“My Blood Shall Not Cleanse Them If They Hear Me Not”
The Lord has said it is His work and glory to bring to pass the immortality and eternal life of man. Apparently, even for a God, His work is not without its difficulties. Consider the following verse of scripture:
...they will not repent...the cup of mine indignation is full; for behold, my blood shall not cleanse them if they hear me not. D&C 29:17
Commentary on 2 Nephi 31:17
Wherefore, do the things which I have told you I have seen that your Lord and your Redeemer should do; for, for this cause have they been shown unto me, that ye might know the gate by which ye should enter. For the gate by which ye should enter is repentance and baptism by water; and then cometh a remission of your sins by fire and by the Holy Ghost. 2 Nephi 31:17
Commentary on 2 Nephi 31:13
Not all scripture is of equal value. For example, as valuable as the vision of the three degrees of glory is, it pales in importance to scripture that teach the doctrine of Christ. Why? The doctrine of Christ reveals truths that allow us to access the power of the atonement of Christ. The vision of the three degrees of glory is explanatory. One saves, and the other explains. In other words, a starving man would find more help in a hand full of rice than he would in a cook book about rice.
The following verse of scripture provides those who hunger for salvation in the Kingdom of God a hand full of doctrine to get them started in the right direction.
Experience the Gospel Instead of Just Intellectualizing It
The doctrine of Christ, as revealed in the Book of Mormon, teaches church members how to experience the gospel; not just learning it for the sake of understanding.
The gospel is experienced when we receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. It is more important to experience the gospel than it is to understand it. When we experience the gospel we understand it on a whole different level as compared to study alone.
What I've just said may sound like I've got things backwards; after all, doesn't one need to understand the gospel before they experience it? Yes, there needs to be some basic understanding of the gospel. The following definition from Preach My Gospel, page 5, explains what one needs to know.
The Doctrine of Christ vs. the Moral and Ethical Teachings of Men
The Power of Moral and Ethical Principles
It's exciting to read about great men and women of the past. I remember in 8th grade reading about George Washington and other men of renown who brought America into existence. I also remember the thrill I felt watching movies about brave men and women overcoming insurmountable difficulties and achieving hero status. The early pioneers are an example. The sacrifices that members of the "Greatest Generation" made during the dark days of the depression and World War II are awe inspiring. Paul Harvey, who died recently, had a radio program called, "The Rest of the Story". It was always interesting to learn the "rest of the story" about men and women who had achieved much in this life because of their grit and determination.
The history of the world is filled with examples of men and women of dignity who gave their yesterdays so that we can enjoy the days we live in. We truly stand on the shoulders of giants.
Desperately Seeking the Holy Ghost
In the Bloggernacle a writer needs to have a good title to get noticed in the aggregators. It's also a good idea to have something worthwhile to say. I think I've got both. I hope you'll hang in there for a few minutes and read what I've have to say. There is a 1 to 5 star rating system at the end. After reading this, please rate how meaningful of a read it was to you.
For this post I've decided to be less formal. I'm going use my experiences in life to illustrate the workings of the Spirit. I'd like to discuss sacred things with you, like I would with a loved one.
Classic Talk: The Gift of the Holy Ghost: What Every Member Should Know
Boyd K. Packer, “The Gift of the Holy Ghost: What Every Member Should Know,” Ensign, Aug 2006, 46–52. Click here to go to the churches website for this article. Highlighting is mine.
From an address given on June 24, 2003, at a seminar for new mission presidents, Missionary Training Center, Provo, Utah.
Begging for a Remission of Your Sins
Have you begged the Lord for a remission of your sins?
First, a definition of the word "beg" may be helpful to set aside any emotional response we may have to the word. Some among us may feel offended by this word thinking that God would never require His sons and daughters, the elect; those holding the priesthood, those who have made sacred covenants in the temples, to beg.
An Angel or a God, What’s it Going to Be Bro?
The prophet Joseph Smith taught:
In the resurrection, some are raised to be angels, others are raised to become Gods. (Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith, p. 312).
An Invitation to Bloggernaclist to Participate in a Miracle
As I've cruised the Bloggernacle over the last eight months, I've been impressed by those who write and comment in the various blogs. Most are faithful, testimony bearing Latter Day Saints, who have done much to build up the Kingdom.
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Recent Posts
- Exercising Faith When Dealing With Health Problems—My Ten Year Journey
- Friday Quiz: The Purpose of the Atonement
- Friday Quiz: It Is By Grace That We Are Saved, After All We Can Do
- Worthiness is a Process (the gospel is here to comfort the afflicted and afflict the comfortable)
- Friday Quiz: Does the Book of Mormon support the Biblical account of the flood?
- Friday Quiz: Basic Gospel Doctrine Question (I’ll bet you’ll be surprised by the answer)
- Listening, Two Way Prayer–For the Intellectual Mormon Too
- Friday Quiz: Book of Mormon Question–Men Who Would Be Kings
Recent Comments
- Jared on Are God’s Promises Being Realized in Your Life?
- Adam Valdez on Are God’s Promises Being Realized in Your Life?
- Jack on Exercising Faith When Dealing With Health Problems—My Ten Year Journey
- Jared on Exercising Faith When Dealing With Health Problems—My Ten Year Journey
- Christina on Exercising Faith When Dealing With Health Problems—My Ten Year Journey
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