partake of eternal life.  (Comment to Discussion of Alma 13:11.)  Truth returns, within a sea of error, and the humble followers of Christ recognize it.  Therefore, through this means "salvation comes unto the children of men" (Mosiah 3: 9; Discussion of Mosiah 3: 9.)  When a man is converted to truth, correct principles, and true doctrine, such a man has no difficulty stating in simple, but clear terms, the truth which inhabits his heart.  (Leaning Romney.)


"Plain and most precious [parts]" [relate to] knowing Christ[.]  Since this is life eternal, to "know" Him, [it is] simple and plain, but [the] most precious teaching [is] to urge people to part the veil of unbelief and behold their Lord[.]  (John 17: 3; Discussion of 1 Nephi 13: 31-32.)  The Book of Mormon is trying to teach you true doctrine, to have you reject false or incomplete doctrine, to develop faith and to bring you to receive at last knowledge.  (Comment to Discussion of 1 Nephi 14: 15.)


"Much of my gospel" includes (as it tells us) those things which "shall be plain and precious" [so] the gentiles have enough to allow them to receive an audience with Christ as the promised Second Comforter from John's Gospel[.]   (John 14: 18, 23.)  [So,] Christ, along with the Holy Ghost, [will] teach you all things needed, even if the gentiles are not in possession of the "fullness" of it all.]  [So] Nephi [and other prophets] make[] it clear how the gentiles can become adopted into the promised line and inherit a place among the chosen people who will be preserved, inherit this land, and be numbered among the house of Israel.  (John 14: 26; Discussion 1 Nephi 13: 33-34.)


"Holy Ghost" is a personage.  It is an individual.  It is a Spirit that will dwell inside you.  (D&C 130: 22.)  [T]he Holy Ghost, which resides inside of you [and] receives intelligence from Christ.  The Holy Ghost is the "record of heaven" which lives inside you and that you have lost contact with because of the veil.  It is a personage of spirit who resides inside you, and you must "receive" it after baptism by finally listening to that inner "truth of all things" or "record of the Father and the Son."  (Moses 6: 61, 66.)  The Holy Ghost bears record of the Son.  When the Son speaks to you through the Holy Ghost you hear the words in the first-person.  Hence the Holy Ghost speaking that it "is the Son" in Moses 5: 9.  (Holy Ghost vs. The Holy Spirit.)  Your spirit or your ghost is within you, connected to heaven to such a degree through this process that you are in possession of a "holy spirit" or a "holy ghost" within you.  (God's Many Works, Part 5.)


"Fire" is a description of quickening, purging sin, and receiving the love of God.  (Baptism of Fire.)  Commentary after commentary suggest that the dramatic "baptism by fire" [is] where glory is seen and [is] accompanied by 'marvelous' gifts.  (McKay Comment to Baptism of Fire.)  Without the "fire" to purge the sacrifice upon the altar, it is not cleansed.  It cannot become holy unless exposed to that fire.  (Discussion of 2 Nephi 31: 17.)  "And behold, the Holy Spirit of God did come down from heaven, and did enter into their hearts, and they were filled as if with fire, and they could speak forth marvelous words." (Hel. 5: 45.)

In the Lamanite experience and in the Nephite group who Christ visited in the 3 Nephi account, there came a point at which the heavens opened, a pillar of fire descended, and angels came and ministered to them all. Each were endowed with knowledge of mysteries belonging to God.  There was a connection forged between them and those on the other side of the veil.  These others are the "general assembly and Church of the Firstborn."  (BFHG, Part 5.)


"Baptism of Fire and the Holy Ghost" is given without man's involvement, comes from heaven, is promised by both the Father and the Son. It is a signal of redemption, purification and holiness. It is included in the "gate" for entering into God's presence.  (Discussion of 2 Nephi 31: 17.)  [It begins] a progression of blessings conferred through the fire and Holy Ghost. Even if there is a mere beginning, there is a glorious ending.  As with the Lamanites, it leads to an open vision into heaven, ministering of angels, and an endowment of unspeakable learning.  It brings to the initiated the knowledge of the mysteries of God.  The revelations are clear in connecting baptism of fire and the Holy Ghost with knowledge of God's mysteries.  (BFHG, Part 5.)  One of the immediate effects of baptism of fire and the Holy Ghost is to have the scriptures come alive; to have them overwhelm you with revelation, light and truth.  (BFHG, Part 2.)

One proof of baptism of fire is the gift of prophecy.  The gift follows as a sign to confirm baptism of fire and the Holy Ghost. (D&C 63: 9; BFHG, Part 4.)  The BFHG confer[s] revelation and open[s] the scriptures to your mind.  [It] requir[es] [the] ministering of angels.  (BFHG, Part 3.)  The entirety of the process may be reduced to just a few words: You are intended to receive baptism of fire and the Holy Ghost, which purges you from all sin.  After being made clean, every whit, which is suggested by "fire" then through the instrumentality of the "Holy Ghost" which dwells within you you may be brought into remembrance of all things.  (Discussion of 2 Nephi 31: 14.)


"Speak with the tongue of angels" means you are elevated, your knowledge and your inspiration reckons from heaven itself.  You have been elevated by "fire" which purges sins and purifies.  In effect, you receive holiness through the sanctifying power of the Holy Spirit.  This in turn makes your own spirit holy.  Your spirit or your ghost is within you, connected to heaven to such a degree through this process that you are in possession of a "holy spirit" or a "holy ghost" within you.  (God's Many Works, Part 5.)  To speak with a new tongue is to speak worthily of sacred things.  It is to correctly weigh the truth of a matter, know by the power of the Spirit that what is said is true and in conformity with God's will and then to speak it.  To speak with a new tongue is to be able to speak with the tongue of an angel because you have become an angel; or a companion of angels anyway.  It is to have the Word of God within you.  You cannot speak with the tongue of angels without having knowledge of certain things given you.  The clarity with which you can declare truth is distinct from what others say or claim to know.  (Discussion of 2 Nephi 31: 14.)


"Holy Spirit" means the power of God which fills the immensity of space.  (D&C 88: 12-13.)  Sometimes the Holy Spirit is called the "Light of Christ" rather than the Holy Spirit.  (D&C 88: 7-11.)  The relationship between the Holy Spirit or Light of Christ and every living thing, whether a planet, plant, animal, human or ecosystem is direct, immediate and continual.  They are all borrowing power from the Holy Spirit to live, move breath, remain organized, and do according to their own wills.  (Mosiah 2: 21-25; Holy Ghost vs. The Holy Spirit.)


"Abominable" means the use of religion to suppress truth or impose a false form of truth.  (Discussion of 1 Nephi 13: 31-32 .)  Does any organization or group which "holds back" plain and precious things become part of that "abominable church?"  Since "abominable" requires the use of religion to suppress truth or impose a false form of truth, can the definition of "abominable church" be limited to Historic Christianity?  If they "hold back" truth, do they join in the collective assembly of false religions called the "abominable church?"  Even it they came through Joseph Smith and accept the Book of Mormon?   (Discussion of 1 Nephi 13: 31-32.)  You rarely encounter a corrupt group in the Book of Mormon who are not also quite involved in a false religion.  The false religions in the Book of Mormon frequently teach that the followers are righteous and highly favored of God.  (See, e.g., Alma 31: 14-18; Wickedness and Destruction.)

[Note that this is important because the Jews in Lehis time thought] they were [a] "chosen" and [] holy people.  This idea of being "wicked" and engaging in abominable practices while they lived devoted lives seemed ridiculous to them.  Lehi could not be taken seriously.  If there was anything to this message, then they would expect it would come from the established hierarchy, not some obscure trader living in Jerusalem. He wasn't even a Levite for that matter.  (Lehi's Message.)


"Great and Abominable Church" teaches that no matter your conduct, the odds are you are going to be exalted. So eat, drink and be merry.  If God is going to be upset He will merely beat you with a few stripes and promote you into the kingdom of God anyway. (2 Nephi 28: 8.)  [There are only two churches in all the world.]  One [church] is founded on a true religion, the other is a false religion. One follows the Father's covenants and will result in God's promised results. The other follows the commandments of men who have mingled their own philosophies with scripture so that their doctrines are all corrupt. They share a vocabulary, but nothing else.  (Discussion of 1 Nephi 14: 8-9.)  The devil and his children are the founders of this great and abominable order. They seek to cheat mankind of salvation. If they can cause even a little error that robs power from the ordinances performed, they can keep mankind captive.  Men and institutions will never redeem a man. Idolizing an institution will damn every participant. Idolizing men will damn those false religionists.  (Discussion of 1 Nephi 14: 3-4.)


"Apostasy" happens when religious and proud people [do] not understand that all their endless rites "availeth nothing" because it [is] the Lord alone who [can] redeem them.  (Mosiah 3: 15.)   They [take] their eyes off the Lord, and put them on [their] religion.  They [do] not understand the religion [is] nothing, if it fail[s] to point them to the Lord.  It is astonishing that men would prefer religion to God; prefer pride which alienates them from God to humility which could bring them into His presence.  When the Lord's people wanted religion, but were unwilling to accept the fullness, He accommodated their desire and gave to them the "law of Moses" to keep them busy.  (Mosiah 3: 14.)  It is the nature of "stiffnecked" people that they prefer religious ceremonies, and endless repetition of rituals to coming into the Lord's presence. (Mosiah 3: 14.)  The people confuse[] the symbols with the real thing. They [think] through the symbols they [are] chosen, elect, and holy.  They prefer[] the symbol to the reality.  By worshiping the symbols and not recognizing the truths which were their foundation, they became mere idolaters.  (Discussion of Mosiah 3: 14-15.) 

Since Christ predicted that at some point the latter-day gentiles would reject the fullness (3 Ne. 16: 10.), we probably should consider what the Book of Mormon has to say about the subject.  [Lucifer] has never succeeded by admitting there has been a failure.  The trick is always to have the apostasy come unnoticed, unacknowledged and from within. (3 Ne. 16: 10.)   Lucifer succeeds when he manages to get us NOT to reject ordinances, but to change them.  As soon as they are changed, they are broken. (D&C 1: 15.)  That is an important step.  (The Trick to Apostasy.)

The trick to successfully pulling off an apostasy is to distract people into thinking there hasn't been one.  The "believers" need to think everything remains intact.  So the issue of "apostasy" becomes a discussion about individuals and individual conformity to the expectations of the group.  The Jews mocked efforts to tell them they were apostate.  They thought it was humorous when Lehi preached the idea. (1 Ne. 1: 19.) Because they were so very religious, so devout, so unassailably active in following God, the idea was absolutely laughable that they were apostate.  The Apostle Paul said the problem would begin at the top with the shepherds, who would teach them falsehoods as truth.  (Acts 20: 29-30.)  These new leaders would have only a form of godliness, without any real power to save . (2 Tim. 3: 5; The Trick to Apostasy.)


"Angels" are those who do belong or have belonged to [this earth].  (D&C 130: 5; Discussion of Alma 13: 24.)   The angels will be the ones responsible for that gathering. (See D&C 77: 11, Mark 13: 27.)  This presents an apparent impediment to those who either don't believe angels minister to mankind, or who believe they only minister to church leaders, or who think them possible, but have never been administered personally by them.  Angels will gather those who follow Christ rather than trust the arm of flesh, and ultimately Christ will return and the world will be wasted at His coming.  Though there will be some fragment, like the days of Noah, there will be those who have been gathered by the angels.  Those few will be preserved.  (Zion.)  Ministering angels are an indispensable part of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.  That is why those keys were restored so early on in this dispensation, and are so widely disseminated into the Church membership. (See D&C 13 and D&C 107: 20.)


"LORD's anointed" means anyone who has been through the temple.  (Last Week's Comments.)


"Children of the Prophets" means  that one has accepted, believed, and followed the Lord's true messengers.  They become children of Abraham and receive priestly authority sealing them into the family of God, joining the "fathers."  From the time of Abraham until today, all who are redeemed have become a part of his household.  (Discussion of 3 Nephi 20: 25-27.)


"Turning the hearts of the children to the fathers" is a reference to the restoration of sealing authority, allowing a connection between man living on the earth, and the fathers (Abraham, Isaac and Jacob).  In this dispensation, that restoration occurred when Joseph Smith was given the sealing authority and priesthood whereby he could ask and receive answers. (D&C 132: 45-47.)  This priesthood, having the hearts of the recipients turned to the fathers, and the promise of exaltation, are interconnected.  Abraham not only held this authority, but received the promise that all who received the Gospel after him would become his descendants.  From the time of Abraham to the present, every saved soul has had their heart turned to him, become his son or daughter, and receive that same priesthood.  (Discussion of 3 Nephi 20: 25-27.)


A "nation" means a "people" or "ethnicity" like the Israelites.  (Discussion of 2 Nephi 29: 6-7.)


An "isle of the sea" includes everything that is not part of the great Euro-Asian-African land mass.  Although we regard North America as a continent, in the Book of Mormon vernacular it is an "isle of the sea."  (2 Ne. 10: 20.)  Further, most of Israel was relocated onto the isles of the sea. (1 Ne. 22: 4.)  So when the Lord affirms He speaks to those on the "isles of the sea" He is confirming that there are multiple locations, involving multiple parties, each one of which has received sacred communication from Him.  (Discussion of 2 Nephi 29: 6-7.)


"Timing" [relates] to understand[ing] how the LORD works.  [T]he departure by Lehi and the destruction of Jerusalem [were] inter-related.  The Lord uses 'just-in-time' scheduling of events more often than not.  There is no need to flee until the moment when the destruction is about to begin.  Nor is there a need to begin the rainfall before the ark is completed.  Nor is there a need to send down fire to consume the offering until the altar is built, the sacrifice offered, the water poured on the offering, and the prayer completed.  (1 Kings 18: 31-38.)  Timing is always the Lord's.  (Nephi's Brother Jacob, Part 4.)


"Melchizedek", whose name means "king and priest", was in fact Shem.  Noah was Shem/Melchizedek's father.  Abraham received the priesthood which had been promised to him by God, from Melchizedek.(Discussion of Alma 13: 15.)

Broken Souls - Have We Neglected Them?

A precious excerpt that brought tears to my eyes.

I have marveled at how very much these broken souls, these discouraged people, these victims of our judgments who we have discarded or neglected are the very ones with whom I feel the Lord's presence and love as I have the honor of meeting and talking with them about the Gospel.  These are the ones He loves the most.  These are the ones with whom He associated during His ministry.  He associates there, still.

We have driven many of them away from activity in the church because of how we behave.  In turn, the Spirit does not dwell with many of the "righteous" and proud active Latter-day Saints because hearts have not been broken nor spirits made contrite.  We are made to think God favors us because we have worldly successes. We prosper. It is the successful, the financially well-to-do, the educated, the bank president, the lawyer and doctor whom we hold up as the model of a true Saint.  Read the resumes of those who are called to lead the stakes and missions of the church in each week's Church News.  We draw from a very narrow social gene-pool to find those who serve. They come from among those who have the financial resources in place to spare the time it takes to serve. In the process we get a 'Gospel of Success' mentality, right out of one segment of the Evangelical movement.

...

If we were to flood the wards of Zion with those whose hearts are broken, who mourn because of issues that weigh heavy upon them, and who feel that there is nothing in the church for them, but who look to Christ to lift them from their torment, we would be enriched by their homecoming.  In much the same way as the Prodigal was worthy of a feast, but the resentful but faithful son who stayed behind was not, so also are the riches of eternity reserved for the poor, downtrodden and broken hearted.

We are the poorer because of their absence.  Our wards are not informed by hearing of their dilemmas and struggles.  We are not what we could be if we were to make such people welcome - throwing our arms open to greet them.  We do not hear their struggle to keep a testimony after learning about some serious failing of a past leader.  We are not informed, as we should be, in our meetings and discussions.

This is a lamentation, and not an explanation.  This is not the fullness of the subject, but merely a hint of what I know displeases the Lord about us.  It is not my responsibility to define fully the Lord's displeasure with us at the moment.  I can, however, assure you He is not pleased.  Some of what we think ourselves best for doing is not what He would want us to take pride in.  Our Lord's heart is broken still.  His ways are higher than ours because He values the least more than do we.

I cannot say more.  But I am left amazed at the hardness of the hearts of this generation who claim they are the Lord's.  Many, many will be told by Him to depart from His presence at the time of Judgment because they never knew Him.  They speak today in His name, yet they know Him not.  It would be better for them to not speak at all, than to toss about His name as the author of foolish, vain, proud and evil notions while claiming He agrees with such things.  (Broken souls.)

  Are there broken and neglected souls in our neighborhoods, wards, and stakes?

What is Real Faith According to Ether 12?

The faith that the ancient 'Prophets' gained always led to communicating through the veil with ministering angels and also to receiving the spirits of 'just men' (disembodied spirits of the righteous who have moved on but have not yet reclaimed their bodies).

Once these ancient 'Prophets' received the Savior in the flesh, though, they retained more than 'faith' alone, they also gained actual 'knowledge', the kind of 'knowledge' that only the Savior HIMSELF can personally bestow upon each of us individually.  Without being ministered to by the Savior in the flesh, we yet lack actual 'knowledge'.  Without receiving angels and 'just men' sent from the presence of our Heavenly Father, we yet lack real 'Faith'.

So, can we look to Ether 12 for an informative discussion of what real 'Faith' entails?

Let's see ...

What keeps us from seeing beyond the veil? What do we lack that keeps us from "truly [seeing] with [our spiritual] eyes the things which [most only behold at best] with an eye of faith"?

And there were many whose faith was so exceedingly strong, even before Christ came, who could not be kept from within the veil, but truly saw with their eyes the things which they had beheld with an eye of faith, and they were glad. (Ether 12: 19.)

What is an "eye of faith" and why is it something less than truly seeing beyond the veil?

After what point will the Savior show Himself unto us?  What must we have developed before He will come unto us?

For if there be no faith among the children of men God can do no miracle among them; wherefore, he showed not himself until after their faith.  (Ether 12: 12.)

Why does Moroni instruct us that the Savior will not show Himself unto us "until after [our] faith"? Why does 'faith' always come first before we can receive real 'knowledge'?

How have men and women always 'wrought miracles', no matter which age or dispensation that they live in?

Yea, and even all they who wrought miracles wrought them by faith, even those who were before Christ and also those who were after.  (Ether 12: 15.)

So, if 'faith' in our Savior Jesus Christ permits us to perform miracles and if it is not "until after [our] faith" that He shows Himself to us, where and how do we begin?

Wherefore, whoso believeth in God might with surety hope for a better world, yea, even a place at the right hand of God, which hope cometh of faith, maketh an anchor to the souls of men, which would make them sure and steadfast, always abounding in good works, being led to glorify God.  (Ether 12: 4.)

If we both believe and hope, will we "always [be] abounding in good works, being led to glorify God"?  What does glorifying God and abounding in good works have to do with our believing and also with our having 'hope'?

How do we prove to the LORD that we actually do have 'faith'?  What will the LORD always provide to test His children?

And now, I, Moroni, would speak somewhat concerning these things; I would show unto the world that faith is things which are hoped for and not seen; wherefore, dispute not because ye see not, for ye receive no witness until after the trial of your faith. (Ether 12: 6.)

Why do we receive a witness only "after the trial of [our] faith"?  Why must the LORD try our faith?   

For it was by faith that Christ showed himself unto our fathers, after he had risen from the dead; and he showed not himself unto them until after they had faith in him; wherefore, it must needs be that some had faith in him, for he showed himself not unto the world.  (Ether 12: 7.)

Why does real faith always come before He shows Himself unto us?

But because of the faith of men he has shown himself unto the world, and glorified the name of the Father, and prepared a way that thereby others might be partakers of the heavenly gift, that they might hope for those things which they have not seen.  (Ether 12: 8.)

Why has the LORD "prepared a way that thereby others might be partakers of the heavenly gift"?  What is this 'Heavenly Gift' that Moroni speaks to about? 

What will it take for us to also be "partakers of the [heavenly] gift"?

Wherefore, ye may also have hope, and be partakers of the gift, if ye will but have faith.  (Ether 12: 9.)

Why does the process start with 'hope', then lead to real 'faith', and then finally lead us to being "partakers of the [heavenly] gift"?  Is this process the same for everyone, even all men and women?

What does being "partakers of the [heavenly] gift" have to do with being "called after His Holy Order"?

Behold it was by faith that they of old were called after the holy order of God.  (Ether 12: 10.)

Why does Moroni tie being "partakers of the gift" with being "called after the holy order of God"?  Is there an important connection between these two sets of events?  Are they connected?


What about the Brother of Jared, what does Moroni inform us about what the Brother of Jared received?

And behold, we have seen in this record that one of these was the brother of Jared; for so great was his faith in God, that when God put forth his finger he could not hide it from the sight of the brother of Jared, because of his word which he had spoken unto him, which word he had obtained by faith.

And after the brother of Jared had beheld the finger of the Lord, because of the promise which the brother of Jared had obtained by faith, the Lord could not withhold anything from his sight; wherefore he showed him all things, for he could no longer be kept without the veil.   (Ether 12: 20-21.)

Why has Moroni now tied 'faith' to receiving a 'heavenly gift', to being "called after the holy order of God", to receiving a "promise ... obtained by faith" directly from our God, and to seeing "all things, for he could no longer be kept without the veil."

What was "the promise which the brother of Jared had obtained by faith"?

And after the brother of Jared had beheld the finger of the Lord, because of the promise which the brother of Jared had obtained by faith, the Lord could not withhold anything from his sight; wherefore he showed him all things, for he could no longer be kept without the veil.   (Ether 12: 20-21.)

Why does obtaining a promise by faith lead us to "no longer be kept without the veil"?  What does real faith do to this veil that now blocks our view of the spiritual world around us?

But how does Moroni see us Gentiles regarding his words on faith?

And I said unto him: Lord, the Gentiles will mock at these things, because of our weakness in writing; for Lord thou hast made us mighty in word by faith, but thou hast not made us mighty in writing; for thou hast made all this people that they could speak much, because of the Holy Ghost which thou hast given them;
And thou hast made us that we could write but little, because of the awkwardness of our hands. Behold, thou hast not made us mighty in writing like unto the brother of Jared, for thou madest him that the things which he wrote were mighty even as thou art, unto the overpowering of man to read them.

Thou hast also made our words powerful and great, even that we cannot write them; wherefore, when we write we behold our weakness, and stumble because of the placing of our words; and I fear lest the Gentiles shall mock at our words.  (Ether 12: 23-25.)

Who will mock (or disregard) Moroni's message on faith except those who will take the time to read them, yeah even to read his words on faith in this very chapter, and then to disregard such primitive notions of real faith?

But what does the LORD promise Moroni about us when we read his words on faith?

Behold, I will show unto the Gentiles their weakness, and I will show unto them that faith, hope and charity bringeth unto me—the fountain of all righteousness.  (Ether 12: 28.)

Why does our Savior Jesus Christ tie 'faith', 'hope', and 'charity' to Moroni's words in this chapter and also to "the fountain of all righteousness"?

Do we remain unrighteous when we lack the faith to receive the "heavenly gift"?

Do we remain unrighteous when we lack the faith to see beyond the veil?

And I, Moroni, having heard these words, was comforted, and said: O Lord, thy righteous will be done, for I know that thou workest unto the children of men according to their faith;  (Ether 12: 29.)

If the LORD "work[s] unto the children of men according to their faith", then what does that say about our faith when we have failed to receive revelations from heaven, as a People, even for generations at this point?  Should this worry us at all levels?

For thus didst thou manifest thyself unto thy disciples; for after they had faith, and did speak in thy name, thou didst show thyself unto them in great power.  (Ether 12: 31.)

What does it mean to see the LORD "in great power"?  Why was it only "after [the disciples] had faith ... [that the LORD] did[] show [Himself] unto them in great power"?

Will the LORD prepare actually 'mansions' in heaven and also an actual 'inheritance' for those who have gained real hope in Him?

And I also remember that thou hast said that thou hast prepared a house for man, yea, even among the mansions of thy Father, in which man might have a more excellent hope; wherefore man must hope, or he cannot receive an inheritance in the place which thou hast prepared.  (Ether 12: 32.)

Why are we unworthy to "receive an inheritance in the place which [the LORD] has[] prepared" unless we gain faith after starting with 'hope' alone?

And it came to pass that the Lord said unto me: If they have not charity it mattereth not unto thee, thou hast been faithful; wherefore, thy garments shall be made clean.

And because thou hast seen thy weakness thou shalt be made strong, even unto the sitting down in the place which I have prepared in the mansions of my Father.   (Ether 12: 37.)

Why does having faith and being faithful to the LORD permit our "garments [to] be made clean"?  Why does real faith bring so much, while unbelief leaves us with so little?

For if there be no faith among the children of men God can do no miracle among them; wherefore, he showed not himself until after their faith.  (Ether 12: 12.)

Do we know what real faith actually entails?  Do we know how to recognize the signs of those who have real faith?

Why must we have real faith "to please God"?  What has an excellent LDS scholar said about this?

Faith (Thursday, September 6, 2012)

The scriptures say that without faith it is impossible to please God. (Hebrews 11:6.) Have you thought about what that means? From the Lectures on Faith it is clear that faith is a "principle of action." If it is a principle of action, whose action is it? Must you do something, and if so, what? What action must you take? What is the role you occupy in faith?

The Lectures on Faith also say that faith is a "principle of power." What does that mean? Whose power? Is there a relationship between the action of man and the power of God?

Think of any great example of faith in scriptures and apply these questions to them. It can be as simple as David and Goliath, or as complicated as Elijah. After you have studied the example, ask yourself, "what action did the man or woman take? Why did they act in that way? What was the intention? How was God's power used? Who controlled the power? More precisely, from what source did the power come? Is this principle of power connected with priesthood? (D&C 121:36.) If it is, then when any person exercises faith as a principle of power, are they exercising priesthood?

So, how can we begin developing faith in our LORD Jesus Christ?  How has a popular LDS scholar described the issues related to this process?

Developing Your Faith (Sunday, May 30, 2010)

I've been thinking on the different kinds of questions I get, and what those questions reflect about the one asking. There are two conditions that cannot be overcome by me or any other person by answering your question.  The first one is your insecurities. The other is your curiosity. Your insecurities about whatever is going on in your life will not go away because you received an answer to a question.  Your curiosity will not be satisfied by hearing a spiritual experience recounted by another person.

Insecurities are a result of a lack of faith. You deserve them. You have not acquired knowledge yet. You have them as a gift, as a warning that you have not yet received what you need. Nor have you developed faith yet.  I've given you a post that repeats very important and true doctrine from the Lectures on Faith.  It is a blueprint for how you develop faith.  I cannot do it for you.  Neither can Joseph or Jesus Christ. Faith comes from within you, developed by the same process through which every man who has ever had faith developed it. There are no shortcuts, no independent conferral by sprinkling something on you, and no method different than what has always been required. To the extent I am able to explain the process, I have done so in The Second Comforter.  If you are still insecure, then you have not done what that book teaches you to do.  Getting an answer from me, or from any other man, will not replace the hollow feeling inside you springing from the absence of saving faith.

The scriptures are filled with spiritual experiences and doctrine. Adding another account to those already there will not benefit you nor bring you closer to developing faith.  It will not fill you. That is why my experiences have never been told. (Only in my testimony of the truthfulness of what I teach have I touched briefly upon my experiences.) The focus of all I have done is doctrine. Teaching correct principles will allow you to both govern and develop yourself.

Asking for details from my experiences will add absolutely nothing to you.  Those experiences will only weaken you.  It will also weaken me.  It will make me seem more than I am. It will cause you to surrender to another the responsibility devolving upon yourself.  You will only err in thinking that having another "spiritual story" to retell has made you closer to the Lord.  It doesn't happen that way.  Get your own spiritual experiences. Then, if you want more, keep them sacred. That is what I do. I teach principles. I do not reveal experiences.

I read many years ago about Abraham being the "friend of God."  I read also in the D&C about the Lord calling some early Saints His "friends."  As I reflected upon that word ("friend") I thought about what it meant ("friendship").  After pondering the word for many days, and observing the people around me, thinking about what I saw in society, and considered the sermons I heard in church, I reached the conclusion that there wasn't a "friend" of God upon the earth any longer.

As I considered the conclusion, I thought about it from God's perspective. What must it mean to a Heavenly Father who has no friend upon the earth. How must He sorrow over His children who have departed from friendship. The thought grew in me until I determined I would become the "friend" of God; not for my sake, nor for any benefit which may come to me because of it.  I thought of it only as a way to honor Him; to show Him that despite earth and hell there would yet be another "friend" of His upon the earth.

I have remained true to that determination from that time till now. It defines the choices I have made, the opportunities I have forfeited, the places I have been, and the doors which have opened.  I may not be much of anything in this world, but I do have a Friend whose love I value and whose companionship I cherish.  If I were to tell you all the details of that it would do you no good and would betray trust.

Asking about it is the clearest indication that you have misunderstood both the process and what I am trying to do to help others.

Does out Heavenly Father now have any friends upon the earth?  Are there any who work by real faith amongst our ranks?

Is gaining real faith important?  If so, where can we find the clearest description of what it takes to develop real faith on our LORD Jesus Christ?

Lectures of Faith No. 6 (Wednesday, April 21, 2010)

This is an excerpt from the Sixth Lecture in the Lectures on Faith.  This was at one point a part of the Doctrine & Covenants.  They were prepared for the School of the Prophets and approved by Joseph Smith.  Their presence in the scriptures was the reason for the change in the title from Book of Commandments to Doctrine and Covenants.  The "Doctrine" portion of the book was comprised of these lectures.  They were subsequently removed from the D&C.  Below is an excerpt which I think is needed to be understood by anyone who would like to comprehend the faith restored through Joseph Smith:

An actual knowledge to any person that the course of life which he pursues is according to the will of God, is essentially necessary to enable him to have that confidence in God, without which no person can obtain eternal life.

It was this that enabled the ancient saints to endure all their afflictions and persecutions, and to take joyfully the spoiling of their goods, knowing (not believing merely) that they had a more "enduring substance" (Heb. 10: 34).

Having the assurance that they were pursuing a course which was agreeable to the will of God, they were enabled to take, not only the spoiling of their goods and the wasting of their substance joyfully, but also to suffer death in its most horrid forms; knowing (not merely believing) that when this earthly house of their tabernacle was dissolved, they had a building of God, a house "not made with hands, eternal in the heavens" (2 Cor. 5:1).

Such was, and always will be, the situation of the saints of God, that unless they have an actual knowledge that the course that they are pursuing is according to the will of God, they will grow weary in their minds and faint; for such has been, and always will be, the opposition in the hearts of unbelievers and those that know not God, against the pure and unadulterated religion of heaven (the only thing which ensures eternal life), that they will persecute to the uttermost all that worship God according to his revelations, receive the truth in the love of it, and submit themselves to be guided and directed by his will, and drive them to such extremities that nothing short of an actual knowledge of their being the favorites of heaven,and of their having embraced that order of things which God has established for the redemption of man, will enable them to exercise that confidence in him necessary for them to overcome the world, and obtain that crown of glory which is laid up for them that fear God.

For a man to lay down his all, his character and reputation, his honor and applause, his good name among men, his houses, his lands, his brothers and sisters, his wife and children, and even his own life also, counting all things but filth and dross for the excellency of the knowledge of Jesus Christ, requires more than mere belief or supposition that he is doing the will of God, but actual knowledge; realizing that when these sufferings are ended he will enter into eternal rest, and be a partaker of the glory of God.

For unless a person does know that he is walking according to the will of God, it would be offering an insult to the dignity of the Creator were he to say that he would be a partaker of his glory when he should be done with the things of this life.

But when he has this knowledge, and most assuredly knows that he is doing the will of God, his confidence can be equally strong that he will be a partaker of the glory of God.

Let us here observe, that a religion that does not require the sacrifice of all things, never has power sufficient to produce the faith necessary unto life and salvation; for from the first existence of man, the faith necessary unto the enjoyment of life and salvation never could be obtained without the sacrifice of all earthly things; it was through this sacrifice, and this only, that God has ordained that men should enjoy eternal life; and it is through the medium of the sacrifice of all earthly things, that men do actually know that they are doing the things that are well pleasing in the sight of God.

When a man has offered in sacrifice all that he has for the truth's sake, not even withholding his life, and believing before God that he has been called to make this sacrifice, because he seeks to do his will, he does know most assuredly that God does and will accept his sacrifice and offering, and that he has not nor will not seek his face in vain.

Under these circumstances then, he can obtain the faith necessary for him to lay hold on eternal life.

It is in vain for persons to fancy to themselves that they are heirs with those, or can be heirs with them, who have offered their all in sacrifice, and by this means obtained faith in God and favor with him so as to obtain eternal life, unless they in like manner offer unto him the same sacrifice, and through that offering obtain the knowledge that they are accepted of him.

It was in offering sacrifices that Abel, the first martyr, obtained knowledge that he was accepted of God.

And from the days of righteous Abel to the present time, the knowledge that men have that they are accepted in the sight of God, is obtained by offering sacrifice.

And in the last days, before the Lord comes, he is to gather together his saints who have made a covenant with him by sacrifice. Ps. 50: 3-5, "Our God shall come, and shall not keep silence: a fire shall devour before him, and it shall be very tempestuous round about him. He shall call to the heavens from above, and to the earth, that he may judge his people. Gather my saints together unto me; those that have made a covenant unto me by sacrifice."

Those then who make the sacrifice will have the testimony that their course is pleasing in the sight of God, and those who have this testimony will have faith to lay hold on eternal life, and will be enabled through faith to endure unto the end, and receive the crown that is laid up for them that love the appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ. 

But those who do not make the sacrifice cannot enjoy this faith, because men are dependent upon this sacrifice in order to obtain this faith; therefore, they cannot lay hold upon eternal life, because the revelations of God do not guarantee unto them the authority so to do; and without this guarantee faith could not exist.

All the saints of whom we have account in all the revelations of God which are extant, obtained the knowledge which they had of their acceptance in his sight, through the sacrifice which they offered unto him.

And through the knowledge thus obtained, their faith became sufficiently strong to lay hold upon the promise of eternal life, and to endure as seeing him who is invisible; and were enabled, through faith, to combat the powers of darkness, contend against the wiles of the adversary, overcome the world, and obtain the end of their faith, even the salvation of their souls. 

But those who have not made this sacrifice to God, do not know that the course which they pursue is well pleasing in his sight; for whatever may be their belief or their opinion, it is a matter of doubt and uncertainty in their minds; and where doubt and uncertainty are, there faith is not, nor can it be.

For doubt and faith do not exist in the same person at the same time.

So that persons whose minds are under doubts and fears cannot have unshaken confidence; and where unshaken confidence is not, there faith is weak; and where faith is weak, the persons will not be able to contend against all the opposition, tribulations, and afflictions which they will have to encounter in order to be heirs of God, and joint heirs with Christ Jesus; and they will grow weary in their minds, and the adversary will have power over them and destroy them.

Why does the Prophet Joseph Smith tie Faith to 'sacrifice'?

But those who do not make the sacrifice cannot enjoy this faith, because men are dependent upon this sacrifice in order to obtain this faith

How does this relate to Moroni's requirement of having our faith tested by the LORD?

And now, I, Moroni, would speak somewhat concerning these things; I would show unto the world that faith is things which are hoped for and not seen; wherefore, dispute not because ye see not, for ye receive no witness until after the trial of your faith. (Ether 12: 6.)

Why does "actual knowledge" come only "after the trial of [our] faith"?

Why does the Prophet Joseph Smith tie 'actual knowledge' to a 'promise of eternal life'?  What does receiving this 'promise' have to do with "seeing Him who is invisible"?

And through the knowledge thus obtained, their faith became sufficiently strong to lay hold upon the promise of eternal life, and to endure as seeing him who is invisible

How does the 'promise of eternal life' relate to the promise that Moroni discusses in Ether 12?  What does receiving this 'promise' have to do with "no longer be[ing] kept without the veil"?

And after the brother of Jared had beheld the finger of the Lord, because of the promise which the brother of Jared had obtained by faith, the Lord could not withhold anything from his sight; wherefore he showed him all things, for he could no longer be kept without the veil.   (Ether 12: 20-21.)

Why does the Prophet Joseph Smith tie sacrificing everything with being 'heirs' of all that the Father has?  Why does not having "actual knowledge" keep us from becoming 'joint heirs'?

So that persons whose minds are under doubts and fears cannot have unshaken confidence; and where unshaken confidence is not, there faith is weak; and where faith is weak, the persons will not be able to contend against all the opposition, tribulations, and afflictions which they will have to encounter in order to be heirs of God, and joint heirs with Christ Jesus; and they will grow weary in their minds, and the adversary will have power over them and destroy them.

How does becoming 'joint heirs' relate to receiving a 'mansion' in our Father's kingdom?

And I also remember that thou hast said that thou hast prepared a house for man, yea, even among the mansions of thy Father, in which man might have a more excellent hope; wherefore man must hope, or he cannot receive an inheritance in the place which thou hast prepared.  (Ether 12: 32.)

Why does any inheritance in our Father's kingdom depend on hope and faith in the LORD Jesus Christ?

Do the words of the Prophet Joseph Smith, as written in the Lectures on Faith, help us to discover this faith that Moroni was trying to teach us about?

Why does Our Learning the Mysteries Matter So Much to Our Salvation?

The Book of Mormon contains warnings and guidance of how we must treat the days of our probation, just as does the corrected JST Bible.

But, has the LORD warned us to both "repent and remember ... the Book of Mormon ... and ... to do according to that which [HE] ha[s] written"?

And they shall remain under this condemnation until they repent and remember the new covenant, even the Book of Mormon and the former commandments which I have given them, not only to say, but to do according to that which I have written— (D&C 84: 57.)

What happens to the LORD's People as they begin to lose "knowledge" of HIM and HIS "mysteries"?

My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge: because thou hast rejected knowledge, I will also reject thee, that thou shalt be no priest to me: seeing thou hast forgotten the law of thy God, I will also forget thy children. (Hosea 4: 6.)

Have we reached the point where we "are destroyed for lack of knowledge"?  Is it possible to be destroyed as a People, and not even know it?

What made Nephi different than his brothers Laban and Lemuel?  What attitude did Nephi possess that eventually made him into one of the greatest prophets to have ever lived?

And it came to pass that I, Nephi, being exceedingly young, nevertheless being large in stature, and also having great desires to know of the mysteries of God, wherefore, I did cry unto the Lord;

and behold he did visit me, and did soften my heart that I did believe all the words which had been spoken by my father;

wherefore, I did not rebel against him like unto my brothers. (1 Nephi 2: 16.)

What desire drove Nephi to "cry unto the LORD"?  Why di the LORD 'visit' Nephi?

What does it mean to "draw near unto [the LORD] with [our] mouth, and with [our] lips do honor [HIM], but have removed [our] hearts far from [HIM]"?

Forasmuch as this people draw near unto me with their mouth, and with their lips do honor me, but have removed their hearts far from me, and their fear towards me is taught by the precepts of men— (2 Nephi 27: 25.)

How was it possible that Laman and Lemuel could not see that the people at Jerusalem were destroyed and awaiting the time when they would be "carried away into captivity"?

And we know that the people who were in the land of Jerusalem were a righteous people; for they kept the statutes and judgments of the Lord, and all his commandments, according to the law of Moses; wherefore, we know that they are a righteous people; and our father hath judged them, and hath led us away because we would hearken unto his words; yea, and our brother is like unto him.

And after this manner of language did my brethren murmur and complain against us.  (1 Nephi 17: 22.)

How could the people at Jerusalem devoutly keep "the statutes and judgments of the Lord, and all his commandments, according to the law of Moses" and yet not be 'righteous'?  What were they lacking that they awaited 'captivity'?

Have we been promised greater knowledge and understanding if we will but receive what has already been offered to us?

He answered and said unto them, Because it is given unto you to know the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven, but to them it is not given.

For whosoever receiveth, to him shall be given, and he shall have more abundance;

But whosoever continueth not to receive, from him shall be taken away even that he hath. (RLDS JST Matthew 13: 9-11; LDS Matthew 13: 11; LDS JST Matthew 13: 10 - 11.)

Did the Savior really intend to imply that if we aren't constantly receiving greater knowledge and greater understanding, then that we are slowly losing even that which we think that we have retained?

Has Nephi, son of Lehi, warned us to never feel that we have received enough of the revelations of the LORD?

Yea, wo be unto him that saith: We have received, and we need no more! (2 Nephi 28: 27.)

Can we ever have enough of the revelations of the LORD?

Wo be unto him that shall say: We have received the word of God, and we need no more of the word of God, for we have enough! (2 Nephi 28: 29.)

Can we remain stationary (with the status quo) or must we always be moving in one of two directions?

Forward or backward (Friday, April 16, 2010)

I got asked about loss of teachings or practices within the LDS community.  My response is as follows.

It makes no difference whether it is an individual or a community, we are all on a single path that goes two ways - forward or backward. We are either gaining, or we are losing.  We cannot stand still.

Whether a group or a person, we are either gaining (restoring) light and truth, or we are losing (apostatizing) from light and truth.  This world is a world of change.  Nothing remains the same.  Everywhere you see either growth, or decay.  These forces are at work everywhere. They are also at work within you.

You either search out new truth, find it, live it, and thereby become restored to truth, or you back away from it.  If you are backing away, losing it, neglecting it, and discarding it, you are in the process of apostasy.

In a restoration process, there are moments along the way which are marked and notable.  Having the inspiration of the Spirit, or feeling the remission of your sins, or receiving revelation, or having a visit of an angel are notable.  The culmination of the restoration would be to return to God's presence.  Should that happen, through the Second Comforter's ministry, then you have been restored in full.

What are the two directions again?

Forward or backward (Friday, April 16, 2010)

 ... Quickly, at the institutional level, we have at one end of full restoration, a return to Zion, and the Lord dwelling among them.  At the other we have a society whose wickedness and abuse of children is so far spread that fire comes down from heaven to destroy them.  Complete restorations and complete apostasies are rare.  What history is made up is the description of struggling along the path.  We ebb and flow back and forth, without becoming fully ripe either way.

Christ promised at the end of time there there would be a ripening.  "Wheat" and "tares" will ripen.  Then there will be a harvest. (Matt. 13: 37-42.) However, the haphazard manner of the harvesting makes a full return of Zion before His coming seem unanticipated by the Lord's teachings. (Matt. 24: 39-40.)  Modern revelation gave us that opportunity.  We clearly have not done so, and at present seem clearly not interested in doing so.  That is a subject for another time, however.  As Christ put it, we need to seek for our individual, complete restoration because the group will not.

There are two ways - forward or backward.  It is not required that you finish the course in a day; but times are coming in which the environment will require of you a greater commitment as "wheat" on the one hand, or leave you to descend into becoming a "tare" on the other.  So the direction you are on now is quite important.  Either you are restoring truth or you are discarding it.

How important is it for us to be constantly seeking 'increasing light'?

What happens to the knowledge and understanding that we already have if we aren't constantly seeking more 'light' and 'truth', even directly from our LORD Jesus Christ?

Increasing Light (Thursday, February 25, 2010)

For the Gospel, teaching is a matter of increasing light in the one learning.  To do that the student must learn how to improve their obedience to true principles.  Only someone's obedience to truth will lead them to greater truth.  The teacher's obedience cannot and does not benefit the student of the gospel if the student is unwilling to receive greater light and truth by obedience.

The necessary obedience is not obedience to a man, or men, or a set of rules devised by men.  It is not even obedience to a rigid set of commandments. Obedience and fidelity must be directed to the Lord.  No matter how well someone may teach for doctrine the commandments of men, those who hear will never gain more than a form of godliness, without any power.

We all must progress in the same way Christ did.  He grew from grace to grace, until as last He was called the Son of God.  He had the fullness of grace and truth. Read John's testimony again found in the beginning of D&C 93. Pay attention to the first verse of Section 93, because it is the summary of what John's testimony will include.

The teachings are real.  Increasing light is real.  But each must gain it in the very same way as Christ and all those who have followed Him gained it.

Whether our teachers are capable of teaching greater things, are we still required to seek "increasing light" in our own lives?

Why did King Benjamin, as a "true messenger", desire of all those present to hear his words and to hearken unto his message so that they could understand 'the mysteries of God'?

And these are the words which he spake and caused to be written, saying:

My brethren, all ye that have assembled yourselves together, you that can hear my words which I shall speak unto you this day;

for I have not commanded you to come up hither to trifle with the words which I shall speak, but that you should hearken unto me, and open your ears that ye may hear, and your hearts that ye may understand, and your minds that the mysteries of God may be unfolded to your view. (Mosiah 2: 9.)

Why did King Benjamin desire "that the mysteries of God may be unfolded to [our] view" (or to the understanding of those who heard his voice that day)?  Why did King Benjamin connect real understanding with "the mysteries of God [being] unfolded to [our] view"?

What was so important about the plates that Lehi brought to the Americas?

For it were not possible that our father, Lehi, could have remembered all these things, to have taught them to his children, except it were for the help of these plates; for he having been taught in the language of the Egyptians therefore he could read these engravings, and teach them to his children, that thereby they could teach them to their children, and so fulfilling the commandments of God, even down to this present time.

I say unto you, my sons, were it not for these things, which have been kept and preserved by the hand of God, that we might read and understand of his mysteries, and have his commandments always before our eyes, that even our fathers would have dwindled in unbelief, and we should have been like unto our brethren, the Lamanites, who know nothing concerning these things, or even do not believe them when they are taught them, because of the traditions of their fathers, which are not correct.  (Mosiah 1: 4-5.)

Why is "read[ing] and understand[ing] of his mysteries" so important to our salvation?

Why would King Benjamin emphasize the benefit of the plates being that they contained access to the "mysteries of God"?

And he also taught them concerning the records which were engraven on the plates of brass, saying:

My sons, I would that ye should remember that were it not for these plates, which contain these records and these commandments, we must have suffered in ignorance, even at this present time, not knowing the mysteries of God.  (Mosiah 1: 3.)

Why does King Benjamin connect "not knowing the mysteries of God" with "suffer[ing] in ignorance"?

And now Alma began to expound these things unto him, saying: 

It is given unto many to know the mysteries of God;

nevertheless they are laid under a strict command that they shall not impart only according to the portion of his word which he doth grant unto the children of men, according to the heed and diligence which they give unto him. (Alma 12: 9.)

What is given unto the righteous who seek knowledge from the LORD?

The Lord is exalted; for he dwelleth on high: he hath filled Zion with judgment and righteousness.

And wisdom and knowledge shall be the stability of thy times, and strength of salvation: the fear of the Lord is his treasure. (Isaiah 33: 5-6.)

What is our 'stability' in Zion in the last days?

Why does Isaiah connect 'wisdom' and 'knowledge' with 'stability' and 'strength of salvation'?  What happens when our 'wise men' have relied upon their own wisdom and not sought for the 'mysteries' of the LORD?

Difference between Being Spiritual and Religious by Avraham Gileadi Ph.D. (30 - 3. 16. 2011)

Many people throughout all ages have led religious lives that aren’t spiritual, though they may mistake one for the other. Typically, when his people’s spiritual practices turn into hypocrisy, God springs a surprise that separates the true from the false: “My Lord says, ‘Because these people approach me with the mouth and pay me homage with their lips, while their heart remains far from me—their piety toward me consisting of commandments of men learned by rote—therefore it is that I shall again astound these people with wonder upon wonder, rendering void the knowledge of their sages and the intelligence of their wise men insignificant’” Isaiah 29:13–14).

When the materialistic lifestyle of God’s people causes their religion to become a superficial version of what it once was, they may not even be aware of it: “O you deaf, listen; O you blind, look and see! Who is blind but my own servant, or so deaf as the messenger I have sent? Who is blind like those I have commissioned, as uncomprehending as the servant of Jehovah—seeing much but not giving heed, with open ears hearing nothing?” (Isaiah 42:18–20). God’s answer is to restore the truth, in part through the Book of Isaiah: “In that day shall the deaf hear the words of the book and the eyes of the blind see out of gross darkness” (Isaiah 29:18; 30:8–9).

What will the LORD do to our 'wise men' in the day that our 'spiritual practices turn into hypocrisy'?

Is it possible that Isaiah saw our day and provided warnings directly to us in America?

The Struggle within America—Isaiah Saw It All! by Avraham Gileadi Ph.D (1. - 5. 20. 2010)

Many regard Isaiah’s prophecy as a sealed book. Who does it address, only people in the past? A key to this mystery exists in the linear and synchronous structures that govern the Book of Isaiah. These enable us to read it as a prophecy about the past but also as a prediction of the future. The Book of Isaiah, in other words, serves a twofold purpose. Without taking anything away from what happened in the past, it uses the past as an allegory of the future. In that case, persons and nations of Isaiah’s day typify ones who perform similar roles at the end of the world. The names of past persons and nations function as codenames for their endtime counterparts.

The importance of understanding Isaiah’s message increases daily as world events line up like planets for the fulfillment of his prophecy. Under the codename “Egypt”—the great superpower of Isaiah’s day—America is predicted to suffer spiritual decline, political ineptitude, economic collapse, internal anarchy, and invasion by a foreign military world power from the North—a latter-day “Assyria.” On the other hand, a community of covenanters in “Egypt” will turn back to Jehovah, who will send them a savior and deliver them. In the end, at the commencement of the millennial age, America will again become “my people”—a covenant people of God (Isaiah 19).

What would we know about America and its destiny if we sought to understand the 'mysteries' that Isaiah has attempted to disclose about our day?

So, if seeking 'increasing light' is so important, what role do the 'mysteries' play in our seeking 'increasing light'?

Knowing the mysteries (Friday, October 5, 2012)

Despite the millions of Mormons, we live in a very small church. We cross paths with one another after years of living in different states or different parts of the world.

As a result of how small our community is, I have run into people after years of separation and often times been astonished by the difference in them. One of the increasingly frequent things I have noticed comes from a verse in Alma.

Alma taught, "They that will harden their hearts, to them is given the lesser portion of the word until they know nothing concerning his mysteries; and then they are taken captive by the devil, and led by his will down to destruction." (Alma 12:11.)

I have noticed that the vindication of this doctrine is unrelated to whether my friends have had administrative success in the church. Many of those who have lost understanding and who preach against "knowing the mysteries of God" do so because they have had local administrative positions.

Alma connects losing knowledge of God's mysteries directly to being "taken captive by the devil" and being "led by his will down to destruction." So when these friends preach to me against the mysteries and claim they have no desire to know about them, I am troubled in my heart.

The less we trust the teachings of the Book of Mormon the more we draw distant from God. 

Are our leaders 'foolishly' rejecting the 'mysteries' that we should be seeking even more earnestly as we approach the very last days, just as Nephi himself sought to know the 'mysteries' and was visited of the LORD on account of such righteous 'desire'?

Joseph Smith History, Part 2 (Tuesday, May 1, 2012)

...

 Or, in other words, Joseph has the Lord borrow from Jude 1: 4: "For there are certain men crept in unawares, who were before of old ordained to this condemnation, ungodly men, turning the grace of our God into lasciviousness, and denying the only Lord God, and our Lord Jesus Christ."

And Isaiah 29: 13: "Wherefore the Lord said, Forasmuch as this people draw near me with their mouth, and with their lips do honour me, but have removed their heart far from me, and their fear toward me is taught by the precept of men."

And from Titus 1: 14: "Not giving heed to Jewish fables, and commandments of men, that turn from the truth."

And 2 Tim. 3: 5: "Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away."

 ...

Which again, begs the question: "Why?" Why do prophets resort to the scriptures to explain the truth as revealed to them? Why does a new revelation get put into the words of an earlier revelation? Why does a stunning new truth come forth as an exposition of the already familiar words of scripture?

In perhaps his greatest sermon, Joseph drew from and expounded on the scriptures to proclaim new doctrines, unheard of by those who had studied the Bible for two thousand years. As he did so he remarked: "It has always been my province to dig up hidden mysteries --new things-- for my hearers. Just at the time when some men think I have no right to the keys of the Priesthood --just at that time I have the greatest right." (TPJS p. 364.) He goes on to expound from the Bible on the true meaning of "eternal judgment" and the resurrection, "salvation for the dead," the plurality of Gods, Abraham's teachings, eternal glories and the pre-mortal exaltation of some who lived on the earth. "Sons of God who exalt themselves to be Gods, even before the foundation of the world." (TPJS p. 375.) He used as his text the Bible.

Prophets see the meaning behind the words of scripture, and not the words themselves. This is because having been taught by angels and the Lord, they know the intent. Hence Joseph's proclamation that it is his "province to dig up hidden mysteries --new things" using the scriptures. They are not a sealed book to them.

In like manner the Lord spent most of the day of His resurrection opening the scriptures in a private conversation between Himself and two disciples while they walked on the Road to Emmaus. "Beginning at Moses and all the prophets, he expounded unto them in all the scriptures the things concerning himself." (Luke 24: 27.) The Lord could do this because the Lord was there when they were written, and they reflect His mind and His teachings. Therefore, He could see clearly within them the teachings about Him.

Is there value in searching the 'mysteries of Godliness'?  If so, then what is holding us back?

What say ye?