I Am No Respecter of Persons

Posted on by Jared

Heavenly Father has revealed many things about himself. Among these revealed truths we learn one of His chief characteristics—“he is no respecter of persons”. The Lecture on Faith teaches in order, “to exercise faith in God we must first have ‘a correct idea of his character, perfections, and attributes’.” The prophet listed six of these and number five says: “God is no respecter of persons, meaning that all his children in all ages will be taught the same gospel and granted the same privilege to enjoy its blessings.”

What does this bit of knowledge mean to you and me? What use can you put this knowledge to, this very hour, to help you acquire greater faith?

I’d like to offer a few ideas to answer these questions.

Elder Boyd K. Packer said, “No member of the Church is esteemed by the Lord as more or less than any other…The Lord is ‘no respecter of persons.'” Boyd K. Packer, “The Weak and the Simple of the Church,” Ensign, Nov 2007, 6-9.

We are all equal in the eyes of the Lord. He doesn’t love one more than the other. The newest member of the church, in a far away land has the same privilege as you or I, or as President Monson, to apply the first principles and ordinances of the gospel, and thereby begin the journey back to Father’s presence.  Each of us has equal access to the path. We may not be at the same place on the path, but we’re all promised the same blessings if we will be faithful and endure to the end.

Ideas mean something, especially revealed ones. They are powerful sources of faith when we understand and believe in them. I hope that all of us will understand and believe that Heavenly Father is no respecter of persons, and that we’ll act on this revealed knowledge.

For example, this very moment, with the authority of this revealed truth, we can throw off some of our self imposed chains of untruth, and replace them with truth. If we have believed or assumed that because we our lacking in some area, we’re are not as acceptable to Heavenly Father as another, then we can unchain ourselves from this destructive falsehood.

I know of some members who believe a high profile church calling makes you more acceptable to the Lord than those who have run of the mill callings. Others feel that if they weren’t born into the covenant, then they are lacking in comparison to those who were. Still others believe that education, personal appearance,  wealth, or notoriety of some kind, are symbols of those more beloved by Heavenly Father. The Book of Mormon addressing those of us who get entangled in these false ideas says, “…they are led, that in many instances they do err because they are taught by the precepts of men.” 2 Nephi 28:14

Let’s stop making these errs and listen to the Lord’s counsel and believe Him when He says, “I Am No Respecter of Persons”.

Each of us need to believe what Heavenly Father tells us. If for some reason we don’t, then the solution is to repent. Through His help we can repent of believing untruth. We can ask Him to soften our hearts so that we can believe His truths as taught in the scripture, and by His servants. If we will so this then the truth will set us free.

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We Come Unto Christ By Diligently Seeking The Holy Ghost

Posted on by Jared

One of the great experiences of life is owning the car of your dreams. In my case, I would like to own a Metallic Blue, Ford Shelby Cobra, with a 427 cubic inch engine.

If I were to purchase this car, I can imagine how I would feel if after taking delivery it didn’t start, and upon raising the hood I found it didn’t have an engine. Of course, I would have a lot of questions for the seller. I would have expected the car to be in working order when I took delivery. How could something so foolish like this happen, would be the question on my mind?

This car tale is a little like the parable of the Ten Virgins. The parable, like my car tale, is about crushed expectations. Fully half of those who expected to go out to meet the bridegroom were unprepared and not allowed to enter the bridal party.

The Savior gave the parable of the Ten Virgins for a reason. President Spencer W. Kimball said it was given as a warning to LDS church members.

The difference between the virgins who were prepared or unprepared to meet the Savior didn’t have anything to do with worthiness. It wasn’t a matter of being good or evil, righteous or unrighteous. The parable states that the difference was that of being wise or foolish.

From all outward appearances all the virgins were prepared. They had been actively engaged in the observable requirements of church activity. The message of this parable is that the five foolish virgins hadn’t done the unobservable Spiritual preparation the wise had done. Consequently, they received a rebuke from the Lord when they asked to enter the wedding celebration, he said to them, “ Verily I say unto you, Ye know me not” (JST Matt. 25:11).

How could something like this happen? What had they neglected to do? The reason they didn’t know the Lord is answered in the following verse of scripture:

And at that day, when I shall come in my glory, shall the parable be fulfilled which I spake concerning the ten virgins.

For they that are wise and have received the truth, and have taken the Holy Spirit for their guide, and have not been deceived—verily I say unto you, they shall not be hewn down and cast into the fire, but shall abide the day. D&C 45:56 – 57

The difference between the wise and foolish virgins was the gift of the Holy Ghost. The wise virgins weren’t deceived because they had taken the Holy Spirit for their guide. The wise virgins had been doing something the foolish hadn’t. What was it?

The apostle Paul taught about those who have “…a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof…” (2 Timothy 3:5).

What does it mean to have a “form of godliness”? The following scripture may provide an answer:

“…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

This scripture exposes the shallowness and insincerity of lip service. Lip service is to appear to be living one way, while in practice living another way. The foolish virgins were apparently practicing a form of lip service. They were going through the motions of coming unto Christ in outward appearance, but their hearts weren’t in it. In our day, it is like writing a check for a major purchase and hoping it will clear the bank. That sounds foolish doesn’t it. Good intention are not enough. Remember, foolishness is what kept the five virgins from the wedding, not evil or unrighteous acts.

Another scripture, this one from the Bible, illustrates the difference between wise and foolish. I used a modern Bible translation, The Message:

46-47“Why are you so polite with me, always saying ‘Yes, sir,’ and ‘That’s right, sir,’ but never doing a thing I tell you? These words I speak to you are not mere additions to your life, homeowner improvements to your standard of living. They are foundation words, words to build a life on.

48-49“If you work the words into your life, you are like a smart carpenter who dug deep and laid the foundation of his house on bedrock. When the river burst its banks and crashed against the house, nothing could shake it; it was built to last. But if you just use my words in Bible studies and don’t work them into your life, you are like a dumb carpenter who built a house but skipped the foundation. When the swollen river came crashing in, it collapsed like a house of cards. It was a total loss.” Luke 6:46-49 (Source: The Message)

The Lord is a “discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart”. Church members who draw near to the Lord with their words but their hearts are not in it will forfeit the companionship of the Holy Ghost.

Summary

According to the parable of the Ten Virgins and the words of the prophets, there are church members who appear to have it all, but when it comes right down to it, they have a form of godliness; they draw near to the Lord with their lips but their hearts are not with Him. Consequently they don’t have the companionship of the Holy Ghost even though they are “active” in the church. Without the companionship of the Holy Ghost, membership in the church would be like having a powerful sports car without an engine. A lot of show, but no go!

The foundation each of us needs to build on are found in the first principles and ordinances of the gospel:

1. Faith in the Lord Jesus Christ
2. Repentance
3. Baptism by immersion for the remission of sins
4. Laying on of hands for the gift of the Holy Ghost

All the virgins were baptized, confirmed members of the church, and told to receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. The difference between entering the wedding celebration and not is found in the unobservable (to man, not God) application of faith and repentance that occurs in our hearts and prayers.

The foolish virgins didn’t embrace the first principles of the gospel with real intent whereas the wise virgins did.

I think Elder Bruce R. McConkie summed it up when he wrote: “We worship the Father, in the name of the Son, by the power of the Holy Ghost.” The Promised Messiah, p. 13.

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Why I Can Testify, “I Know the Mormon Church is True.”

Posted on by Jared

By the time I was in 8th grade I stop going to church. One of the reasons I left church activity was what I learned at church. I learned that all those who are born in the covenant are choice spirits from the pre-mortal life.

As I thought about this teaching—I realized  I was not a choice spirit—I wasn’t born in the covenant. My dad wasn’t a member and my mother didn’t attend church. As this false idea took root, it didn’t take long before I began to believe I was a second class spirit.

I decided to ask the Bishop for a Patriarchal blessing. Maybe the Lord would tell me more about who I am. The Bishop said, I was too young. 

It wasn’t long after that that my parents divorced. None of my friend’s parents were divorced, so I thought this is what happens to second-class spirits. We moved to a new neighborhood and that was the end of my activity in church. I dropped out of school and took up with friends who lived after the ways of this world.  

A few years later I was drafted and faced the possibility of combat in Viet Nam, I thought more and more about what I had learned at church.  One day, while in this frame of mind, I decided to read the Book of Mormon. I said to myself, “if it is true then I will change my life. If not, then I will entirely forget about religion.”  

I offered a prayer, telling Heavenly Father my plan and invited Him to bless me to know about the Book of Mormon and Joseph Smith. The next night, a few minutes after getting into bed, I received an answer to my prayer. I should say, a partial answer. I was given an experience similar to what Joseph Smith wrote about when he said, “I was seized upon by some power which entirely overcame me, and had such an astonishing influence over me as to bind my tongue so that I could not speak…it seemed to me for a time as if I were doomed to sudden destruction…to the power of some actual being from the unseen world, who had such marvelous power as I had never before felt in any being”(JS-History 1:15-16).

While I was in the grip of this power from the unseen—but now visible world, I realized the incredible hate this evil being had for me as I listened to his vulgar, threatening words. I called upon God to deliver me, and my prayer was immediately answered!

I watched as this evil being, defeated by prayer, walked away into the night. 

This kind of experience creates an instant testimony. It was a dramatic and powerful occurrence. It left no room for doubt about the presence of God and satan. But this was not a sanctifying experience in the sense of a “mighty change of heart” that would come years later.

I’m embarrassed to say that even after the Lord provided this life-changing encounter, I returned to my old habits. It took me numerous attempts to break away from the old life style I had been living before I was able to bring some order into my life.

After a few months I decided to attend church. I also commenced to read the Book of Mormon. I started new friendships and put former, less-desirable ones behind me. It took me about three months to complete the Book of Mormon. I loved every minute of it! The Holy Ghost was with me as I read. I wrote down questions and literally hungered for the truths of the gospel. When I completed my study of the Book of Mormon, I didn’t need to ask the Lord if it was true. I knew it was true by the manifestation of the Holy Ghost that I experienced on a daily basis as I read it.

I was very excited about the gospel and the testimony I’d received. I read everything I could get my hands on. I decided that I wanted to tell others about the restoration of the gospel, so I turned in my papers to serve a mission. The Lord drew very near to me at this time. It was as though I were encircled about in the arms of His love.

Missionary Call

Before I received my call, the Lord revealed to me where I would serve my mission. This was made known to me by the whisperings of the Spirit. My farewell talk at church was a spiritual treat for me and those in attendance because of the Spirit that was there. (With that Spirit present, I believe I could have recited the A, B, C’s and it would have been edifying.)

In the mission field I encountered trials and difficulties of every kind. The first part of my mission was tough, but I was determined to serve God and I worked very hard in His behalf. I would characterize my mission as being very average. At times I felt very close to the Lord; at other times it was as though I was left to myself. I learned that my ability to teach the gospel effectively, in other words, with the Spirit, was related to the receptiveness of the person my companion and I were teaching.

At the end of my mission I felt I had served the Lord diligently. When I arrived home I was tired, but thankful to have my mission behind me. My homecoming talk was a dud. I wondered at the difference; why was my farewell talk so uplifting and my homecoming talk just the opposite? I concluded that the workings of the Spirit are not easily understood, just as described in the scriptures (Ecclesiastes 11:5).

“It is Quite as Necessary for You to be Tried, Even as Abraham and Other Men of God”

I was excited about my future and about my first experience as a college student. I had been dating a wonderful girl for about a year, and we were considering marriage. I was very much in love with her, and I felt certain that she was going to be my wife.

On one of those evenings when couples talk freely about their life’s experiences, I shared with her some things about myself when I had been inactive. From that time forward our relationship began to decline. Her upbringing was such that she couldn’t handle a relationship with an Alma the younger kind of guy—a church going Nephi type of guy was a better match for her. I know that now, but I didn’t realize it then, so I pushed on. By the time school started I had a serious case of heartache—extreme heartache. She was seeing another person and told me she loved me, but was also falling in love with him.

When she told me this I was angry, I even raised my fist towards heaven and using profanity swore at Lord for letting this happen. I learned later, He had nothing to do with it. Within hours, I sought forgiveness and divine help!

Remission of Sins by Fire and the Holy Ghost

I approached the Lord in prayer and within a day or two found myself experiencing a dimension of prayer that was new to me. As I poured out my soul to the Lord asking  for His help, I told Him that I wanted to keep his commandment regarding marriage, and that I had found the girl I wanted to marry. I explained that we had dated for over a year and that we were temple worthy and pleaded for his help. I made covenants that I would be the best husband and father that I could be. I found myself praying for hours at a time—in fact, I couldn’t stop praying. When I wasn’t on my knees praying, prayer flowed from my heart. I was praying without ceasing. The channels of communication were open, and I knew the Lord was hearing my prayers. I had received a gift from the Lord—the gift of prayer. I lost interest in food and was essentially fasting every day and ate food only to keep my strength up. I began to lose weight. I was showing up for my classes, but I was supplicating the Lord with all my heart, might, mind, strength, and soul.

One day, while praying, a question formed in my mind that I knew came from the Lord—“lovest her more than me?” This question needed to be answered and I responded, “Lord, thou knowest I love thee, bless me to love thee more perfectly.” From this point on my prayers turned to my relationship with the Lord. I explained to the Lord that I was not going to stop praying to Him until I received an answer, and that I would accept His will no matter what it was—and I meant what I said. I thought about all my sins and pled for forgiveness. At this point, a pain entered into my heart that I cannot describe. I’d never felt anything like it before. It was intense heart-pain. Not from the heart that pumps blood, but from the heart that resides at the center of our being—the place where our fondest hopes and dreams emanate. I cried many tears and realized anew my nothingness! I understood more than ever before my unworthiness and I begged the Lord to apply his atoning blood so that I could be made clean. I desired above all things to be free from my sins. 

I raised these earnest, heart-felt prayers for more than a two week period. One evening as I was preparing for bed, all I could do was kneel by my bed and say a very short prayer; I was physically and spiritually exhausted. I reminded the Lord that I was going to continue to call upon Him until I received an answer. A few minutes after getting into bed in the throes of a gloomy and forlorn mood, I felt something in the room change. As I focused my attention, I realized the Spirit had entered the room and my heart, and joy replaced gloominess and sadness! It was like a refreshing breeze entering into a hot and stuffy room. I knew I was to get out of bed and open my scriptures. The page fell open to D&C 84, and I started to read at verse 44. As I read these words, I knew the Lord was speaking to me, and when I read verse 61, I knew that my sins were forgiven. I raised a silent shout of joy to my Savior!

The following Sunday while at Sacrament meeting, I received another manifestation of the Spirit. While taking the sacrament I experienced the presence of “fire.” I looked around the room to see if anyone else was aware of what I was experiencing. I wasn’t sure what had happened, but I knew it was from God. I felt peace, love, and joy, and raised my voice in prayer thanking the Lord for his great kindness to me. I felt clean and pure and extremely close to Heavenly Father.

Comforted by the Holy Ghost

My girl friend and I broke up a couple of months after this experience. I cannot describe the pain and unrest I felt, but I had told the Lord His will be done, for as much as I loved her, I loved the Lord more. I prayed that I would be able to stand up under the afflictions that came to me, and I had faith the Lord would continue to be with me in my trials.

For several nights, when my heartache was at its worst, I was visited by the Holy Ghost and learned for myself what the scriptures mean about the Holy Ghost being a “comforter.”

What can I say to you as a reader of my words to convey the least part of what I experienced? Just know that God is love and he desires to heal us from our sins. He wants to give to us the gift of eternal life! When Nephi says, “He hath filled me with his love, even unto the consuming of my flesh,” I can verify his words and bear a similar testimony with my own lips because of the experiences the Lord gave me in the days of my severest trials.

Mighty Change

I am so thankful that the Lord extended his love and kindness to me in such marvelous ways. I love the Lord because he loved me first. I can hardly believe that these experiences were given to me; I feel completely unworthy to receive these things. But then again, that’s the point, forgiveness of sins comes through the grace of Jesus Christ.

These experiences changed how I viewed the Book of Mormon. I could now identify with the likes of Enos, the people of king Benjamin, and others who experienced a remission of sins. I knew the Savior of mankind heard my prayers and blessed me with some measure of being born again by fire and the Holy Ghost.

I engaged myself in school and read the Book of Mormon with new eyes and understanding. The Holy Ghost was my constant companion in those days. I felt and comprehended things in ways I never had before. I asked the Lord to bless me to meet people who were like Nephi, and I also prayed to learn to know more about the Lord and His church. My prayers were answered in short order, and I marveled at the variety of people I became acquainted with. I learned things from them about the Lord, His prophets, and His church. They amazed me and also challenged me greatly. I realized for the first time that our church history and doctrine could challenge the strongest church-member’s testimony and even be the root cause for some members to lose their testimonies.

Dealing with the Challenge of Church History and Doctrine

I enjoyed my college experience, but my interest in doctrine and church history eclipsed anything else I was studying. Because of the many Spiritual experiences I had been given, I was insulated from the “fiery darts” of the adversary that came to me as I studied—I could not be moved. I prayed for answers to my new-found questions and the answer was always the same: we live in a fallen world and we’re here to be tried and proven, and there is opposition in all things. Be still and know that I am God[3].

Concluding Thoughts

From those days until the most recent time, the Lord has been near, but not as near as He was for the first few years after my experience with the sacrament. I can relate to what Joseph Smith said after he experienced the First Vision and was born again:

After it was truly manifested unto this first elder that he had received a remission of his sins, he was entangled again in the vanities of the world. D&C 20:5

I can say that a person who has experienced a “mighty change” doesn’t have a disposition to do evil, at least not in the same way as prior to this experience. However, it would be wrong to say that temptations and sin are no longer a factor of life. That just wouldn’t be true. King Benjamin taught his people how to retain a remission of their sins after they were born again and experienced the mighty change (Mosiah 4:26).

In the years and decades that have followed, I have been blessed with many experiences with the things of the spirit. When I have needed help, the Lord has blessed me abundantly. I have been given visions, dreams, and received the ministering of unseen angels in answer to prayer. However, I have had to struggle in the spirit and pay a price for these blessings. There have been many times I have prayed and have been unable to obtain an answer to my prayers. This is frustrating, but who am I to counsel the Lord?

If there is only one thing you remember from this account I hope this will be it: the Savior gave His life for you and He cannot extend the complete gift and benefits of the atonement to you until you offer up a broken heart and contrite spirit (2 Nephi 2:6-8). Based on my personal experiences, I have learned that offering up an acceptable sacrifice is accomplished when you plead with Him for forgiveness of your sins. When you acknowledge your fallen nature and realize your dependence upon Him (Christ) for entrance into God the Father’s presence, then you will be on the high road to fulfilling your baptismal covenant and spiritual potential. My prayer is that this will be your gift from Heaven.

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We Could Spend Our Life Reforming and Never Repent

Posted on by Jared

The name of this blog is, “LDS Alive in Christ”. Those who follow Christ become alive in Christ when they receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. In order to be eligible to receive the gift of the Holy Ghost one needs to be baptized by one having authority.

Prior to baptism and certainly after baptism a follower of Christ must learn and apply the principle of repentance. I read the following from a book published in 1986. I felt the following chapter did a good job describing the difference between reforming and repenting. I thought you would enjoy it. Let me know what you think.

In my opinion, it is essential to understand the difference between repentance and reformation in order to make progress in things of the spirit.

Building Faith with the Book of Mormon, by Reid E. Bankhead, Glenn L. Pearson p. 155-156

“The Book of Mormon often tells us that we must “repent of all our sins” to be saved. What does that mean? Does it mean that we must be absolutely perfect before we are candidates for salvation? If that were the case, very few of us could have any hope. Does it mean, “If you have truly repented of your sins, you will never do any of them again?” If that were the case, practically no one would have a covenant relationship with Christ. For we all have some sins that don’t “scoot” the minute we say “scat.” And if falling back into some sins from time to time were proof that repentance never occurred in the first place, what would you do with that most encouraging of all scriptures, Mosiah 26:30?

Sometimes saying what a thing is not helps to explain what it is. For instance, repentance is not the act of moving from imperfection to perfection in one great move. Repentance is a necessary and recurring step on the road to perfection; but it is not perfection itself. Again, repentance is not reformation. A humanist, for example, can reform; but he can’t repent without renouncing humanism. One can repent only if he knows about and believes in Christ. And his repentance is not complete unless he has been baptized by immersion for the remission of sins by one holding the true priesthood of God. And a person has not repented if he hasn’t experienced a broken heart and a contrite spirit. Reformation is and should be a constant process of improvement and perfection in the lives of all who aspire to greater goodness. But one could spend his life reforming and never repent…

Also, we should be careful how we teach the “four Rs” or “five Rs” of repentance. Too many people who use this gimmick fail to relate Christ to it. They are describing something more of a humanistic process than a Christian process. It is recognition of Christ which awakens us to repentance. And try as we will—and must—we cannot make a complete restitution for our sins. Much of our “restitution” to our fellowmen is nothing more than an act of contrition—the bringing forth of “fruit meet for repentance.” How could you make a complete restitution for adultery, for example? And we cannot even begin to make restitution to the demands of justice. We could never make restitution to God that would be sufficient to bring us back into the presence of God without Christ’s atonement. He paid the price through his blood. Even if we offered our own blood as a means of restitution, it would be nothing more than an act of contrition—not an act of “blood atonement”; for only Christ’s blood atones. We must remember all this when we talk about restitution.”

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02/08

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Exercising Willpower and Self-Discipline in Overcoming Bad Habits and Weakness of the Flesh Doesn’t Qualify As Repentance

Posted on by Jared

Click here for Table of Contents

Concerning our salvation the prophet Joseph Smith taught: “If men would acquire salvation, they have got to be subject, before they leave this world, to certain rules and principles, which were fixed by an unalterable decree before the world was.”

In the next sentence he went on to say, without explanation: “The disappointment of hopes and expectations at the resurrection would be indescribably dreadful.” History of the Church, 6:50-51).

This sobering pronounced by the prophet should weigh heavily on our minds. One of the most oft-repeated statements in the scriptures is to repent. Certainly repentance is one of the principles the Prophet was referring too. The purpose of this post is to further our understanding of the second principle of the gospel; repentance.

A Question for the Saints

For Latter-day-Saints, heaven consists of three degrees of glory: the telestial, the terrestrial, and the celestial. To inherit any one of these glories is to receive a place in one of the Lord’s kingdoms. However, the rewards obtained in each degree of glory differ significantly.

In the language of the scriptures, the glory of the celestial is compared to the sun, the terrestrial to the moon, and the telestial to the stars. When resurrected all of God’s children, with the exception of the sons of perdition, will enter into one of the three degrees of glory. Only members of Christ true church will be eligible to enter into the celestial glory. Yet, in D&C 76:71-80 we learn that members of Christ true church will also be found in the terrestrial kingdom.[1]

Why will some members of the church be found in the terrestrial kingdom while others will receive an inheritance in the celestial kingdom? The answer provides an opportunity for some interesting doctrinal discovery.

A Parable for the Saints

Consider the parable of the ten virgins. All ten are waiting for the coming of the Lord (the bridegroom) with the expectation of meeting Him. All ten virgins are outwardly worthy, active church members.

However, the scriptures identify five as being wise and five as being foolish. Each virgin has a lamp, but only five have oil for their lamps—these five are the wise virgins. The other five, who lack oil for their lamps, are the foolish virgins. When the bridegroom comes at an unexpected hour, all ten are slumbering or sleeping. As all arise and trim their lamps the foolish virgins find that their lamps have gone out. They attempt to borrow oil from the wise virgins but are appropriately turned down.

“And while they went to buy, the bridegroom came; and they that were ready went in with him to the marriage: and the door was shut” (Matthew 25:10). Later, the foolish virgins seek to enter saying, “Lord, Lord, open to us” (vs. 11). But the Lord refuses, saying, “I know you not”. The anticipated, expected, and hoped for blessing of receiving an inheritance in the celestial kingdom is denied.

The cry, “Lord, Lord”, is repeated in other scriptural accounts by church members who plead to obtain that which the Lord, in his justice, is required to deny them. When the time of preparation is past, no amount of pleading will change the circumstances. Those who procrastinate the day of repentance until it is everlastingly too late, will join the chorus of those who howl, weep, wail and gnash their teeth (see Mosiah 16:2).

As Joseph Smith said: The disappointment of hopes and expectations at the resurrection would be indescribably dreadful. Even those who hold important positions in the Lord’s church–bishops, stake presidents, relief society presidents, patriarchs, and even general authorities could find themselves without oil for their lamps at the critical time. “Many will say unto me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name; and in thy name cast out devils; and in thy name done many wonderful works? And then will I say, Ye never knew me; depart from me ye that work iniquity.” (Inspired Version, Matthew 7:22-23). [2]

The disappointment of receiving a terrestrial glory when a celestial inheritance was expected will be indescribably dreadful.

To those who seek the Lord, the idea that they could be shut out from His presence and hear Him say, “Ye never knew me” is beyond their comprehension. President Spencer W. Kimball said, “The Lord has given us this parable [the parable of the ten virgins] as a special warning” (Faith Precedes the Miracle, p. 254).

What did the foolish virgins (members of the church) lack? The Lord revealed the key to understanding the parable of the ten virgins to the Prophet Joseph Smith: “And at that day, when I shall come in my glory, shall the parable be fulfilled which I spake concerning the ten virgins. For they that are wise and have received the truth, and have taken the Holy Spirit for their guide, and have not been deceived—verily I say unto you, they shall not be hewn down and cast into the fire, but shall abide the day.” (D&C 45:56-57.)

The Lord describes those whom he considers wise in verse 57. The wise have, “received the truth”, have “taken the Holy Spirit for their guide,” and “have not been deceived.” Conversely, we might define the foolish as those who have received not the truth, have not taken the Holy Spirit for their guide, and have been deceived.

The Lord will likewise judge the Latter-day Saints, and even though they live in the same neighborhood, attend the same ward, read from the same scriptures, attend the same Sunday School class, and so forth, some will be judged wise and some will be judged foolish. Why? Because “the Lord seeth not as man seeth; for man looketh on the outward appearance, but the Lord looketh on the heart” (1 Samuel 16:7).

In the Church but Not of It

Elder James E. Talmage explains that the lamp each virgin possessed represents “the outward profession of Christian belief and practice” (Jesus the Christ, p. 579).

In other words, the virgins are all active church members. The presence or absence of oil, which other men cannot discern, represents the companionship of the Holy Ghost. Although all ten virgins are outwardly active in the church, only five have truly embraced the gospel.

President Ezra Taft Benson described the idea of being in the Church but not partaking of the fruits thereof this way: In the usual sense of the term, Church membership means that a person has his or her name officially recorded on the membership records of the Church. By that definition, we have more than six million members of the Church. [He said this in 1989].

But the Lord defines a member of His kingdom in quite a different way. In 1828, through the Prophet Joseph Smith, He said, “Behold, this is my doctrine–whosoever repenteth and cometh unto me, the same is my church.” (D&C 10:67; italics added.) To Him whose Church this is, membership involves far more than simply being a member of record. [Ezra Taft Benson, Ensign, October 1989, p. 2.]

Paul described this foolish group of Saints as, “having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof” (2 Timothy 3:5). These are church members who never fully repented and come unto the Lord (in His way), or, were unable to endure in righteousness. Jesus used the parable of the ten virgins, the sower, the pharisee and publican, and the gospel net to illustrate that not all who say, “Lord, Lord” will be received into the celestial kingdom.

All of these parables share a common theme: a separation will occur within the church among those who profess to be followers of Christ. The wise will be separated from the foolish, the wheat from the tares, the righteous from the wicked. Church membership, callings, activity, and bearing testimony, are alone not enough for eternal salvation in the Celestial kingdom. The Lord said “Whosoever repenteth and cometh unto me, the same is my church” (D&C 10:67). Church members who attain a form of godliness, but not the power must inherit another kingdom than the celestial.

Repentance: the World’s Way

We live in a day when self-help books are very popular. In fact bookstores and libraries overflow with books designed to help us improve ourselves. They offer many useful techniques and tips to help us gain control of various aspects of our lives, be it weight, self-esteem, vocabulary, appearance, or finances. One book even promised to change every aspect: “How to take immediate control of your mental, emotional, physical and financial destiny!”

In a sense, these books are books about repentance—repentance in the world’s way. It is true that by applying willpower and self-discipline we can reform our behavior, which can open the door to a new life. But the Lord’s way to change behavior is through sincere repentance.

Some members of the Church confuse the world’s method of reforming behavior for repentance. Although repentance and reformation are related, reformation can be accomplished without faith in Christ. President Ezra Taft Benson explained the difference when he said:

Repentance means more than simply a reformation of behavior. Many men and women in the world demonstrate great willpower and self-discipline in overcoming bad habits and the weaknesses of the flesh. Yet at the same time they give no thought to the Master, sometimes even openly rejecting Him. Such changes of behavior, even if in a positive direction, do not constitute true repentance. Faith in the Lord Jesus Christ is the foundation upon which sincere and meaningful repentance must be built. If we truly seek to put away sin, we must first look to Him who is the Author of our salvation. [Ensign, October 1989, p. 2.]

Repentance: the Lord’s Way

Alma pleaded with his son to repent and forsake his sins when he said, “Now my son, I would that ye should repent and forsake your sins, and go no more after the lusts of your eyes, but cross yourself in all these things” (Alma 39:9).

Alma’s counsel to “cross yourself” meant to reform himself through self-mastery, and stop doing what was contrary to the will of the Lord. This is a required step to obtain repentance. As we exercise our will to stop sinning and call on the Lord for help, we can have faith in Christ’s ability to help us change. He is our advocate “who knoweth the weakness of man and how to succor them who are tempted”. (D&C 62:1). What a joyful thought to know that the Savior understands our weaknesses and will help us overcome our temptations!

It is not uncommon for people trying to reform their lives to be drawn back into the habits they are trying to conquer. A person once involved in immorality, drug abuse, or pornography, for example, will find the gravity of habit pulling him or her back to that same lifestyle. The Lord knows how to succor those who are so tempted.

Succor is a tender word; it means to give help in time of need. Those who have received the Lord’s help in such times of need understand His love in a special way. If we are sincere in our desires to renounce sin, our advocate, friend, and brother—the Savior of the world, even our personal Savior—has promised us He will succor us and forgive us of our trespasses as many times as it takes for us to break away from our sins, provided we are sincere. (See Mosiah 26:29-30.)

Faith in the Lord Jesus Christ is the foundation of repentance. The Nephite prophet Aaron taught that since man had fallen he could not repent in and of himself. (Alma 22:14) Men and women must relay on the mercy and merits and grace of Jesus Christ in order to repent. (2 Nephi 2:8)

Godly Sorrow: prerequisite for true repentance

Paul’s letter to the Corinthians distinguishes between “the sorrow of the world” and “Godly sorrow:” “For godly sorrow worketh repentance to salvation not to be repented of: but the sorrow of the world worketh death” (2 Corinthians 7:10). The “sorrow of the world” Paul is referring to is unacceptable to God because it does not lead to salvation.

According to President Ezra Taft Benson: “It is not uncommon to find men and women in the world who feel remorse for the things they do wrong. Sometimes this is because their actions cause them or loved ones great sorrow and misery. Sometimes their sorrow is caused because they are caught and punished for their actions.” (Ensign, October 1989, p. 2.)

When we commit sin we not only break God’s law, but often man’s law as well. When we are brought to accountability before man’s law, the resulting loss of status, opportunity, wealth, and even freedom can be a crushing experience. The remorse that can follow is heartfelt and genuine, and many people of the world through self-mastery and determination make great improvements. However, this reformation, though praiseworthy, does not constitute “Godly sorrow”, the prerequisite for true repentance.

President Benson describes Godly sorrow as: “a gift of the Spirit. It is a deep realization that our actions have offended our Father and our God. It is the sharp and keen awareness that our behavior caused the Savior, He who knew no sin, even the greatest of all, to endure agony and suffering. Our sins caused Him to bleed at every pore.” (Ensign, October 1989, p. 2.)

Godly sorrow is a gift of the Spirit from God to the true followers of Christ. Those who receive this gift suffer “very real mental and spiritual anguish”. It is what the scriptures refer to as having a “broken heart and a contrite Spirit” (See 2 Nephi 2:7).

Such a Spirit is the absolute prerequisite for true repentance. One difference between the wise and foolish followers of Christ is whether they repent the world’s way or the Lord’s way. President Benson explained that “we must take our sins to the Lord in humble and sorrowful repentance. We must plead with Him for power to overcome them. The promises are sure. He will come to our aid. We will find the power to change our lives.” (Ensign, October 1989, p. 2.)

Summary

Reformation or self-improvement is a manifestation of our works; the gift of repentance is a manifestation of the Savior’s grace. Reformation changes our outward actions; the gift of repentance changes our heart. A reformed thief may be nothing more than a thief who is not currently stealing; a repentant thief abhors stealing.

President Benson said, “The Lord works from the inside out. The world works from the outside in. The world would take people out of the slums. Christ takes the slums out of people, and then they take themselves out of the slums. The world would mold men by changing their environment. Christ changes men, who then change their environment. The world would shape human behavior, but Christ can change human nature.” (Ensign, October 1985, p. 6.)

By taking our sins to the Lord and pleading with Him for help, we’ll find power to change our lives. At the appropriate time, the Lord will grant us the gift of a broken heart and contrite spirit, which is the Godly sorrow we need to complete our repentance. (2 Nephi 2:7).

The difference between church members who receives an inheritance in the celestial kingdom and those who receive a terrestrial glory may hinge on their understanding and properly applying the principle of repentance, not just the principle of reformation. True followers of Christ understand that faith in the Lord Jesus Christ is the foundation upon which sincere and meaningful repentance must be built. Members not valiant in Christ never find the power to reach beyond the principle of reformation.

I’ll close with Moroni’s farewell words to the Gentiles: And now, I would commend you to seek this Jesus of whom the prophets and apostles have written, that the grace of God the Father, and also the Lord Jesus Christ, and the Holy Ghost, which beareth record of them, may be and abide in you forever. Amen. (Ether 12:41).


[1] For more information see, A New Witness For The Articles Of Faith, P.146.[2] Some who read this will be shocked to think that this scripture could apply to the Latter-day Saints or their leaders. For more information on this idea see: Bruce R. McConkie, The Mortal Messiah Vol. 2, P. 171-173; JD 20:22, 120-121, 161-163; 25:305-307.

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A Group of Liberal Mormons—the Swearing Elders—Encounter Hugh Nibley

Posted on by Jared

Maybe the term “liberal mormon” had its origin at the University of Utah with a group of men who were referred to as the “swearing elders”. 

This is an interesting and revealing history from Hugh Nibley’s life. This account makes it clear that Hugh Nibley was first and foremost a testimony bearing member of the church.

From Hugh Nibley’s: A Consecrated Life, p. 160.

At some point before his 1955 debate with Sterling McMurrin, Hugh was invited to speak to a meeting at the University of Utah, of the “Swearing Elders”-a group of liberal Mormons associated with Utah universities. After giving his presentation, Hugh says they took him aside and told him “You’re among friends now, you can say what you really feel about the Book of Mormon.” Hugh simply bore his testimony that the Book of Mormon is, in fact, a true record of ancient people and that Joseph Smith was a prophet. “Oh, were they mad,” Hugh states. “They were just boiling.” He recalls one member of the group launching into a harangue about the Book of Mormon and how “we have to get rid of it. It’s driving the best minds out of the church! You can’t see it, but with my training, I know it. Joseph Smith was a deceiver, but he was a sly deceiver.” Hugh was chilled by such reactions: “They had a real active hatred of the Book of Mormon.” These were, for the most part, members of the Church in good standing.

From the same book, page 159, Hugh in a letter to Sterling McMurrin makes an interesting comment about the church, along side another testimony:

…I am stuck with the gospel. I know perfectly well that it is true; there may be things about the Church that I find perfectly appalling—but that has nothing to do with it. I KNOW THE GOSPEL IS TRUE.

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Noted Mormon Writer, S. Michael Wilcox’s Struggle to Gain a Testimony of the Book of Mormon

Posted on by Jared

In his new book, Face To Face, brother Wilcox relates his struggle to gain a testimony of the Book of Mormon. 

He says that he “was raised by a mother who had a powerful testimony of the Book of Mormon. It had been the key to her own conversion as she struggled out of inactivity and rebellion.”

Because of his mother’s testimony he never doubted the truthfulness of the Book of Mormon. He had assumed when the time came to read it for himself that he would gain his own witness. So at age fourteen he decided to read the Book of Mormon independently for the first time. 

He writes, “however, for whatever inexplicable reason, as I started to read it I was filled with darkness. Doubts seemed to consume me. I sometimes physically trembled with a gripping fear that at certain moments was terrifying. How could my mother be wrong? How could the wonderful people and organization I loved have arisen out of fraud and deception?”

As the weeks turned to months and then into years he continued to struggle the Book of Mormon. He hoped that studying the Book of Mormon in his senior year of high school seminary would bring about the testimony he needed. It didn’t, he tried to drop out but his Bishop pressured him to stay.

After high school graduation he went to BYU and took a Book of Mormon class. It turned out to be a worse experience than his seminary class. But he says, “I was seventeen and, though it may sound strange considering my lack of Book of Mormon conviction, I never considered not going on a mission.”

When Michael turned nineteen he submitted his mission papers. He decided to talk with returned missionaries and took notes in a spiral notebook about their advice on how to be a successful missionary. He acquired many wonderful ideas but decided to ask Heavenly Father a question. 

“One night I knelt beside my bed with the spiral notebook and laid it out before my Father in Heaven. I have collected all these ideas, I told him, but I feel something is missing. If you were to add anything to my list what would it be? With a voice as audible as the Spirit can offer without literally penetrating the ears, I heard these words: ‘Bear testimony that Joseph Smith was a prophet of God–and that the Book of Mormon is true.’ Why did I not receive those words when I was fourteen, or in seminary, or at BYU? Why then? I do not know, but I went to France and could sit before those we taught and tell them while looking fully into their eyes that I knew Joseph Smith was a prophet and the Book of Mormon was true. Sometimes they would ask me how I knew this and I would answer, ‘Because the voice of God declared it unto me.'”

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Resisting the Holy Ghost—LDS Style

Posted on by Jared

The gift of the Holy Ghost is available to those who enter into the waters of baptism and are confirmed members of the Lord’s church. In order to actually receive this gift one must hunger and thirst for it. Without the ordinance of baptism, by one having authority, the gift of the Holy Ghost is not available.

The prophet Joseph Smith touched on this subject. He explained the difference between the Holy Ghost and the gift of the Holy Ghost:

There is a difference between the Holy Ghost and the gift of the Holy Ghost. Cornelius received the Holy Ghost before he was baptized, which was the convincing power of God unto him of the truth of the Gospel, but he could not receive the gift of the Holy Ghost until after he was baptized. Had he not taken this sign or ordinance upon him, the Holy Ghost which convinced him of the truth of God, would have left him. History of the Church 4:555.

I think it is accurate to say that most of the manifestations of the Lord’s Spirit given to mankind come by the Light of Christ. The Holy Ghost is a gift for the saints and the Light of Christ is a gift for all men.

Church members have the right to the gift of the Holy Ghost, but I wonder how many actually receive it. Elder Bruce R. McConkie said:

In practice, members of the Church enjoy the companionship of the Spirit from time to time as they manage, by obedience, to get in tune with the Infinite. New Witness for the Articles of Faith, page 257.

This is a far cry from the words we hear each week while partaking of the sacrament, “…that they may always have his Spirit to be with them.” Moroni 4:3

We live in prosperous times; the scriptures teach that prosperity is the enemy of spirituality (Helaman 12:2).

Resisting the Holy Ghost-LDS Style

Before making a list of ways ACTIVE Latter-Day-Saints “resist” the Holy Ghost, I admit, that compared to what I have been given, I live far beneath my possibilities.

This list is not intended to make LDS feel bad about themselves. To the contrary, this list is designed to educate and to help motivate.

1. Making the programs and activities of the church the basis of our testimony.

A testimony comes from the Spirit of the Lord as we diligently seek Him in prayer; not from the trappings of the church. A testimony can flourish without buildings, dynamic leaders, and programs. The real power of the church is in the Spirit inspired testimonies of it members. President Dieter F. Uchtdorf addressing this challenge said:

The Church, with all its organizational structure and programs, offers many important activities for its members aimed at helping families and individuals to serve God and each other. Sometimes, however, it can appear that these programs and activities are closer to the center of our heart and soul than the core doctrines and principles of the gospel. “Christlike Attributes—the Wind beneath Our Wings,” Ensign, Nov. 2005, 100

2. Being active in the church, but not the gospel.

It’s possible to be active in the church but inactive in the gospel. To be acceptable to the Lord we need to be active in both (D&C 10:67). Being active in the church is easy, just like being active in a club or a worth while organization. Being active in the gospel means we are repenting. The scripture refer to it as the “gospel of repentance” (D&C 13:1). If we are not actively repenting, we’re inactive in the gospel.

3. Failing to understand our baptism covenant.

When we were baptized with water we received half of our baptism. The other half is to be baptized by the Holy Ghost. The scripture referred to this as the baptism of fire.

And this is my gospel—repentance and baptism by water, and then cometh the baptism of fire and the Holy Ghost… D&C39:6

If we’re not seeking for the baptism of fire and the Holy Ghost how will we fulfill our baptism covenant?

Joseph Smith taught, “The baptism of water, without the baptism of fire and the Holy Ghost attending it, is of no use; they are necessarily and inseparably connected” (History of the Church, 6:316).

4. Stiffednecked attitude.

The scripture, particularly the Book of Mormon, use this term to describe church members who get caught up in the things of the world to the exclusion of the things of the Spirit. Struggling to keep the ten commandment is only part of being stiffednecked, it also includes “looking beyond the mark”, where members get caught up in controversial interpretation of church policies, doctrines, and history that in turn derail their spiritual growth.

Elder Joseph B.Wirthlin describing this condition said:

… when we cling to our sins, our pleasures, and sometimes even our perceived obligations; resist the influence of the Holy Ghost; and put aside the words of the prophets; we then stand at the shore of our own Galilee, nets tightly entangling us. We find ourselves unable to leave them behind and follow the living Christ.“Follow Me,” Ensign, May 2002, 15

Summary

Resisting the Holy Ghost, as I have described it in this post, can be done more or less innocently. The parable of the ten virgins depicts ten church members, five who have acquired the gift of the Holy Ghost, and five who have not. The difference between the two groups is explained by the words, wise and foolish, not good and evil. Concerning the wise virgins the Lord said:

For they that are wise and have received the truth, and have taken the Holy Spirit for their guide, and have not been deceived… D&C 45:57

The wise virgins fulfilled their baptism covenant and received the gift of the Holy Ghost while the foolish allowed themselves to be distracted and deceived.

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Finally, one night…I broke down. I began to sob and to pray.

Posted on by Jared

The following sacrament talk was given by Michael R. Conder. Michael, his wife, and four children live in Colorado. He is a system engineer.

I contacted Michael by email and asked for his permission to post his talk, which he gave. Thanks Michael. I hope others with similar experiences will benefit from Michael’s experience.

——————————————————————————————-

Joseph Smith has said, “It is the privilege of the children of God to come to God and get revelation.”

About a year ago, it had seemed I had completely forgotten that principle as I experienced a major crisis of faith. I didn’t know why at the time, but I felt disconnected from God. There were a number of issues that my family and I needed His help with, but it seemed He was not speaking to me anymore. I began to wonder if He ever had. So, I began to search for Him. Because I felt spiritually separated I turned my search into a purely intellectual pursuit.

I studied some of the right things and many of the wrong things. I didn’t read the Book of Mormon much. After all, I knew what was in it. What more could I learn from that book? When my wife would read an Ensign article to me, I would say something like, “Do you really think the answers are that simple?” And so it was, that I wandered on strange roads and wide paths, letting go of the rod and being completely overcome by the mists of darkness. Eventually, there began to be a fevered desperation to my search as I continued to feel lost and alone not really understanding why God would not speak to me as he had in the past.

I began to experience great anxiety because I felt complete alone and separated from God. I even went to see a therapist and I didn’t find God there either.

Ironically, it was a final reasoned thought that broke me free from over intellectualizing my religion. I realized that if I had the brightest mind and 1000 years to search everything mankind had ever written, I could not find or prove God this way.  I was reminded of the scripture in 2 Timothy 3:7, “Ever learning, and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth.” There is really no way to describe what I was involved with at the time better than that.

Finally, one night…I broke down. I began to sob and to pray. I promised I would stay on my knees until He talked to me again. I spent 4 hours on my knees that night and didn’t hear anything, so I gave up on my promise and hardened myself toward Him again. I pridefully said to myself, who else would spend 4 hours in sincere prayer for nothing. I was putting in the required effort, why was He still silent? See, He really isn’t there. Days later, I would feel broken again by the trials in my life and try again. It went on this way for several weeks.

During this time, a family member and close friend gave me a certain book by a popular LDS writer. He was adamant that I read it…so much so, that he would check in on my progress. I resented this for awhile, but finally gave in. With each passing page my heart was softened as a read about a man with a similar problem. I was about ¾ of the way through the book when I became aware of an awful truth, a truth that found me with such force; I was physically weakened by it. In a moment of perfect clarity, I was aware that the world had become my god…worldly knowledge, worldly pursuits and worldly things. These were the things that occupied all my thoughts and my time. I did not love the things of God. I did not love the scriptures, I did not love to be in Church, and I did not long to be in the Temple.

This time, I took an entirely different approach to prayer. I remember feeling truly repentant that I had let the things of the world replace the things of God in my life. I knew that I had never needed His guidance more. So, I prayed the most humble prayer I ever remembered praying.  It was more than just words and in a sense more like a communion of spirit between He and I.

Personal revelation has since become a very real and very powerful part of my life.

If I had to make any observations about why I could not hear His voice and how I came to again, it would have to be that revelation requires a certain preparation of the heart. In the Book of Enos, Enos speaks of his wrestle before God and his struggling in the spirit. For me, this struggle is an attempt to find all the hard and dark places in my heart and remove them. It is recognition that I can’t change my heart on my own…for this, I need Jesus Christ. It is my attempt to make myself willing and teachable. As I struggle this way, I often feel the world falling away. My fear, my pride, the way I see myself, the way I see others changed in that moment. The Lord seems very pleased when I present myself in this way, because the times I have made this offering, I have been generously rewarded, often being completely overcome by the Spirit.

There are some very good things to learn from church leaders and the scriptures about my experience.

Joseph Smith  said, “Remember that without asking we can receive nothing; therefore, ask in faith, and ye shall receive such blessings as God sees fit to bestow upon you. Pray not with covetous hearts that ye may consume it upon your lusts, but pray earnestly for the best gifts.”  And “that a man could learn more about the things of God by looking into heaven for five minutes than by reading all the books ever written upon the subject of religion.”

In a March 2002 Ensign article, James E. Faust said that the first requirement to receiving revelation is “to try honestly and sincerely to keep God’s commandments.” While obedience is certainly a requirement for revelation, I believe the Lord does not require a perfect offering to have this gift. If he did, none of us would ever hear anything. What he does require is our personal best offering. For this we need to search ourselves and be completely honest with ourselves about the effort we are making to meet Him. We can’t carry on any pretenses with God about whether we are sincerely trying to keep His commandments or not. He truly sees everything that we are. This kind of self deception only hurts us and ultimately causes the kind separation I had experienced last year.

Bruce R. McConkie offered a summary of the scriptural account of Nephi and his brothers, Laman and Lemuel:

Speaking of the revelations received by his father, Nephi said: “… he truly spake many great things … which were hard to be understood, save a man should inquire of the Lord. …”

Of these same revelations, Laman and Lemuel said: “… we cannot understand the words which our father hath spoken. …”

Nephi asked: “Have ye inquired of the Lord?”

They replied: “We have not; for the Lord maketh no such thing known unto us.”

Then Nephi came forth with this glorious pronouncement: “How is it that ye do not keep the commandments of the Lord? How is it that ye will perish, because of the hardness of your hearts?

“Do ye not remember the things which the Lord hath said?—If ye will not harden your hearts, and ask me in faith, believing that ye shall receive, with diligence in keeping my commandments, surely these things shall be made known unto you.”

Through this experience, I have learned that I cannot successfully navigate life without the gift of revelation and the constant whisperings of the spirit that come from it. I have learned that to receive this gift we are required to present ourselves before the Lord in a certain way.

It may be true that the pure in heart shall see God, but I know it’s true that those trying to be pure heart hear Him.

Note: The book Michael refers to is, “The Holy Secret” by James Farrell

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An Introduction to the Gifts of the Spirit

Posted on by Jared

Premortality

I believe, as a general rule, the scriptures reveal to mankind the laws of the Celestial world. The purpose for doing so is to prepare as many of the sons and daughters of God as possible for entrance into the Celestial Kingdom of God. In our pre-mortal state we lived in the presence of God, but at some point we must have relocated to spirit earth to exercise our agency and to participate in the “war in heaven”. In Fathers presence sin was not possible, thus the war in heaven must have taken place elsewhere, and we know that the earth was created spiritually before being made temporally, so it is reasonable to opinionate that is where we lived while en route to the world we now live on.

Parley P. Pratt wrote:

In order to multiply organized bodies, composed of spiritual element, worlds and mansions composed of spiritual element would be necessary as a home, adapted to their existence and enjoyment. As these spiritual bodies increased in numbers, other spiritual worlds would be necessary, on which to transplant them. Key to the Science of Theology, P. 62.

As in this world, there mankind exhibited varying degrees of faith and good works. Jesus Christ was the central figure there, and to our knowledge, there was no veil of forgetfulness, as there is here. We walked by sight there, whereas we walk by faith here, but we had our agency to choose good or evil, and certainly we must have fallen short of keeping all the laws. That being the case, repentance there, as here, was necessary. Were their souls who initially followed satan, but were persuaded by the followers of Christ to “repent”?[1] Certainly, this must have been the case. If so, then we would have relied on the future Atonement of Christ to repent there, as we do here.

In the premortal world, our progress towards perfection (following Christ), or lack of it, follows us into mortality. Our receptiveness to the Holy Ghost and the Gifts of the Spirit appear to be directly related to our premortal progress.

Gifts of the Spirit

With this setting in mind, let’s turn our attention to the Gifts of the Spirit that are available to all those who seek after them. I would think that the ultimate purpose of the gifts of the Spirit is to help us become “perfect”. Isn’t that the purpose of all that we do?

Some church members assume that these gifts are available to church leaders and none else. This is false. The church has no such doctrine. In fact, the doctrine of the church is exactly the opposite. We are taught:

Wherefore, beware lest ye are deceived; and that ye may not be deceived seek ye earnestly the best gifts, always remembering for what they are given;

For verily I say unto you, they are given for the benefit of those who love me and keep all my commandments, and him that seeketh so to do; that all may be benefited that seek or that ask of me, that ask and not for a sign that they may consume it upon their lusts.

And again, verily I say unto you, I would that ye should always remember, and always retain in your minds what those gifts are, that are given unto the church.

For all have not every gift given unto them; for there are many gifts, and to every man is given a gift by the Spirit of God.

To some is given one, and to some is given another, that all may be profited thereby. D&C 46:8 – 12

With these verses before our eyes let’s consider a few things:

What is at least one reason the Lord makes these Gifts available to us? “…that ye may not be deceived…”

How can we obtain these Gifts?“…seek ye earnestly…”

Which Gifts should we seek? “…the best Gifts…”

What qualifies us to receive them? ”… they are given for the benefit of those who love me and keep all my commandments, and him that seeketh so to do…”

Who are the Gifts given to? “…every man is given a gift by the Spirit of God…”

How should I use my gift? “…that all may be profited thereby…”

To close, I would like to focus on one important aspect of receiving the Gifts of the Spirit—sincerity, nothing more is needed. Remember the phrase about how well we need to keep the commandments— “and him that seeketh so to do”. I’m sure glad this phrase is included. It gives me eligibility; it allows anyone who is sincere to receive these sacred manifestations of the Spirit.

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[1] Among the two thirds who remained, it is highly probable that there were many who were not valiant in the war, but whose sins were of such a nature that they could be forgiven through faith in the future sufferings of the Only Begotten of the Father, and through their sincere repentance and reformation. Orson Pratt, The Seer, vol. no4.,pp. 54-55.

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