Joseph Smith on Presiding

 Joseph Smith taught,

“We have heard men who hold the priesthood remark that they would do anything they were told to do by those who preside over them (even) if they knew it was wrong; but such obedience as this is worse than folly to us; it is slavery in the extreme; and the man who would thus willingly degrade himself, should not claim a rank among intelligent beings, until he turns from his folly. A man of God would despise the idea. Others, in the extreme exercise of their almighty authority have taught that such obedience was necessary, and that no matter what the saints were told to do by their presidents, they should do it without any questions. When the Elders of Israel will so far indulge in these extreme notions of obedience as to teach them to the people, it is generally because they have it in their hearts to do wrong themselves.”

Joseph Smith, Millennial Star, vol.14 #38, pp. 593-95

If Joseph Smith was correct, which I believe he was, then we must receive confirmation from the Lord when we receive commands from those who preside over us. 

Compare Joseph’s statement to Wilford Woodruff’s statement now in our present canon under the Official Declaration 1:

“The Lord will never permit me or any other man who stands as President of this Church to lead you astray. It is not in the programme. It is not in the mind of God. If I were to attempt that, the Lord would remove me out of my place, and so He will any other man who attempts to lead the children of men astray from the oracles of God and from their duty.” (Sixty-first Semiannual General Conference of the Church, Monday, October 6, 1890, Salt Lake City, Utah. Reported in Deseret Evening News, October 11, 1890, p. 2.)

If this statement is true by Wilford Woodruff then there is no reason to ever question a command given by a president of the church. 

When we esteem following th presiding authority’s opinion more than the entire revealed word of God, then we have missed the mark. The mark is Jesus Christ. Idolatry is putting anyone or anything above Jesus. True prophets point us to Jesus Christ and His doctrine and principles.

We must return to truth or our progress is stopped.

It is recorded in the Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith that, “President Joseph Smith read the 14th chapter of Ezekiel—said the Lord had declared by the Prophet, that the people should each one stand for himself, and depend on no man or men in that state of corruption of the Jewish church—that  righteous persons could only deliver their own souls—applied it to the present state of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints—said if the people departed from the Lord, they must fall—that they were depending on the Prophet, hence were darkened in their minds, in consequence of neglecting the duties devolving upon themselves, envious towards the innocent, while they afflict the virtuous with their shafts of envy” (TPJS p. 237-8).

Conspiracy - Satan’s Power vs. God’s Power

 I hope this post will shed light on why I posted my previous two posts and why I feel comfortable calling out darkness. 

https://bilbaochristian.blogspot.com/2020/08/calling-evil-good-and-good-evil.html

https://bilbaochristian.blogspot.com/2020/08/the-propaganda-machine.html

“Behold, there are many called, but few are chosen. And why are they not chosen?

35 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—

36 That the rights 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.

37 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 the authority of that man.

38 Behold, ere he is aware, he is left unto himself, to kick against the pricks, to persecute the saints, and to fight against God.

39 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.

40 Hence many are called, but few are chosen.

41 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;

42 By kindness, and pure knowledge, which shall greatly enlarge the soul without hypocrisy, and without guile—” (Doctrine and Covenants 121:34-42).

This whole Section 121 is powerful in teaching how one receives power in the priesthood. Consider how Jesus obtained power in the priesthood…

“And it came to pass, when Jesus had ended these sayings, the people were astonished at his doctrine:

29 For he taught them as one having authority, and not as the scribes” (Matthew 7:28-29). 

Jesus obtained power and authority by who He was. The scribes, Pharisees, Sadducees and high priests in His day obtained power and authority from the people they governed who upheld their position because of their position. In contrast, Jesus had power and authority because the people could feel the truth of His words because of what He taught and because of who He was. No one had to convince them He was from God, they just knew it through revelation. He personified the power in the priesthood as explained in Section 121 of the Doctrine and Covenants. 

Now contrast Jesus’ power and His Father’s power with how Satan seeks to obtain power. Much of that explanation is given in Section 121 of how one negatively exercises power and dominion over others. The scriptures share added insights as to how those influenced by Satan get power. 

Moroni added the Book of Ether as a second witness to what caused the downfall of two great civilizations. These are powerful insights he shares:

And Jared rebelled against his father [Omer], and came and dwelt in the land of Heth. And it came to pass that he did flatter many people, because of his cunning words, until he had gained the half of the kingdom. 

3 And when he had gained the half of the kingdom he gave battle unto his father, and he did carry away his father into captivity, and did make him serve in captivity;

4 And now, in the days of the reign of Omer he was in captivity the half of his days. And it came to pass that he begat sons and daughters, among whom were Esrom and Coriantumr;

5 And they were exceedingly angry because of the doings of Jared their brother, insomuch that they did raise an army and gave battle unto Jared. And it came to pass that they did give battle unto him by night.

6 And it came to pass that when they had slain the army of Jared they were about to slay him also; and he pled with them that they would not slay him, and he would give up the kingdom unto his father. And it came to pass that they did grant unto him his life.

7 And now Jared became exceedingly sorrowful because of the loss of the kingdom, for he had set his heart upon the kingdom and upon the glory of the world.

8 Now the daughter of Jared being exceedingly expert, and seeing the sorrows of her father, thought to devise a plan whereby she could redeem the kingdom unto her father.

9 Now the daughter of Jared was exceedingly fair. And it came to pass that she did talk with her father, and said unto him: Whereby hath my father so much sorrow? Hath he not read the record which our fathers brought across the great deep? Behold, is there not an account concerning them of old, that they by their secret plans did obtain kingdoms and great glory?

10 And now, therefore, let my father send for Akish, the son of Kimnor; and behold, I am fair, and I will dance before him, and I will please him, that he will desire me to wife; wherefore if he shall desire of thee that ye shall give unto him me to wife, then shall ye say: I will give her if ye will bring unto me the head of my father, the king.

11 And now Omer was a friend to Akish; wherefore, when Jared had sent for Akish, the daughter of Jared danced before him that she pleased him, insomuch that he desired her to wife. And it came to pass that he said unto Jared: Give her unto me to wife.

12 And Jared said unto him: I will give her unto you, if ye will bring unto me the head of my father, the king.

13 And it came to pass that Akish gathered in unto the house of Jared all his kinsfolk, and said unto them: Will ye swear unto me that ye will be faithful unto me in the thing which I shall desire of you?

14 And it came to pass that they all sware unto him, by the God of heaven, and also by the heavens, and also by the earth, and by their heads, that whoso should vary from the assistance which Akish desired should lose his head; and whoso should divulge whatsoever thing Akish made known unto them, the same should lose his life.

15 And it came to pass that thus they did agree with Akish. And Akish did administer unto them the oaths which were given by them of old who also sought power, which had been handed down even from Cain, who was a murderer from the beginning.

16 And they were kept up by the power of the devil to administer these oaths unto the people, to keep them in darkness, to help such as sought power to gain power, and to murder, and to plunder, and to lie, and to commit all manner of wickedness and whoredoms.

17 And it was the daughter of Jared who put it into his heart to search up these things of old; and Jared put it into the heart of Akish; wherefore, Akish administered it unto his kindred and friends, leading them away by fair promises [flattery] to do whatsoever thing he desired.

18 And it came to pass that they formed a secret combination, even as they of old; which combination is most abominable and wicked above all, in the sight of God;

19 For the Lord worketh not in secret combinations, neither doth he will that man should shed blood, but in all things hath forbidden it, from the beginning of man” (Ether 8:2-19).

We see that Satan gives power unto men through their secret oaths and combinations. In our day we call this collusion, cabals, conspiracy and pacts. Sometimes having “connections” or “friends” is a safe way of covering darkness. 

Remember, Jesus Christ showed Moroni our day. He showed us to him (Mormon 8:35), therefore, he knew what to write to us, the gentiles. 

Moroni continues:

And now I, Moroni, do not write the manner of their oaths and combinations, for it hath been made known unto me that they are had among all people, and they are had among the Lamanites.

21 And they have caused the destruction of this people of whom I am now speaking, and also the destruction of the people of Nephi.

22 And whatsoever nation shall uphold such secret combinations, to get power and gain, until they shall spread over the nation, behold, they shall be destroyed; for the Lord will not suffer that the blood of his saints, which shall be shed by them, shall always cry unto him from the ground for vengeance upon them and yet he avenge them not.

23 Wherefore, O ye Gentiles, it is wisdom in God that these things should be shown unto you, that thereby ye may repent of your sins, and suffer not that these murderous combinations shall get above you, which are built up to get power and gain—and the work, yea, even the work of destruction come upon you, yea, even the sword of the justice of the Eternal God shall fall upon you, to your overthrow and destruction if ye shall suffer these things to be.

24 Wherefore, the Lord commandeth you, when ye shall see these things come among you that ye shall awake to a sense of your awful situation, because of this secret combination which shall be among you; or wo be unto it, because of the blood of them who have been slain; for they cry from the dust for vengeance upon it, and also upon those who built it up.

25 For it cometh to pass that whoso buildeth it up seeketh to overthrow the freedom of all lands, nations, and countries; and it bringeth to pass the destruction of all people, for it is built up by the devil, who is the father of all lies; even that same liar who beguiled our first parents, yea, even that same liar who hath caused man to commit murder from the beginning; who hath hardened the hearts of men that they have murdered the prophets, and stoned them, and cast them out from the beginning.

26 Wherefore, I, Moroni, am commanded to write these things that evil may be done away, and that the time may come that Satan may have no power upon the hearts of the children of men, but that they may be persuaded to do good continually, that they may come unto the fountain of all righteousness and be saved” (Ether 8:20-26).

There is truly a great conspiracy that is above us. Moroni saw it and warned us of it. The propaganda machine has done a great job of making evil look good and good look evil. One effective way this machine operates is by making conspiracy theories look ridiculous. They create so many conspiracies that they can cover up the real great conspiracy that seeks to overthrow the freedom of all lands. 

Truly what Ezra Taft Benson taught in our old Book of Mormon student manual is correct, “There is no conspiracy theory in the Book of Mormon—it is conspiracy fact” (the old Book of Mormon Student Manual, pg. 140 or 163-164 pdf version). 

It’s taboo in the church and in our nation to speak of conspiracies. The media has done a great job at making us think we are crazy if we believe in conspiracies, yet Moroni clearly teaches that they are had among all people and brought the complete destruction to the Jaredite and Nephite nations and that it is now among us. 

Satan will always seek to exercise power and authority over others through force, manipulation and coercion. He threatens with loss of job, loss of power, loss of position...Babylon is run by loyalists. You prove loyal to the one over you and then you are promoted. If you show loyalty to God and truth over loyalty to leadership then you are on the blacklist and you will be eliminated. Anyone with experience in Babylon sees this over and over again. 

The righteous are a threat to the devil’s power because their loyalty is to God and they cannot be bought by any amount of money, prestige or position. God will bless us if we stay true to the truth. God is love. God is light. God is truth. 

Joseph Smith taught, “And also it is an imperative duty that we owe to all the rising generation, and to all the pure in heart—

12 For there are many yet on the earth among all sects, parties, and denominations, who are blinded by the subtle craftiness of men, whereby they lie in wait to deceive, and who are only kept from the truth because they know not where to find it—

13 Therefore, that we should waste and wear out our lives in bringing to light all the hidden things of darkness, wherein we know them; and they are truly manifest from heaven—” (Doctrine and Covenants 123:11-13). 

The Propaganda Machine

 To understand how propaganda has led many to say good is evil and evil is good, please take some time to hear out this video. Then study it out and pray about it to see what is truth.

https://freedomman.org/plandemic/

Calling Evil Good, and Good Evil

 Isaiah prophesied, “Woe unto them that call ​​​evil​ ​​​good​, and good evil” (Isaiah 5:20)

Even the pastors of His people are being deceived by the propaganda machine: 

 https://www.christianpost.com/news/2700-evangelicals-warn-against-politicizing-coronavirus-urge-christians-to-take-vaccine.html

Decanonization of Lectures on Faith

This article explains the process of decanonization of the Lectures on Faith and briefly upon the only other section decanonized, the original Section 101, explaining the Church’s stance on marriage and fidelity, that marriage should only be between one man and one woman. 

https://dialoguejournal.com/wp-content/uploads/sbi/articles/Dialogue_V20N03_73.pdf

Our Privileges

 Joseph Smith Jr. taught, “… God hath not revealed anything to Joseph, but what he will make known unto the Twelve, and even the least Saint may know all things as fast as he is able to bear them. …” (Teachings, of the Prophet Joseph Smith, p. 149).

Also: “It is the privilege of every Elder to speak of the things of God; and could we all come together with one heart and one mind in perfect faith the veil might as well be rent today as next week, or any other time. …” (TPJS, p. 9).

Quoted here as found in, (Bruce R. McConkie, Ensign June 1971, “The Lord’s People Receive Revelation”).

These teachings along with Doctrine and Covenants 93:1, the Lectures on Faith and the King Follet Discourse by Joseph Smith are portions of the gospel of Jesus Christ that opened my mind and heart to believing in the gifts and blessings God desired to give me and all of us. 

“So then ​​​faith​ ​cometh​ by ​​​hearing​, and hearing by the word of God” (Romans 10:17). As we hear the word of God it resonates with our Spirit and opens our minds and hearts to believing and thus in a state of belief we go on to acting in order to receive. Just as explained in Alma 32. We have to keep teaching and searching out true doctrine or we and the hearer are famished for the word and belief is diminished or altogether lost. Where there is no belief there is no faith. Thus, we are damned in our progress and the purpose of our creation is lost. 

We must teach the simple, pure doctrine of Christ. We must follow Him and do the works He has done that we might come to know Him. 

“And this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent” (John 17:3). In other words, eternal life is knowing Him. 

“For behold, this is my work and my glory—to bring to pass the immortality and eternal life of man” (Moses 1:39). God’s whole purpose is to create an experience for us that we might come to know Him. 

“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.

7 And now I, Nephi, cannot say more; the Spirit stoppeth mine utterance, and I am left to mourn because of the unbelief, and the wickedness, and the ignorance, and the stiffneckedness of men; for they will not search knowledge, nor understand great knowledge, when it is given unto them in plainness, even as plain as word can be” (2 Nephi 32:6-7).

“Wherefore, my beloved brethren, ​​​pray​ unto the Father with all the energy of heart, that ye may be filled with this love, which he hath bestowed upon all who are true ​​​followers​ of his Son, Jesus Christ; that ye may become the sons of God; that when he shall appear we ​​shall ​​​be​ like him, for we shall see him as he is; that we may have this hope; that we may be ​​​purified​ even as he is pure. Amen” (Moroni 7:48).

Jesus “suffereth himself to be mocked, and scourged, and cast out, and disowned by His people” (Mosiah 15:5). Why? Because He taught the truth and did those things His Father asked Him to do. And why was He willing to teach truth and do what His Father asked of Him? Because of love. 

True disciples of Christ will teach truth and do those things their Father asks them to do. They will suffer themselves to be mocked, scourged, cast out and disowned by their people. All this because of love. The same motivation our Lord had. In the process we will come to know Him and thus receive eternal life.

May we have the faith to come unto Christ and be perfected in Him.

Research to Help Discover the Truth of Plural Marriage

 I have done church history research on plural marriage from church approved resources and the source material from which they gathered their data. I have verified source documents and discovered errors in what is passed on to the general public. As I’ve stated before, I believe Joseph Smith Jr. was an honest and faithful man and practiced what he taught, monogamy and complete fidelity to one wife. The history of the church has been changed to create a narrative that Joseph introduced plural marriage and practiced it himself.

In your quest to know the truth, this research below may help you. I came across this about a month ago and found the presenter discovered many of the same source documents I had been led to and many more. He was very thorough in his presentation. I appreciated how he was able to show Joseph’s writings and how they were changed to make it look like he endorsed plural marriage.

Hopefully this may be of benefit to you as you verify the sources of what are used and then go to where the Lord leads you and to the holy scriptures. In the end, by the power of the Holy Ghost we will know the truth of all things (Moroni 10:5). Jesus taught in regard to knowing the truth and avoiding deception, “whoso treasureth up my word, shall not be deceived...” (JS—Matthew 1:37).

I share these things to aid you in your study and with the hope that you will share those things you’ve discovered, whether in agreement or disagreement with the presented materials. The Lord reasons with us and encourages faithful questions. Faithful questions are questions to the Lord that are from a sincere heart, with real intent, and having faith in Christ (see Moroni 10:3-4). It involves individual work. It’s easy to trust in another and let them do the work, but like anything in life worth receiving, it takes a great deal of effort to individually ask, seek and find. As the old adage goes, “no pain, no gain.” 

I appreciate Joseph Smith’s heart in seeking truth. He said, “my object in going to enquire of the Lord was to know which of all the sects was right, that I might know which to join” (JSH 1:18). We can know we are in a humble, receptive state, if we are willing to act on the answer no matter what it is, even if it contradicts our previous understanding. That is a hard state to get to. Sometimes we read or listen with the intent to disprove. That never creates an open mind and heart. It is described in scripture as a hard heart and a mind that is blinded. 

I pray for all of us as we seek the truth and to act on it. 

Here is the link to this man’s research he is sharing:

https://youtu.be/F5heXE5xS5w

Prototype of the Saved Man

 From Lecture 7th of the Lectures on Faith we learn who the prototype of the saved man is. Again, I highly recommend the Lectures on Faith to all and combine that reading with the King Follet discourse that Joseph gave towards the end of his life. Here is the end of lecture 7th:

“

9 As all the visible creation is an effect of faith, so is salvation, also. (We mean salvation in its most extensive latitude of interpretation, whether it is temporal or spiritual) In order to have this subject clearly set before the mind, let us ask what situation must a person be in, in order to be saved? or what is the difference between a saved man and one who is not saved? We answer from what we have before seen of the heavenly worlds, they must be persons who can work by faith, and who are able, by faith to be ministering spirits to them who shall be heirs of salvation. And they must have faith to enable them to act in the presence of the Lord, otherwise they cannot be saved. And what constitutes the real difference between a saved person and one not saved, is the difference in the degree of their faith: one's faith has become perfect enough to lay hold upon eternal life, and the other's has not. But to be a little more particular, let us ask, where shall we find a prototype into whose likeness we may be assimilated, in order that we may be made partakers of life and salvation? or in other words, where shall we find a saved being? for if we can find a saved being, we may ascertain, without much difficulty, what all others must be, in order to be saved—they must be like that individual or they cannot be saved: we think, that it will not be a matter of dispute, that two beings, who are unlike each other, cannot both be saved; for whatever constitutes the salvation of one, will constitute the salvation of every creature which will be saved: and if we find one saved being in all existence, we may see what all others must be, or else not be saved. We ask, then, where is the prototype? or where is the saved being? We conclude as to the answer of this question there will be no dispute among those who believe the bible, that it is Christ: all will agree in this that he is the prototype or standard of salvation, or in other words, that he is a saved being. And if we should continue our interrogation, and ask how it is that he is saved, the answer would be, because he is a just and holy being; and if he were any thing different from what he is he would not be saved; for his salvation depends on his being precisely what he is and nothing else; for if it were possible for him to change in the least degree, so sure he would fail of salvation and lose all his dominion, power, authority and glory, which constitutes salvation; for salvation consists in the glory, authority, majesty, power and dominion which Jehovah possesses, and in nothing else; and no being can possess it but himself or one like him: Thus says John, in his first epistle, 3:2 and 3: Behold, now we are the sons of God, and it doth not appear what we shall be; but we know, that when he shall appear we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is. And any man that has this hope in him purifies himself, even as he is pure.—Why purify himself as he is pure? because, if they do not they cannot be like him.

10 The Lord said unto Moses, Leviticus 19:2:—Speak unto all the congregation of the children of Israel, and say unto them, Ye shall be holy: for I the Lord your God am holy. And Peter says, first epistle, 1:15 and 16: But as he who has called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation; because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy. And the Savior says, Matthew 5:48: Be ye perfect, even as your Father who is in heaven is perfect. If any should ask why all these sayings? the answer is to be found from what is before quoted from John's epistle, that when he (the Lord) shall appear, the saints will be like him: and if they are not holy, as he is holy, and perfect as he is perfect, they cannot be like him; for no being can enjoy his glory without possessing his perfections and holiness, no more than they could reign in his kingdom without his power.

11 This clearly sets forth the propriety of the Savior's saying, recorded in John's testimony, 4:12: Verily, verily I say unto you, he that believeth on me, the works that I do shall he do also; and greater works than these, because I go unto the Father.—This taken in connection with some of the sayings in the Savior's prayer, recorded in the 17th chapter, gives great clearness to his expressions: He says, in the 20-23, and 24: Neither pray I for these alone; but for them also who shall believe on me through their words; 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 one; I in them, and thou in me, that they may be made perfect in one; and that the world may know that thou hast sent me, and hast loved them as thou hast loved me, Father, I will that they also whom thou hast given me be with me where I am: that they may behold my glory which thou hast given me; for thou lovest me before the foundation of the world.

12 All these sayings put together, give as clear an account of the state of the glorified saints as language could give—The works that Jesus done they were to do, and greater works than those which he done among them should they do, and that because he went to the Father. He does not say that they should do these works in time; but they should do greater works because he went to the Father. He says, in the 24th verse: Father, I will that they also whom thou hast given me, be with me where I am; that they may behold my glory. These sayings, taken in connection, make it very plain, that the greater works, which those that believed on his name, were to do, were to be done in eternity, where he was going, and where they should behold his glory. He had said, in another part of his prayer, that he desired of his Father, that those who believed on him should be one in him, as he, and the Father were one in each other: Neither pray I for these (the apostles) alone, but for them also who shall believe on me through their words; that they all may be one: that is, they who believe on him through the apostles' words, as well as the apostles themselves: that they all may be one, as thou, Father, art in me and I in thee: that they also may be one in us.

13 What language can be plainer than this? The Savior surely intended to be understood by his disciples: and he so spake that they might understand him; for he declares to his Father, in language not to be easily mistaken, that he wanted his disciples, even all of them, to be as himself and the Father: for as he and the Father were one, so they might be one with them. And what is said in the 22nd verse is calculated to more firmly establish this belief, if it needs any thing to establish it. He says, And the glory which thou gavest me, I have given them, that they may be one, even as we are one. As much as to say, that unless they have the glory which the Father had given him, they could not be one with them: For he says he had given them the glory that the Father had given him, that they might be one; or in other words, to make them one.

14 This fills up the measure of information on this subject, and shows most clearly, that the Savior wished his disciples to understand, that they were to be partakers with him in all things: not even his glory excepted.

15 It is scarcely necessary here to observe what we have previously noticed: That the glory which the Father and the Son have, is because they are just and holy beings; and that if they were lacking in one attribute or perfection which they have, the glory which they have, never could be enjoyed by them; for it requires them to be precisely what they are in order to enjoy it: and if the Savior gives this glory to any others, he must do it in the very way set forth in his prayer to his Father: by making them one with him, as he and the Father are one.—In so doing he would give them the glory which the Father has given him; and when his disciples are made one with the Father and the Son, as the Father and the Son are one, who cannot see the propriety of the Savior's saying, The works which I do, shall they do; and greater works than these shall they do, be cause I go to the Father?

16 These teachings of the Savior must clearly show unto us the nature of salvation; and what he proposed unto the human family when he proposed to save them—That he proposed to make them like unto himself; and he was like the Father, the great prototype of all saved beings: And for any portion of the human family to be assimilated into their likeness is to be saved; and to be unlike them is to be destroyed: and on this hinge turns the door of salvation.

17 Who cannot see, then, that salvation is the effect of faith? for as we have previously observed, all the heavenly beings work by this principle; and it is because they are able so to do that they are saved: for nothing but this could save them. And this is the lesson which the God of heaven, by the mouth of all his holy prophets, has been endeavoring to teach to the world. Hence we are told, that without faith it is impossible to please God; and that salvation is of faith, that it might be by grace to the end, the promise might be sure to all the seed. Romans 4:16:—And that Israel, who followed after the law of righteousness, has not attained to the law of righteousness. Wherefore? because they sought it not by faith, but as it were by the works of the law; for they stumbled at that stumbling stone. Romans 9:32: And Jesus said unto the man who brought his son to him, to get the devil who tormented him, cast out, If thou canst believe, all things are possible to him that believeth. Mark 9:23: These with a multitude of other scriptures, which might be quoted, plainly set forth the light, in which the Savior, as well as the Former Day Saints, viewed the plan of salvation: That it was a system of faith—it begins with faith, and continues by faith; and every blessing which is obtained, in relation to it, is the effect of faith, whether it pertains to this life or that which is to come.—To this all the revelations of God bear witness. If there were children of promise, they were the effects of faith: not even the Savior of the world excepted: Blessed is she that believed, said Elizabeth to Mary, when she went to visit her;—for there shall be a performance of the things which where told her of the Lord; Luke 1:45: Nor was the birth of John the baptist the less a matter of faith; for in order that his father Zacharias might believe he was struck dumb. And through the whole history of the scheme of life and salvation, it is a matter of faith: every man received according to his faith: according as his faith was, so were his blessings and privileges; and nothing was withheld from him when his faith was sufficient to receive it. He could stop the mouths of lions, quench the violence of fire, escape the edge of the sword, wax valiant in fight, and put to flight the armies of the aliens; women could, by their faith, receive the dead children to life again: in a word, there was nothing impossible with them who had faith. All things were in subjection to the Former Day Saints, according as their faith was—By their faith they could obtain heavenly visions, the ministering of angels, have knowledge of the spirits of just men made perfect, of the general assembly and church of the first born, whose names are written in heaven, of God the judge of all, of Jesus the Mediator of the new covenant, and become familiar with the third heavens, see and hear things which were not only unutterable, but were unlawful to utter. Peter, in view of the power of faith, 2nd epistle, 1:1,2 and 3 says, to the Former Day Saints: grace and peace be multiplied unto you, through the knowledge of God, and of Jesus our Lord, according as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that has called us unto glory and virtue. In the first epistle, 1:3, 4 and 5 he says, Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to his abundant mercy, has begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to an inheritance incorruptible and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for you, who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation, ready to be revealed in the last time.

18 These sayings put together, show the Apostle's views, most clearly, so as to admit of no mistake on the mind of any individual. He says that all things that pertain to life and godliness were given unto them through the knowledge of God and our Savior Jesus Christ. And if the question is asked, how were they to obtain the knowledge of God? (for there is a great difference between believing in God and knowing him: knowledge implies more than faith. And notice, that all things that pertain to life and godliness, were given through the knowledge of God;) the answer is given, through faith they were to obtain this knowledge; and having power by faith to obtain the knowledge of God, they could with it obtain all other things which pertain to life and godliness.

19 By these sayings of the Apostle we learn, that it was by obtaining a knowledge of God, that men got all things which pertain to life and godliness; and this knowledge was the effect of faith. So that all things which pertain to life and godliness are the effects of faith.

20 From this we may extend as far as any circumstances may require whether on earth or in heaven, and we will find it the testimony of all inspired men, or heavenly messengers, that all things that pertain to life and godliness are the effects of faith and nothing else: all learning, wisdom, and prudence fail, and every thing else as a means of salvation but faith. This is the reason that the fishermen of Galilee could teach the world—because they sought by faith and by faith obtained. And this is the reason that Paul counted all things but filth and dross—what he formerly called his gain he called his loss; yea, and he counted all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus the Lord. Philippians 3:7-10: Because, to obtain the faith by which he could enjoy the knowledge of Christ Jesus the Lord, he had to suffer the loss of all things: this is the reason that the Former Day Saints knew more, and understood more of heaven, and of heavenly things than all others beside, because this information is the effect of faith—to be obtained by no other means. And this is the reason, that men, as soon as they lose their faith, run into strifes, contentions, darkness and difficulties; for the knowledge which tends to life disappears with faith, but returns when faith returns; for when faith comes, it brings its train of attendants with it—apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, teachers, gifts, wisdom, knowledge, miracles, healings, tongues, interpretation of tongues, etc. All these appear when faith appears on the earth, and disappear when it disappears from the earth. For these are the effects of faith and always have, and always will attend it. For where faith is, there will the knowledge of God be also, with all things which pertain thereto—revelations, visions, and dreams, as well as every other necessary thing in order that the possessors of faith may be perfected and obtain salvation; for God must change, otherwise faith will prevail with him. And he who possesses it will, through it, obtain all necessary knowledge and wisdom until he shall know God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, whom he has sent: whom to know is eternal life: Amen.“

http://lecturesonfaith.com/7/

What Sacrifice is Acceptable?

As we ponder the sacrifice spoken of in The Lectures on Faith and we apply it to our own lives, we eventually ask the question, “what offering from me would be acceptable to the Lord?” Of course, we first keep the commandments He has already given us, but as we grow in our discipleship, we realize He expects us to use our agency to do many things of our own free will and bring to pass much righteousness. So, what sacrifice would acceptable unto Him?

We have an abundance of examples in scripture of acceptable offerings. One thing that seems clear to me is that the Lord individually and uniquely invites us. Our sacrifice must be from our hearts. Many times in scripture those offerings that are acceptable represented the broken heart and contrite spirit the Lord has asked of us.

A couple examples that show the heart involved and why it appears the Lord received the offering. First, the example of the Anti-Nephi-Lehies. They had been a blood thirsty people but when they heard the word of God, they were so committed to the Lord that they would rather lay down their weapons of war and die by the sword of their enemies instead of fighting to protect themselves. The offering appears to be acceptable. One could rationalize that it’s more important to protect your families but they feared sinning more than death. They viewed this mortal existence with a proper perspective, a perspective that includes this mortal estate as a time to prepare to meet God with clean hands and a pure heart. An incredible fruit we saw from their sacrifice was the conversion of many other Lamanites who had shed their blood. In this case, God did not miraculously preserve their lives by fighting this physical battle for them, but rather, in His omniscience He allowed their deaths and their deaths were the impetus for the conversion of thousands more Lamanites as they realized the awful state to which they had fallen. They decided to repent and become one with the Anti-Nephi-Lehies in following God. They did not want to flirt with a murderous heart, a previous heart they had buried with their weapons of war.

Another example we find in scripture are the sons of these Anti-Nephi-Lehies. They offered the opposite sacrifice. They took up their weapons of war to defend their people from the armies of the Lamanites. It was the opposite outward, physical manifestation as their fathers, but the same manifestation in the heart and mind. God looks upon the heart and as the righteous judge rewarded them for their offering. One thing interesting is their fathers and themselves did not fear death. They feared offending God. 

There are many, many more examples of acceptable offerings in scripture. As we seek to give our hearts to God that we might come to know Him, my witness is that the sacrifice will be from our hearts. It will be heart wrenching and the hard crust of irony, as Elder Maxwell described it, will be present. 

One other quick thing to consider as we seek to offer up our whole souls to Him. My experience and what I see in scripture is the Lord loves to open doors and see what we will use our agency to do. As we get closer to Him, He becomes more of the observant parent, willing to help but less inclined to give a direct command of what that offering should be, otherwise it lessens the faith involved in the sacrifice. It kills growth. Those that arrive at this level of relationship with the Lord have more and more of the mind of God and it becomes a joy to Him and us as we use our agency to give Him our souls in bringing to pass much righteousness. 

God is good, very good. He is a rewarder of those that love Him and offer up their whole souls as a sacrifice to Him. It is a heart wrenching path but at the same time it is a path of complete freedom and a deep peace that passeth all understanding. Receiving a new heart is wrenching because we are rooting out our old heart in order for Him to give us a new one, over and over again. I pray for you and me to stay on this path of discipleship, for it is the path to salvation.

Jesus Christ lives. Joseph Smith is a prophet, seer and revelator. The Book of Mormon is the word of God. The Lectures on Faith are milk and meat to the soul. I love my Redeemer and Father. How I pray for strength to always be true to Them, for Their path is the path of peace and love. 

This is from the Lectures on Faith. Joseph Smith Jr. had this in the Doctrine and Covenants. Later, years after Joseph’s death, it was taken out. 

These lectures are the doctrine of the Church Joseph established to bring about Zion. The ancient saints laid everything on the altar. I testify that as we lay everything on the altar in defense of God and His truth, we will come to know Him. As we develop the character, perfections and attributes of Christ, we will come to know Him. As these lectures state, Jesus is the prototype of the saved man (see Joseph Smith, Lectures on Faith, Lecture 7, paragraph 9). As we live and share the truth we will be persecuted as the Savior was and as the saints of God always have been. We will receive a new heart and mind. We will be able to sit at the table with God and His true disciples, really knowing who They are because we have become like Them. We will go on unto perfection through Jesus Christ. 

Here is the Sixth Lecture on Faith:

The Law of Sacrifice

LECTURE SIXTH

1 Having treated, in the preceding lectures, of the ideas of the character, perfections and attributes of God, we next proceed to treat of the knowledge which persons must have, that the course of life which they pursue is according to the will of God, in order that they may be enabled to exercise faith in him unto life and salvation.

2 This knowledge supplies an important place in revealed religion; for it was by reason of it that the ancients were enabled to endure as seeing him who is invisible. 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 (Hebrews 10:34).

3 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 Corinthians 5:1).

4 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.

5 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.

6 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.

7 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.

8 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.

9 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. Psalms 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.

10 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.

11 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 us 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.

12 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 mind; and where doubt and uncertainty is, 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.” 

Here is a link to the whole of Lectures on Faith http://lecturesonfaith.com/

Peter and John’s Experiences with the Pharisees

I love these videos:

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