For What Doth It Profit A Man If A Gift Is Bestowed Upon Him, And He Receive Not The Gift?

Posted on by Jared

Heavenly Father has revealed that it is His work and glory to bring to pass the immortality and eternal life of man (Moses 1:39). In other words, to make it possible for each of His sons and daughters to become as He is—a God. The promise continues—He will give us all that He hath (D&C 84:38).

Heavenly Father’s plan is to give us power, the unimaginable power to create worlds without end (Moses 1:4, 33) and to possess knowledge, all knowledge such that there is not anything save we’ll know it (2 Nephi 9:20).

Just as a journey of a thousand miles beings with the first step, the path to exaltation has a point of beginning. Joseph Smith had this in mind when he said:

“When you climb up a ladder, you must begin at the bottom, and ascend step by step, until you arrive at the top and so it is with the principles of the Gospel – you must begin with the first, and go on until you learn all the principles of exaltation.” (Teaching of the Prophet Joseph Smith, p. 348)

There are many principles of exaltation we need to learn. The 4th Article of Faith shows the way by teaching the first four principles:

We believe that the first principles and ordinances of the Gospel are: first, Faith in the Lord Jesus Christ; second, Repentance; third, Baptism by immersion for the remission of sins; fourth, Laying on of hands for the gift of the Holy Ghost.

Members of the church are very familiar with this Article of Faith. Each of these basic principles builds on the other until the ordinance of being baptized and the laying on of hands for the gift of the Holy Ghost is accomplished.

The scriptures emphasize over and over the importance of receiving baptism and the gift of the Holy Ghost (2 Nephi 31:13, Moroni 6:1-4). We’re also taught that after baptism we need to continue to repent and seek to obtain a remission of our sins by fire and the Holy Ghost (D&C 19:31).

There are two parts to baptism; first, baptism by water, second baptism by fire and the Holy Ghost.

Joseph Smith taught:

“You might as well baptize a bag of sand as a man, if not done in view of the remission of sins and getting of the Holy Ghost. Baptism by water is but half a baptism, and is good for nothing without the other half-that is, the baptism of the Holy Ghost” History of the Church, 5:499.

Receiving both the baptism of water and the Spirit is essential to receive salvation. Yet, I hear so few talks on this subject in our meetings. I’ve never heard anyone bear testimony that they have received the baptism of fire and the Holy Ghost. Yet, I’ve heard many testimonies where members tell about promptings of the Spirit. At this point in my understanding, I have come to believe that members can receive the gift of the Holy Ghost without receiving the baptism of fire and the Holy Ghost. This appears to be taught by Nephi:

…take upon you the name of Christ, by baptism-yea, by following your Lord and your Savior down into the water, according to his word, behold, then shall ye receive the Holy Ghost; yea, then cometh the baptism of fire and of the Holy Ghost…2 Nephi 31:13

Based on my observation of nearly fifty years, I have come to believe that many members are on the verge of receiving important manifestations of the Spirit if they would only diligently seek them. They have fulfilled everything needed by keeping the commandments, but appear to be content with what they have. They don’t appear to hunger and thirst for more so they receive according to their desires (Ether 3:2).

On the other side of the coin, there are members who, though not “worthy” as those above, who then experience a crisis, and in their desperation plead with the Lord and receive from the abundant mercy found in Christ, and receive a remission of their sins by fire and the Holy Ghost because of their faith (Helaman 5:38-49).

Summary

The invitation is to “come unto Christ” and receive according to our desires. I hope that all of us will be like Lamoni’s father and will say to the Lord in earnest:

…What shall I do that I may have this eternal life of which thou hast spoken?  Yea, what shall I do that I may be born of God, having this wicked spirit rooted out of my breast, and receive his Spirit, that I may be filled with joy, that I may not be cast off at the last day?  Behold, said he, I will give up all that I possess, yea, I will forsake my kingdom, that I may receive this great joy. Alma 22:15

Otherwise,”…what doth it profit a man if a gift is bestowed upon him, and he receive not the gift?  Behold, he rejoices not in that which is given unto him, neither rejoices in him who is the giver of the gift. D&C 88:33

If you would like to comment on what you just read click here. 

 

Posted in Gifts of the Spirit, Holy Ghost | Tagged , | Leave a comment

How Do I Know If I’m Experiencing The Holy Ghost?

Posted on by Jared

And blessed are all they who do hunger and thirst after righteousness, for they shall be filled with the Holy Ghost. 3 Nephi 12:6

For church members desiring the companionship of the Holy Ghost this scripture is packed with meaning. The Lord draws on basic needs all of us experience on a daily basis; hungering and thirsting—to teach us what it takes to be filled with the Holy Ghost.

In another scripture we learn …the Spirit shall be given unto you by the prayer of faith… D&C 42:14.

I see two separate and distinct ways to receive the Holy Ghost. In the first scripture, the result is to be “filled” with the Holy Ghost and in the second scripture; the result is something less than being filled.

D&C 42:14 and other scripture like it seem to be saying that the Holy Ghost will visit us for a season.

My experiences with the Holy Ghost has been of the second type. I am not yet at the state where I have realized the hope expressed in our sacrament prayer, “that they may always have his Spirit to be with them”. D&C 20:77

Elder Eyring touching on this subject said:

“Getting revelation is hard. It is not easy. The constant companionship of the Holy Ghost is possible, but, oh, it is so hard.” Church News July 8, 2006

Fulfilling our baptismal covenant and receiving the Gift of the Holy Ghost takes our best effort, but is it worth it? I can answer this question in the affirmative! As an  average member of the church I have experienced this gift on many occasions.

The Gift of the Holy Ghost and the attending gifts of the spirit are available to all members of the church. However, we learn from the scriptures that many members of the church will fail to receive the things of the spirit that the Lord offers them, and then there are those who receive it, but then turn away from the things of the spirit because of the cares of the world.[1]

I would like to offer a few thoughts to a question that I often hear members ask, “How do I know if I have the Gift of the Holy Ghost?”

The following three questions will help you know if you are hungering and thirsting after righteousness:

First, how do you feel about the Book of Mormon? Have you received “feelings” as you have read, studied, and prayed about it which whisper that there is something special about this book?

Second, how do you feel about the Prophets and the Apostles the Lord has called to lead His church? When they speak or when you read their writings, do you “feel” they are men of God?

Third, are you repenting of your sins? Have you called upon God in prayer and asked Him to help you overcome the challenges of the flesh? If so, have you received help and can testify that Jesus Christ is your advocate, who knoweth the weakness of man and how to succor them who are tempted (D&C 62:1)?

Lastly, are you experiencing the Gifts of the Spirit?

If you can answer yes to the preceding questions you may have had some of the following experiences with the Gifts of the Spirit that I am familiar with:

1. Have you received a dream from the Lord that benefited you (gift of dreams).

2. Spoken beyond your ability (angelic speech).

3. Felt “peace” at the death of a loved one (gift of comfort).

4. Received “promptings” by unexpected ideas coming into your mind and benefited thereby (gift of inspiration).

5. Felt yourself in a “conversation” when no one else was present and learned something special (ministering of angels).

6. Exercised faith or priesthood power for the sick and felt that your offering was received by the heavens (gift of healing).

7. Felt love for your spouse or children so powerfully you knew it came from God (gift of charity).

8. Felt temptation so powerfully you were compelled to call on God for help and received it (gift of deliverance).

Is your life sprinkled with serendipitous experiences because of your prayers, if so, then you can have confidence you’re making progress with your gift of the Holy Ghost.

Note: The eight questions above form a short list. There are many other manifestations of the Spirit you could experience to confirm you are walking with God.

If you would like to comment on what you just read click here. 

[1] There are numerous scriptures that teach this message. The parable of the Ten Virgins (Matt 25:1-13), the parable of the Sower (Mark 4:14-20), the vision of the Tree of Life (1 Nephi 8:28), and those at ease in Zion (2 Nephi 28:21-28).

Posted in Holy Ghost, Spirituality, Things of the Spirit | Leave a comment

Our Proclivity for Sin and Error

Posted on by Jared

The scriptures testify, abundantly so, of the proclivity of humankind to sin. This is even true for those who have been given significant Spiritual experiences. One would suppose that those who have been so blessed would never sin again, but the scriptures and church history provide a different prospective. Prophets and church leaders are subject to sin and error just like the rest of us.

For example, Nephi, the son of Lehi appears to be a near perfect man. He does everything his prophet father asks of him, even with the intolerable burden of two older brothers working against his every effort. Nephi’s propensity for goodness is matched by his older brother’s propensity for wickedness. However, the impression of Nephi perfection is diminished when he reveals the turmoil going on in his heart when he says, “notwithstanding the great goodness of the Lord, in showing me his great and marvelous works, my heart exclaimeth: O wretched man that I am!  Yea, my heart sorroweth because of my flesh; my soul grieveth because of mine iniquities. I am encompassed about, because of the temptations and the sins which do so easily beset me.  2 Nephi 4:17-18

Actually, I’m relieved that Nephi revealed this part of his mortal experience. It helps me relate to him and gives me hope. I think Nephi made many errors in the way he dealt with his brothers. If he would have been more kind to them things might have turned out a little better.

Other Book of Mormon prophets emerged from a life of sin to become examples of the power of the atonement.   The father son prophets, Alma Senior and Junior were wicked men. The scriptures even characterize Alma Junior and his buddies, the four sons of the Mosiah, as the vilest of sinners. These boys were the sons of prophets and yet they wandered as far from the faith of their fathers as one can possibly imagine.

Amulek is another prophet, a late blooming prophet at that. He explained to the soon to be extinct citizens of Ammonihah that “…I never have known much of the ways of the Lord, and his mysteries and marvelous power.  I said I never had known much of these things; but behold, I mistake, for I have seen much of his mysteries and his marvelous power; yea, even in the preservation of the lives of this people.

Nevertheless, I did harden my heart, for I was called many times and I would not hear; therefore I knew concerning these things, yet I would not know; therefore I went on rebelling against God, in the wickedness of my heart.. Alma 10:4 – 6.

I can relate to Amulek, can you? He had the capability to ignore (harden his heart) the Lord when he was called, not just a few times, but many times. He calls this attitude of “I knew…yet I would not know”, rebelling against God. Those familiar with the Book of Mormon know, an angel appeared to Amulek and told him to help Alma. To his credit, this time he listened, and repented. And Amulek became a powerful teacher and a missionary companion to Alma.

The scriptures provide other examples of men who were sinful, but turned from their worldliness and served the Lord. In the Bible we have the apostle Paul. In the early days of the church we have Martin Harris.

Martin Harris is remembered by church members as a “wicked man” D&C 10:1. Elder Dallin Oaks said: “…I have been saddened at how he is remembered by most Church members. He deserves better than to be remembered solely as the man who unrighteously obtained and then lost the initial manuscript pages of the Book of Mormon”. (Dallin H. Oaks, “The Witness: Martin Harris,” Ensign, May 1999, 35).

There is much more to Martin Harris. He was one of the three witnesses to the Book of Mormon. How he became a witness is what I’ll focus on for the purpose of showing how even a man described as wicked by the Lord at one season in his life, is blessed to have a profound spiritual experience and become a witness to the Book of Mormon in another season.

Martin was hopeful of seeing the gold plates. The following quotes are from A Rough Stone Rolling, p. 78.  One day Joseph told him, “you have got to humble yourself before your God this day, that you may obtain a forgiveness of you sins. If you do, it is the will of God that you should look upon the plates.”

That same day Joseph Smith, Oliver Cowdery, David Whitmer, and Martin Harris went into the woods in the light of day to obtain a manifestation from God. “They had agreed to take turns praying, first Joseph, then the other three. The first attempt brought nothing, and they tried again. Again nothing. Before they made a third attempt, Harris offered to leave, saying he was the obstacle. The remaining three knelt again and before many minutes…they saw a light in the air over their heads…After the appearance to Cowdery and Whitmer, Joseph went searching for Harris, who had gone further into the woods. Harris asked Joseph to pray with him, and at length…their desires were fulfilled.”

Martin apparently repented and obtained a forgiveness of his sins and was allowed to view the plates, see an angel, and hear the voice of God testify to the correctness of the Book of Mormon and commanded him to so testify to what he had seen.

 The Lord is much more kind, loving, and forgiving than we can imagine when our hearts are soft, and we humbly seek Him with a submissive attitude, in meekness.

Can you add to this list of men or women who were given significant spiritual experiences even though they exhibited a proclivity for sin?

The primary purpose of this post is not to focus on the “sins” of prominent  people, but rather to point out how merciful the Lord is—how quick He is to forgive those who are—quick to repent.

If you would like to comment on what you just read, click here and take a 6 Question Survey 

Posted in Forgiveness, Repentance | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment

Dealing with Challenges and Opportunities to Faith

Posted on by Jared

In recent days there has been articles in the news about faith. On one hand, there is news that can increase faith, and on the other, news that can challenge faith.

I think each of us needs to get to a place spiritually where our individual faith is such that we’re not shaken by news that challenges our faith.

Suppose that in tomorrows newspaper you read about a favorite General Authority who left the church. Would your faith be shaken to the extent that you too would leave the church?

Our Faith Needs to be Properly Grounded and Rooted

Strong, durable, and lasting faith comes by experiencing the manifestations of the Spirit. There are many ways for the Spirit to manifest itself. The scriptures enumerate the ways the Spirit is manifested to mankind, each follower of Christ needs to have experiences with the Spirit to be properly grounded and rooted in faith. The most basic experience is taught in Moroni 10:4-5.

To unlock the vaults of heaven and obtain great faith requires effort on our part. We’re taught that our faith will be tried and proven while in morality. The key to obtaining great faith is often given in the form of trials and opposition. Those who turn to the Lord with all energy of heart and mind, pleading for divine help will be rewarded, while those who faint will miss the opportunity.

Elder Neal A. Maxwell put it this way:

Petitioning in prayer has taught me, again and again, that the vault of heaven with all its blessings is to be opened only by a combination lock. One tumbler falls when there is faith, a second when there is personal righteousness; the third and final tumbler falls only when what is sought is, in God’s judgment—not ours—right for us. Sometimes we pound on the vault door for something we want very much and wonder why the door does not open. We would be very spoiled children if that vault door opened any more easily than it does.  Neal A. Maxwell, “Insights”, New Era, Apr. 1978, 5

With Elder Maxwell’s words in mind, I’ll turn attention to another key to dealing with increasing faith, as well as dealing with challenges to faith.

To avoid deception the Lord’s provided help, but I fear church members are neglecting it, just as Moroni warned. 

The best remedy for avoiding deception, according to the Lord, may be surprising to some. Think about it for a moment before you click the following link. See if you can come up with the remedy the Lord provides to help us avoid deception. The scriptures teach “…beware lest ye are deceived; and that ye may not be deceived”…write your answer down before clicking here for the answer.

Please answer a 6 Question Survey to let me know what you think

 

 

Posted in Faith, Gifts of the Spirit | Tagged , | Leave a comment

Drawing on the Powers of Heaven by Fasting and Prayer

Posted on by Jared

The Value of Fasting and Prayer

Next Sunday is the first Sunday of the month. Latter-day-Saints around the world will hold their monthly fast and testimony meetings. 

Fasting is an important principle of the gospel for those who desire to draw near to the Lord. One of my favorite verses on fasting and prayer:

And now, my beloved brethren, I would that ye should come unto Christ, who is the Holy One of Israel, and partake of his salvation, and the power of his redemption. Yea, come unto him, and offer your whole souls as an offering unto him, and continue in fasting and praying, and endure to the end; and as the Lord liveth ye will be saved. Omni 1:26

Omni says that as followers of Christ we should offer our whole souls as an offering unto him and then tells us of the importance of fasting and prayer.  

We learn that the four sons of Mosiah had the spirit of prophecy and revelation. The following verse teaches how they acquire these gifts:

But this is not all; they had given themselves to much prayer, and fasting; therefore they had the spirit of prophecy, and the spirit of revelation, and when they taught, they taught with power and authority of God. Alma 17:3

Fasting and Prayer—Principles of Power

I’m don’t know all the reasons Heavenly Father has given us the principle of the fast, but I do know that it is a principle of power. Fasting with prayer has been an important part of my spiritual life.

For most of my life I’ve enjoyed good health, in those days I fasted every Sunday for many years. It was relatively easy. Later in life I experienced a health challenge that prevented me from fasting. After a number of  years, I asked Heavenly Father to bless me to be able to fast again. The answer to my prayer came in a wonderful manifestation of the Spirit. I’ve been able to fast every month since then even though my health challenge continues. At times fasting has been difficult, but I know that Heavenly Father provided the wherewithal for me to begin fasting again. I’m grateful to once again have the opportunity to fast and pray for the desires of my heart.

Resources: 

Click Here for a General Conference talk on fasting.

Click Here about modifying a fast for health reasons.

Please answer a 6 Question Survey to let me know what you think

 

Posted in Prayer, Spirituality | Tagged | Leave a comment

LDS Alive in Christ.Com Begins Its 7th Year

Posted on by Jared

In recent days I’ve been thinking about my experience blogging for the last six years. I wondered if I should continue or discontinue. I’ve decided to press on, but with a little different approach based on what I’ve learned.

When I first started blogging I assumed that most active members of the church hunger and thirst to grow spiritually. I thought I could persuade others in the bloggernacle to greater spiritual heights by bearing testimony and reasoning from the scriptures.

It turns out I was overly optimistic. I recently read Lehi’s vision of the tree of life and this confirmed what I’ve learned over the last six years as I’ve interacted with numerous church members in the bloggernacle: not everyone is interested in grasping the iron rod and following it to the tree of life.

Nonetheless, I believe it is important to recognize that their are many who are striving to follow Christ with real intent. I hope to make this blog a resource for them and any others who decide to fill their lamps with oil. 

The 4th Article of Faith will be my guide to the kind of content I’ll make available.

We believe that the first principles and ordinances of the Gospel are: first, Faith in the Lord Jesus Christ; second, Repentance; third, Baptism by immersion for the remission of sins; fourth, Laying on of hands for the gift of the Holy Ghost.

I’ve made a few changes, first, I decided to turn off comments and use a survey approach instead. The main reason I’m doing this is because of time restraints. At the end of this post, and each post thereafter, there will be a link to a survey for those interested in participating.

Drop by in the days ahead and let me know what you think.

Please answer a 6 Question Survey to let me know what you think.

Posted in Agency | Leave a comment

Worthiness is a Process (the gospel is here to comfort the afflicted and afflict the comfortable)

Posted on by Jared

Worthiness is a word that is used often in Mormon circles. For example, worthiness interviews are conducted in every stake, ward, and branch in the church.  The purpose is to determine if an individual is worthy to:

1.  Obtain a temple recommend

2.  Be advanced in the Priesthood

3.  Receive baptism

4.  Be married

5.  Receive certain callings

Our church leaders refer to worthiness often. For example from our most recent conference:

“Brethren, great promises await us if we are true and faithful to the oath and covenant of this precious priesthood which we hold. May we be worthy sons of our Heavenly Father. President Monson, Oct 2009 General Conference

“One of the adversary’s sharpest tools is to convince us that we are no longer worthy to pray.” President Boyd K Packer, Oct 2009 General Conference.

“My dear brothers and sisters, don’t get discouraged if you stumble at times. Don’t feel downcast or despair if you don’t feel worthy to be a disciple of Christ at all times. The first step to walking in righteousness is simply to try. We must try to believe.” President Dieter F. Uchtdorf, Oct 2009 General Conference.

How Does One Become Worthy

In the church there are several ways a member can be referred to as worthy. Worthy to be baptized, and worthy to receive a temple recommend, are two examples. In each of these cases, a standard of worthiness is set forth that the candidate will need to meet.

The Lord’s revealed that there are laws (standards of worthiness) that need to be obeyed in order to receive blessings:

20 There is a law, irrevocably decreed in heaven before the foundations of this world, upon which all blessings are predicated—

21 And when we obtain any blessing from God, it is by obedience to that law upon which it is predicated. D&C130:20 – 21

To be found worthy a member needs to understand the law and then commit to obey it. This may require repentance. The law of tithing needs to be obeyed in order to be found worthy to be baptized or to receive a temple recommend. Repentance is the key to worthiness.

Kinds of Repentance

There are three kinds of “worthiness” that man can arrive to: 1) Manmade worthy, 2) Holy Ghost worthy, and 3) Fire and the Holy Ghost worthy.

Manmade Worthy

This kind of “repentance” (reformation) is arrived at by self discipline. There are men and women of accomplishment who overcome many of the challenges of life by the power of their own will. Some of them know nothing of God and His Son, some even openly reject them. Manmade worthy, as commendable as it is, isn’t repentance because the foundation of true repentance is the Savior’s atonement.

Holy Ghost Worthy

This kind of repentance is arrived at by faith (a form of self discipline) and the Holy Ghost. Repentance, the Lord’s way, is based on covenants. A covenant is an agreement between God and man. As we make a sincere effort to keep our covenants the Lord visits us by the influence of the Holy Ghost. When we backslide in keeping our covenants, we can repent and renew our covenants. That’s why we have the sacrament each week.

Fire and the Holy Ghost Worthy

This kind of repentance is referred to as the doctrine of Christ. Nephi explained it as follows:

“…repenting of your sins, witnessing unto the Father that ye are willing to take upon you the name of Christ, by baptism—yea, by following your Lord and your Savior down into the water, according to his word, behold, then shall ye receive the Holy Ghost; yea, then cometh the baptism of fire and of the Holy Ghost…” 2 Nephi 31:13

Nephi tells us that we receive the Holy Ghost, then cometh the baptism of fire and of the Holy Ghost. According to Nephi it is a two step process.  When members are baptized it is for a remission of their sins. When does one receive a remission of sins? Answer: when they receive fire and the Holy Ghost. But prior to receiving a remission of sins members have access to the Holy Ghost to acquire a testimony and experience other manifestations of the Holy Ghost, for example, the various gifts of the Spirit.

The two step nature of receiving the Holy Ghost is referred to in the following talk:

“A worthy person who receives the gift of the Holy Ghost can expect something in addition to testimony. This is pointed out by Elder Marion G. Romney of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, who gave a definition of the difference between testimony and conversion:

‘A testimony comes when the Holy Ghost gives the earnest seeker a witness of the truth. A moving testimony vitalizes faith; that is, it induces repentance and obedience to the commandments. Conversion, on the other hand, is the fruit of, or the reward for, repentance and obedience. (Of course one’s testimony continues to increase as he is converted.)

Conversion is effected by divine forgiveness, which remits sins. The sequence is something like this. An honest seeker hears the message. He asks the Lord in prayer if it is true. The Holy Spirit gives him a witness. This is a testimony. If one’s testimony is strong enough, he repents and obeys the commandments. By such obedience he receives divine forgiveness which remits sin. Thus he is converted to a newness of life. His spirit is healed.’ Loren C. Dunn, “Fire and the Holy Ghost,” Ensign, Jun 1995, 22–26

Summary

I hope all of us will seek to be “fire and the Holy Ghost worthy”. The Lord’s given us enough information so that we can learn to rely on the Savior’s atonement. Nephi says: “relying wholly upon the merits of him who is mighty to save.” When we understand the term “wholly” we realize that we are never done repenting. One Elder at the end of his mission wrote to his mission president saying: “I’ve learned that the fight in this life is not with others, but with ourselves. I’ve learned about the atonement and that it can’t be used up. It doesn’t run out or expire. There is nothing on it that says, ‘Best if used by this date.’ It will always be a force in our lives.” When we experience that kind of reliance on the Lord we will be on the high road to obtaining the Lord’s choicest blessings.

2/13/2010

Posted in Born Again, Holy Ghost, Repentance | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment

Belief and Disbelief

Posted on by Jared

Note: Belief and faith are synonyms as I use the terms in this post.

I’ve been thinking about the nature of belief and disbelief. Each person appears to have an inherent tendency to believe or disbelieve religious claims. Following are members of the church sharing their testimony of disbelief and belief. I took the expressions of disbelief from sites in the bloggernacle.

Expressions of Disbelief

I’ve never had…a vision…(the) supernatural, … is utterly inexplicable based on any natural process, nothing like that has ever happened and it never will for me…I am simply incapable of truly in my heart believing in the supernatural.

I have a family wedding coming up, but I will not be attending. I am “worthy” of a temple recommend but I do not/cannot/will not believe the doctrines of the Church, nor do I choose to pretend that I do, so I will not have my recommend renewed.

I don’t ever remember a time when somebody said, “I know that Joseph Smith was a Prophet” when my inner dialogue didn’t echo the line from Napoleon Dynamite, “Like anyone can even know that.” I appreciate lessons about loving our neighbor, the Word of Wisdom, or even emergency preparedness, but would rather not have to hear about what I consider pure conjecture like the Three Degrees of Glory.  The only things I would say I know are things that I have experienced first-hand or that have been scientifically proven.  That’s just the way my brain works.

Expressions of Belief

I cannot remember when I did not have a testimony. It has, of course, been strengthened through the years, but I can never remember when I did not believe.

As I lay there holding the book in my hands, I knew, even before I opened it, that it was true…I also had a very strange feeling, which affected me very deeply, that I had always known that the Book of Mormon was true.

Unbelief, I’ve never experienced it to any degree pertaining to the Mormon Church. Belief is part of me, just like my hands are part of my body.

Agency Requires a Balance

As the above expressions of disbelief and belief indicate, there is a variety of people who make up church membership. Each individual in the church is a son or daughter of God and each of us has agency as a gift from God. We exercised our agency in the pre-mortal world and we continue to exercise it in this life (Alma 13: 1-6). The results of how we’ve used our agency in our first estate are with us today. As mortals in our second estate—how we use our agency each day will determine what kind of resurrection we will have in a future day.

In order for the principle of agency to be exercised there needs to be a balance which allows the dichotomies of belief and disbelief to exist. This mortal experience is designed so that the evidence needed to either believe or to disbelieve is available.

Conclusive evidence to prove or disapprove religious claims doesn’t exist. For example, The Book of Mormon is powerful evidence for belief, but without revelation from the Holy Ghost one cannot know with certainty. On the other hand, evidence doesn’t exist to irrefutably prove the Book of Mormon is a fraud.

The Lord keeps the evidence in balance so that we are free to choose according to our desires. It is a matter of faith. We can either believe or disbelieve based on the evidence.

Why do Some Members Believe and Others Disbelieve?

Having read the above expressions of disbelief and belief a question begs to be answered. Why do some members of the church believe and others disbelieve? The Book of Mormon answers this question. The Book of Mormon teaches the principle of conversion. Following are two examples:

The Lamanitish woman Abish was converted to the Lord because of a remarkable vision of her fathers. Alma 19:16

The sons of Mosiah taught by the power of the Spirit and thousands of the Lamanites were converted, and as many as were converted never did fall away. Alma 23:6

Note that in each instance the Spirit of the Lord was the reason for conversion. Abish believed in her father’s vision and was converted by the power of the Holy Ghost. The Lamanites were converted because they received a witness from the Holy Ghost.

Were there any who heard the inspired teaching who were not converted? The record says:

…as many as heard his words believed, and were converted unto the Lord.

But there were many among them who would not hear his words; therefore they went their way. Alma 19:31-32

It says that those who were not converted “would not hear his words“, I take this to mean they made a decision not to believe and wouldn’t even hear his words, and they went their way.

Those Who Disbelieve Can Believe

Even though unbelief appears to be inherent in some people; experience has shown that they can, and do turn from disbelief to belief.  The scripture teach the Lord gives some of His children the gift of faith, and this in turn, becomes the source of belief for those who struggle to believe.

Elder Dallin Oaks taught:

Those who have a testimony of the restored gospel also have a duty to share it…One of the most impressive teachings on the relationship between the gift of a testimony and the duty to bear it is in the 46th section of the Doctrine and Covenants. In describing different kinds of spiritual gifts, this revelation states:

“To some it is given by the Holy Ghost to know that Jesus Christ is the Son of God, and that he was crucified for the sins of the world.

“To others it is given to believe on their words, that they also might have eternal life if they continue faithful” (vv. 13-14; see also John 20:29). Dallin H. Oaks, “Testimony,” Ensign, May 2008, 26-29

An Invitation to Those Who Struggle with Faith

Those who struggle with believing have an invitation from the Lord to hear those who know that Jesus Christ is the Son of God. By so doing they can receive the gift to believe on their words.

The Savior said, Repent, all ye ends of the earth, and come unto me and be baptized in my name, that ye may be sanctified by the reception of the Holy Ghost. 3 Nephi 27:20

Members of the church have been baptized, now it is up to them to fulfill their baptism covenant and receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.

Summary and Conclusion

I like what Richard L Bushman wrote:

At the present moment, the question of why I believe no longer has meaning for me. I do not ask it of myself or attempt to give my reasons to others. The fact is that I do believe. That is a given of my nature, and whatever reason I might give would be insufficient and inaccurate. More relevant to my current condition is a related question: how do others come to believe? I would like to know if there is anything I can do that will draw people to faith in Christ and in the priesthood. My answer to this question is, of course, related to my personal experiences. I no longer think that people can be compelled to believe by any form of reasoning, whether from the scripture or from historical evidence. They will believe if it is in their natures to believe. All I can do is to attempt to bring forward the believing nature, smothered as it is in most people by the other natures that culture forms in us. BYU Studies, Vol. 25 (1985)

Please Take a 5 Question Survey by Clicking Here

 

2-8-09

Posted in Doubt, Gifts of the Spirit | Tagged , , , , | 1 Comment

Let Virtue Garnish Thy Thoughts Unceasingly

Posted on by Jared

The scriptures are filled with wonderful word phrases that grab our attention and lift our minds to greater heights. For example, “Let virtue garnish thy thoughts unceasingly”. This phrase appears once in scripture. It is found in the D&C.

“Real intent”, is only two words, but it says so much. This combination of words is found five times in scripture, all in the Book of Mormon.

“Full purpose of heart”, draws our minds to a time when we were children. A time before our fallen natures reached maturity. This phrase is found six times in the Book of Mormon, and three times in the D&C.

“Cleave unto God as he cleaveth unto you” brings into focus the love the Lord has for us, his children. It also teaches us about the quality of love we need to strife for. This exact phrase is found in the Book of Mormon. Using similar words, this phrase is also found in the Old and New Testament.

“This people draw near me with their mouth, and with their lips do honour me, but have removed their heart far from me”. This combination of words helps us understand the hypocritical nature of fallen man. It draws our minds to not only how man treats God, but it also illustrates how some in powerful position in business and government give lip service to ethics and the US Constitution. It is found in the Old Testament and the Book of Mormon.

“They desire to know the truth in part, but not all” is found in the D&C and is a strong statement that explains why there are “degrees of glory” in the heavens.

Lastly, the following verses are directed to David Whitmer. But I think they apply to everyone who hasn’t arrived at the blessed state of having virtue garnish their thoughts unceasingly.

BEHOLD, I say unto you, David, that you have feared man and have not relied on me for strength as you ought.
2 But your mind has been on the things of the earth more than on the things of me, your Maker, and the ministry whereunto you have been called; and you have not given heed unto my Spirit, and to those who were set over you, but have been persuaded by those whom I have not commanded.
3 Wherefore, you are left to inquire for yourself at my hand, and ponder upon the things which you have received. (D&C: 30:1 – 3)

 Please answer a 6 Question Survey to let me know what you think.

Posted in Scripture | Leave a comment

20 Minutes to Increased Spirituality

Posted on by Jared

Draw near unto me and I will draw near unto you; seek me diligently and ye shall find me; ask, and ye shall receive; knock, and it shall be opened unto you. D&C 88:63

This is one of my favorite verses of scripture. I’ve accepted the Lord’s invitation in this verse. I’ve sought to do my part to realize the promised rewards of: 1) finding the Lord, 2) asking and receiving, 3) knocking and having it opened unto me.

I have no hesitation in saying that the promises made in this verse of scripture are obtainable. I’ve had many wonderful experiences with the things of the Spirit when I have made the effort to draw near to the Lord. 

I’d like to offer a few thoughts on how to make this verse of scripture part of our lives. Our spirit and our body need to be fed daily. If we don’t daily take those things into our body to sustain life we will quickly begin to lose strength. The same is true for our spirits. If we don’t nourish our spirits then we begin to lose spirituality. The scriptures refer to this starving of the spirit as hardness of heart and blindness of mind (3 Nephi 2:1).

I learned many years ago, that spending time with the Lord each day is vital to spirituality. This can be done in many ways. One way, is to take a timer and put all the demands on your time on hold for a set period of time and then focus on your relationship with Heavenly Father. I set the timer for 20 minutes, then turn my full attention to the Lord. Sometimes I will read scriptures or a conference talk for a few minutes and then spend the rest of the time in prayer. Other times, I will pray for a few minutes then read for the balance of the time.

I like doing this in the morning. It is a great way to start the day. It’s a simple but effective way to draw near to the Lord.

If you haven’t done this recently or ever, give it a try. Do it for 20 days or so and see if it makes a difference in your life.

 Please answer a 6 Question Survey to let me know what you think.

 

Posted in Prayer | 1 Comment