Rock of Salvation

Is Intelligent Design Science?

2009-11-02T12:18:00.002-07:00

This post is to directly debate Steven Peck and company from the Mormon Organon on the merits and premise of ID versus Evolution. Needless to say, I do not like debating people on this subject in their territory when they keep barring your opinions from their site. Do you want a real debate? Lets have one. I promise I will not bar your opinions or call you a troll as you have done to me. I debate fairly. You want a fair debate, I will give you one.
To start with, it would be nice to really distinguish what science really is and what it is not. As far as I see it, science, as it applies to this debate topic must be defined by what it proposes to do, not necessarily if some group, or body of people think otherwise. ID theory, is a scientific theory that sets out using scientific methods -the same tools, principles, etc. that evolutionary biology uses in their theory. By "their theory" I am mostly speaking of the "origins of life" and how it evolved in an unguided, random process.

I am not here to debate "theistic evolution" as that itself is not science (by Steves own standards). But if you want it to be, we can also include it as a philisophical debate. Nor am I wanting to debate the creation versus evolution debate as that is a separate issue from Intelligent design versus Evolution.

Besides the scientific basis of "theory", I also wanted to clarify a few points here-

1. ID is not creationism that labels who or what the intelligent cause is.
2. Id theory deals with the challenging the origins of life and major macro-evolution theories as presented by typical Darwinian evolution.
3. The "origins of life" is covered by both Evolutionary theory and ID theory regardless of certain evolutionists who say that the origins of life is not covered by evolutionary theory.

With that, let the debate begin.

I challenge Steven and like company to debate me in this fair online debate.

Bring it on (all in good fun, eh)!

Missionary Work, Salvation, & Scare Tactics!

2007-04-30T12:27:00.000-06:00

I haven't posted in a while as I have been very busy with baseball but at church yesterday something was said that really struck me with an off beat. I thought about it all day and into the night. This morning I woke up and decided to post on it nad see what everyone else thinks.

We have all heard the great missionary sermons in sacrament meetings that tell us what we need to do to help the missionaries and their work progress. Along with these great sermons we sometimes get the "scare tactic" aproach about missionary work and salvation. Yesterday was one of those scare tactic moments when the speaker gave the seemongly all to familiar " just think of what will happen when you get to the other side and meet your neighbor and he will come up to you in tears and cry out saying why didn't you share the gospel with me, you were my neighbor!" Other scare tactics I have heard fall on the lines of "Just think of how you will be held responsible for all the people you were supposed to teach the gospel to and didn't because you did not go on a mission". There are other scare tactics we use also to literally scare us into forcing the gospel on others in fear that they will die tomorrow without their salvation being secured.

This leads me to think that we are somewhat programmed in scare tactics as children and youth into believing that a lack of preaching the gospel to our neighbors will somehow damn us and damn our neighbors in the process. So in fear we are always trying to push the gospel on others so that we can justify ourselves with our folley ways. Do we find true joy in saving others, or are we just too concerned about the "fear factor" of sitting idly by while the neighbor is partying on Sunday out at the lake?

I think the real truth od it is that our neighbors are already aware of our religious beliefs and that in all reality, building a good neighborly relationship with them is actually more important than pressing the constant peer presured need to share the gospel with them. Chances are they will join the church based more upon your actions and deeds rather than what you say to them at the BBQ when you slip in to say something about your religion. It will also be the case that when that unconverted neighbor does run into you in the spirit world they will fall upon your shoulders in pure joy and say- "wow, your religion really is true and I now want to be converted, and thankyou so much for alway being my neighbor and friend in Christ".

Leave the scare tactics out of missionary work as far as your good neighbors and friends are concerned. Chances are they are not evil people that need a good sermon anyway! Let our actions speak louder than our words so that when we do speak our words become more powerful than a rushing river!

Salvation is open to all including those dear loved family members and friends who depart this life either in rebellion or truthfully not knowing God's will concerning them. And also let it not trouble our hearts to think of what could of or should of been on those dear loved ones who pass without their salvation secure for we shall meet again and then shall our joy be full knowing that finally they too have accepted the gospel on the other side, Amen!

Creation Controversy: Man's Advent on Sixth or Seventh Day?

2007-02-05T22:14:00.000-07:00

In this post I would like to address the age old controversy of when Adam and Eve actually appeared on the scene. Was man formed from the dust of the earth (physical creation) on the sixth day as the "crowning event" of the creation, or was he reserved to come forth on the seventh day as the "first living creation" and thus have true dominion over the animals?

In our doctrine we know that there are at least 4 separate accounts taught concerning the creation. They are- The Old Testament (Genesis), Moses & Abraham in the Pearl of Great Price, and of coarse the Temple account. Each one has a slightly different take on what happened and the order on which things were placed or created. This can cause a lot of confusion to us Saints when trying to figure out how it all really came down. In this post I will just concentrate on a few scriptural passages with my own interpretation to show that things may not be as they really seem.

Let's start in Moses 3:1-

1 THUS the heaven and the earth were finished, and all the host of them.
(Pearl of Great Price Moses 3:1)

"And all the host of them", this to me refers to all beings- all mankind. But does it also include Adam and Eve in their physical form? We shall see, let's read on-

2 And on the seventh day I, God, ended my work, and all things which I had made; and I rested on the seventh day from all my work, and all things which I had made were finished, and I, God, saw that they were good;
3 And I, God, blessed the seventh day, and sanctified it; because that in it I had rested from all my work which I, God, had created and made.
(Pearl of Great Price Moses 3:2 - 3)

We are now informed that this creation event in this chapter is just a continuation of the events spoken of in the previous chapter. Some have mistaken this chapter to be a different account but we shall see that it is really only the continuation of the creation event. Let's read on-

4 And now, behold, I say unto you, that these are the generations of the heaven and of the earth, when they were created, in the day that I, the Lord God, made the heaven and the earth,
5 And every plant of the field before it was in the earth, and every herb of the field before it grew. For I, the Lord God, created all things, of which I have spoken, spiritually, before they were naturally upon the face of the earth. For I, the Lord God, had not caused it to rain upon the face of the earth. And I, the Lord God, had created all the children of men; and not yet a man to till the ground; for in heaven created I them; and there was not yet flesh upon the earth, neither in the water, neither in the air;
(Pearl of Great Price Moses 3:4 - 5)

This is where things really get interesting. God now informs us that all of these things he had created were not yet on the earth- they were only created in heaven "spiritually" and were not yet "naturally" found on the earth. This means that there was not yet anything physical on the earth. God further explains the he had not yet caused it to rain. Now we know that it is not only the seventh day when he is saying this, but also- no plants could possibly grow from seed form without water- no life is sustainable without rain. God also informs us here that there was not yet "flesh" (physical bodies) on the earth, or in the water, or in the air! He is specifically saying that there is not yet any living creature of any sorts on the planet! Let's read some more-

6 But I, the Lord God, spake, and there went up a mist from the earth, and watered the whole face of the ground.
7 And I, the Lord God, formed man from the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living soul, the first flesh upon the earth, the first man also; nevertheless, all things were before created; but spiritually were they created and made according to my word.
(Pearl of Great Price Moses 3:6 - 7)

Verse 6 now tells us that there went up a mist and watered the ground. This is a first event for the purpose of making plants grow. Then the Lord forms man from the dust of the earth and he now becomes a living being with his spirit now inside of a physical body. To not create any confusion, the Lord informs us again that the prior creation spoken of in the previos chapter took place in heaven not the earth. He also reinforces these seventh day events as to mention that Man (Adam) was now the "first flesh upon the earth", this means that he was the first creature to be housed with a physical body. Some have mistaken this to mean that this only means that he was the first to fall and become mortal. This is a very conjective approach though because it must then mean that God created man in his already fallen condition. Not to be so. God himself was just creating a person after his own likeness- namely- that of flesh and bone- a true physical being.

This all sets up the most intriguing of all scriptures. The one scripture that seals the deal as to when this all took place. Many do not even know this next scripture even exists, and when some read it they even try to ignore it or discount it as "error" in the transcriptions. I say no it is not. Let's read it-

12 Q. What are we to understand by the sounding of the trumpets, mentioned in the 8th chapter of Revelation?
A. We are to understand that as God made the world in six days, and on the seventh day he finished his work, and sanctified it, and also formed man out of the dust of the earth, even so, in the beginning of the seventh thousand years will the Lord God sanctify the earth, and complete the salvation of man, and judge all things, and shall redeem all things, except that which he hath not put into his power, when he shall have sealed all things, unto the end of all things; and the sounding of the trumpets of the seven angels are the preparing and finishing of his work, in the beginning of the seventh thousand years—the preparing of the way before the time of his coming.
(Doctrine and Covenants Section 77:12)

Notice the sequnce of events that unfold- God made the world in six days, then he- finished his work on the seventh day, and then he- sanctified it (the seventh day/ earth) , and then he formed man from the dust of the earth. Some could argue that God really means that he caused man to fall, or even say that it is just a mistake or anomaly. The truth of it is however that man truly wasn't formed from the earth and made a living breathing creature until the seventh day. The further implications are that all of the animals followed after Adams physical creation thus truly making Adam the Father over his dominions to rule over them.

Atonement and Agency

2007-01-29T12:37:00.000-07:00

Agency has been on my thoughts recently over the past several weeks and things seem to be coming together. I would like to present an alternate thought regarding agency that maybe we have never before comprehended or overlooked. Because agency has so much to do with (actually everything to do with) the plan of salvation we must look at the very basic fundamentals of God's plan.

In order for us to advance and become like our heavenly father with a tangible body we had to come here to this earth. Our purpose for coming here is to learn how to control the "natural man" or the natural carnal nature of man. The problem is however that the natural man is an enemy to God. We call this "natural man" a sinner. Sin causes us to fall short of godliness. Sin also keeps us from our heavenly fathers presence. Before we came here we all understood that once we came to earth and experienced our bodily passions and desires we would all inevitably sin. Eternal justice would then demand that because of our imperfect states (fallen condition), we would be eternally consigned to be shut out from the fathers presence in a spiritual death condition forever. We would also experience mortal death and that nothing we did on our part would enable us to become alive again.

As part of this plan, we perfectly understood that a savior would be required in order to redeem man from his fallen condition. But why? This is where I would like to introduce you to a knew idea. Agency can only happen if one is free to act and choose between opposites. As this applies to the plan of salvation, one must be able to freely act and choose between "eternal life" or "eternal death". Because we would all sin though in mortality, we cannot act or choose the path of eternal life on our own. This path is made unreachable without a perfect savior. It is only because of the atonement that mankind has agency. In other words- It is only because of the perfect atonement by Jesus Christ that man is free to act and choose for himself which path he will take once he has fallen in the world. Now let us discuss another equally important idea- that of Satan's plan.

Satan is the great imitator, he is the father of lies. His plan from the beginning was not to force us to be righteous, nor was it that he would remove our divine ability to think for ourselves. His plan was to lie and convince others that he should be the savior and that he would not lose any of god's children. He also sought the power of god through wicked means- something impossible to do. His real plan- take away his lies- was that he would save no one in the end and that all would become subject to eternal banishment from heavenly father and become slaves to sin and be bound down with those everlasting chains of guilt. Because he could not of offered himself as a perfect sacrifice to eternal justice, (and Satan knew this) once we were fallen in the world, there would be no means of redemption- no opportunity for us to freely act and choose for ourselves. We would of been forced to eternal doom iregardless of our wanting to repent and be reclaimed. This is how Satan was going to destroy man's agency. He would not offer a means of redemption from man's fall and therfore nullify agency.

So it truly is because of our Savior that we are "free", by this I mean that because of the perfect atonement made by Christ, we are free to choose which path we will take. Truly, only through the atonement, mankind has his agency!

Baptism Paradox?

2007-01-24T23:10:00.000-07:00

One of the more startling doctrines in our church is doing temple work for the dead. Amongst everything done, is the great baptismal work we do for our dead. We do this because they cannot do it for themselves in the spirit world. We call this "baptism by proxy". One of the interesting things to think about when doing this work is wondering where that spirit individual is at and if he is accepting the work done in his behalf.

We all know that unless a man is born of the water and of the spirit he cannot be saved in the Kingdom of Heaven. This is called baptism of water and baptism of fire by the holy ghost. Now to introduce the paradox.

Suppose two men are in the spirit world. One of them lived a righteous life but never knew anything about the gospel. The other individual got caught up in the vain ambitions of the world and ended up getting drunk one night and had an accident with his car that took his life. This second man had also known about the church and the gospel but figured it wasn't for him. So there in the spirit world, these two individuals are met with reality and both see the importance of the gospel and are taught the gospel. Both individuals are basically living the same there and living up to the statutes of godliness. They both accept baptism done for them by proxy so that they receive a full remission of their sins and Christ remembers tham no more.

Now according to our gospel, eternally they will not both go to the Kingdom of God in heaven (Celestial Kingdom). The first will go to the Celestial while the second goes to the Terrestrial. But why? They are both showing obedience to the same gospel. Both have been properly baptized. Both have received a remission of their sins. Both will go on to receive a reward according to their good works. Do we say that the second individual will be unable to go to the Celestial Kingdom based upon his sinful life? We certainly can't as all those sins are completely erased through the atonement. So what is it then? Are they just not good enough? Was baptism really not the ticket for the second to be saved like the first? Was it that he just waited too long to make up his mind?

Nothing seems to add up. We all know that those who people and inhabit the Terrestrial world will all accept the gospel and be baptized. But I thought baptism was only the ticket for the Celestial Kingdom? So does their baptism mean nothing then?

I believe that both men will be saved into the Celestial Kingdom. All that is required to enter the Celestial Kingdom is obedience to the gospel- living or dead! However, disobedience to the gospel leads to the eternal death, the path that all sinners are on. There is a bridge however from that path. It is through Jesus Christ by showing faith and then believing in him by doing the required ordinances for salvation. There is no other way mankind can be saved from the devil! Will God save the repentant outside of his eternal kingdom? NEVER!

Eternal Life or Eternal Death: Reading Between the Lines

2007-01-21T21:24:00.000-07:00

Agency enables one to choose between the way of "eternal life" or of "eternal death". The scriptures plainly teach that there are only two paths we can take. The coarse we choose will either lead to the right hand of god or the left hand of god. All people, including the dead, are by choice of their own free will, on one of these two paths. This post is to study more in depth what "might" lie inbetween those two states or if there even is such a doctrine. We must first go over what each of the two terms mean in order to try to read inbetween the lines. First I would like to discuss "eternal life".

What is eternal life, and who gets it? Eternal life some might say is the type of life god enjoys. But what exactly is that? There are two main characteristics of eternal life. They are- 1. Immortal physical life. and 2. eternal spiritual life. Put together then, eternal life consists of living righteously and eternally in God's presence with an immortal body.

Who will be able to enjoy this type of life? All of god's children who kept both their first and second estates will enjoy this most wonderful gift. In simpler terms this means that all those who believe in Christ and repent and then endure to the end (last great day of judgment) will be able to enjoy this eternal life. Eternal life is only to be found in the Celestial kingdom of our God though. The tree of life spoken of in the Book of Mormon, The Old Testament and the New Testament is all the same exact tree and to partake of the fruit is either a symbol or an actuality of having "eternal life". The fruit of the tree is sometimes represented also as by the waters of life. Those who are "saved" will be able to have access to the fruit on the tree of life in the Celestial Kingdom of our God (Revelations 2:7, 22:2,14, 1 Nephi 15:36).

So then what is eternal death? Eternal death is eternal banishment from the presence of God, plain and simple! This eternal death is called the "second death". All mankind will in a sense be redeemed from the first spiritual and physical death and be brought to stand before the judgment bar of God to be judged (Helaman 14:15-19). This is the redemption of the first spiritual death for all. For those who at that point are found unclean, they will be cast out into the lake of fire and brimstone(2 Nephi 9:16). They will then die again as to the things of righteousness (Alma 5:41-42) and also be outside of the redeeming power of the atonement(Alma 11:40-41). They, through their own decision, will not be found worthy to come into the holy city (Celestial Kingdom-Revelations ch. 22) to partake of the tree of life which is the greatest gift that god can give to us. These will perish forever from the Lord their god. They will be eternally dead.

So now that we have described these two opposite states, can we, or should we, try to read between the lines and perhaps find other groups of people that are either not consigned to this eternal death, but yet who are not able to partake of the waters of life either in the Celestial Kingdom? Let's look logically at it for a moment outside of the box.

Would this group of people be saved from the devil? And if so, on what terms are they saved from satan's power? If they are saved from the devil, then certainly they are no longer under the bondage of sin- which is satan's grasp. So if they are no longer under the bondage of sin, we could call them righteous, couldn't we? And if they are righteous, by what means did they become cleansed from their sins in order to receive that remission? Was it perhaps- baptism! It certainly couldn't be because they suffered and payed the price themselves could it? Only in and through Christ can one become clean and be forgiven. Now, back inside the box-

What I have just presented is what I call the Bermuda Triangle of Mormon salvation. By this I mean that we teach that there is a third category or place for most of mankind to dwell that is neither part of the "eternal death" category, nor the "eternal life" category of souls. We teach that although one can be saved from perishing the second death, they may not be able to partake of the tree of life either which is in the midst of God's kingdom. What is so unclear about this mystery group of people is what exact state are they even in? What I am trying to describe is a mystery group (and very large at that) that is both repenatant but unforgiven and yet saved but also damned! This mystery group of people is what we as LDS call the Telestial and Terrestrial Kingdom groups of people. What is so interesting in our doctrine about these two groups is that we teach that they are saved from the devils grasp without obedience to the gospel and at the same time (although in another breath) teach that it is impossible to be saved from satan's everlasting grasp without strict obedience to the laws and ordinances of the gospel.

The bottom line is- I believe on very careful scrutiny of our scriptures that there is no such mystery group. It doesn't exist, it cannot possibly exist. To do so goes against every principle of the saving gospel and doctrine of Jesus Christ found in every book of our scriptures including the Testamony of Jesus Christ himself! There is no reading between the lines. "All people" will either perish in their sins in outer darkness, or be saved through obedience to the laws and ordinances of the gospel and be able to enjoy eternal life back in our heavenly fathers presence within his heavenly kingdom!

Though this may seem like a strange doctrine, it is the very foundation of the LDS faith. Have we waivered from that foundation? Maybe so, maybe not, it is not my call as a servant under the prophet to make. But do try to understand that every word I have wrote in this post is supported by scripture and is very sound. May God bless you too with the intellect to read and understand!

The "True" Gospel of Christ: Discerning Doctrine!

2007-01-19T08:33:00.000-07:00

There has been much talk across the blogs lately on what doctrine is and what it is not. My focus with this post is to identify what is the true doctrine of Christ and what maybe is not the true doctrine of Christ. Short of spelling it out though, I will let you decide.

We know that gospel means "good news". So the gospel of Christ is the good news of Christ. And what is that good news? That he came into the world to bear the sins of the world on all those who believe on his name that they might live eternally with him. All other doctrine in the church hinges off of this doctrine. The Book of Mormon contains the "fulness of the gospel of Jesus Christ" (D&C 20:9, JS-H 1:34). This to me means that in the pages of the Book of Mormon, we can find the fulness of his gospel. We can find the things that save us or damn us- it is that simple. All other doctrine hinges off of it. Hinging doctrines include recent revelations such as D&C 138 concerning the gospel being preached to the dead. The dead are taught the same exact gospel over there as we are taught here.

Let us now examine what is the true gospel of Jesus Christ. It is found in 3 Nephi 27. The 12 Apostles were struggling to know by which name they should call the church. Christ appeared and gave a simple but perfect set of instructions that included a summary in it's fulness of his gospel. Let's start in verses 5-6.

5 Have they not read the scriptures, which say ye must take upon you the name of Christ, which is my name? For by this name shall ye be called at the last day;
6 And whoso taketh upon him my name, and endureth to the end, the same shall be saved at the last day.
(Book of Mormon 3 Nephi 27:5 - 6)

Here we are told that the Church must be called by his name. He also tells them that whoso takes upon his name and endureth to the end shall be saved at the last day. So now we have the foundation of his doctrine- we must take upon us his name. But how do we do this? Let us read further-

16 And it shall come to pass, that whoso repenteth and is baptized in my name shall be filled; and if he endureth to the end, behold, him will I hold guiltless before my Father at that day when I shall stand to judge the world.
(Book of Mormon 3 Nephi 27:16)

Here we are taught that taking on his name requires repentance and baptism, and then endurence to the end (last judgment). If we do this we have the promise that we shall be held guiltless before the Father at that great last day of judgment. So then what happens if we refuse to repent and be baptized in order to take upon his name? Read further-

17 And he that endureth not unto the end, the same is he that is also hewn down and cast into the fire, from whence they can no more return, because of the justice of the Father.
18 And this is the word which he hath given unto the children of men. And for this cause he fulfilleth the words which he hath given, and he lieth not, but fulfilleth all his words.
19 And no unclean thing can enter into his kingdom; therefore nothing entereth into his rest save it be those who have washed their garments in my blood, because of their faith, and the repentance of all their sins, and their faithfulness unto the end.
20 Now this is the commandment: 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, that ye may stand spotless before me at the last day.
(Book of Mormon 3 Nephi 27:17 - 20)

If we do not repent and get baptized, then we are hewn down and cast into the fire. This fire is the second death which befalls the devil and his angels. This summarized doctrine is the gospel of Christ in it's fulness! All other doctrine can be judged against this doctrine, and all either stands or falls against these words that Christ himself spoke of. This leads us into modern times where we have added doctrines that may not stand up under careful scrutiny against Christ's gospel. One of these added doctrines is that man can be saved from being hewn down into the fire without obedience to Christ's gospel- that of repentance and baptism. We sometimes call these people Telestial or evn Terrestrial heirs. We say this because everyone knows that when a person is baptized, they are born again "into" the Celestial Kingdom. Some even say that when we get baptized, we are initiated into the Celestial Kingdom.

So how is it then that a person can be saved from the second death if they obey not the gospel of Christ? They can't, it's that simple! A person "must obey" the gospel in it's fulness. By fulness I am talking about being found "spotless". Even in section 138 of the D&C we are taught that even the wicked and rebellious in spirit prison must repent and be baptized- even if they rejected it in mortality. Here then is the answer fulfilled- if one repents and is born again, whether here or in death, he becomes again a son or daughter of God and is entitled to all the blessings that God grants to those who hear and obey his voice!

So is it a true doctrine of Christ concerning those who are saved from eternal death without repentance and baptism? It certainly can't be a true doctrine of Jesus Christ. Otherwise either Christ is not telling the truth, or the Book of Mormon really does not contain the saving gospel of Christ in it's fulness. What do you think?

The "Saving" Ordinances of the Gospel

2007-01-14T13:11:00.000-07:00

To be "saved". That is what we as mankind are after. What is it though that we are "saved" from? I have discussed this on previous posts and I want to go into one more aspect of it here. We know that there are two things we can be saved from- they are the physical and spiritual aliments that beset our doom. One is physical death and the other is spiritual- spiritual death. If you can imagine that our spirits have a clothing so to speak, the clothing is what we are. We call these our "garments", our spiritual or mental "baggadge". When we sin, our garments become spotted- they become dirty and filthy. Filthiness on clothes is a symbol of being unclean. Imagine a surgeon going in to the operating room with bread crumbs and ketchup stains all down the front of his outfit, would you want that person operating on you? We would say that he is unclean and not fit for the task at hand.

This is the same way that sins appear to others, especially god and ourselves. It creates a guilt and a remorse of conscious, knowing that we are unclean for that which is at hand. In the scriptures, it talks about obedience to the "saving" ordinances that enable our "garments" to be "cleansed" in and through the blood of Christ. This cleansing brings about the ultimate ability to "enter into the rest" of the Lord. The rest of the Lord is the feeling and knowledge that our spiritual baggadge has been cleansed or erased from the consciousness of ourselves and the Lord. It is a "remission" of one's sins. Would there be anything more horrible than to spend an extremely long time or even eternity in a state of guilt and sorrow? It would be a most overwhelming feeling of doom, an "endless torment" on the mind. Yea, it would be hell!

So if we want to rid ourselves of bad eternal baggadge which is sin, all we have to do is look to Christ and live. By "looking" we do. This means that upon looking at God's ways and believeing in them we do. We have faith and repent and are baptized as an outward sign to God that we are willing to subject ourselves to "all" that God commands us to do. Not because we have to, but because we will then want to! As we do this, our sins are forgiven us. This means that the Holy ghost is made to manifest the truthfulness in our spirits of the peace that comes to the repentant. This process erases or cleanses our stains from our garments until we are holy and pure and have become new again to the Lord. We then are found "spotless" before the judgement seat of Christ at the great and last day. This is what we strive for ourselves- this pure state of cleanliness. Anything less than this would cause that endless torment that befalls the unrepentant which is as a "lake of fire and brimstone".

The blessing of having a "white raiment" is the blessing given only the faithful who repent and hold out to the end (the last great day of judgment). They have the priveledge of having their names retained in the "book of life". This book is also called the "book of the names of the sanctified"(D&C 88:2), meaning that they have been cleansed and "set apart" from the unclean or unworthy. They have changed from a "filthy state" to a "saved" state having their garments washed from all stain in and through the blood of Christ who has come into the world to redeem men "from their sins" (Alma 5:21). The white raiment will only be given to those who enter into the holy city- the heavenly city- the Celestial Kingdom of heaven! Remember this is the key, for he who is not found to have the white raiment, must perish in his sins being clothed in all manner of wickedness that testifies to all of his unrepentant state. He has yeilded himself to become the subject of the devil.

Moses 6:59-62 tells us quite profoundly that we must be born again "into the kingdom of heaven". This means that we must be baptized into the Celestial Kingdom of God and be cleansed from our filthy states through the blood of Christ in order to be sanctified from all sin. This is the "plan of salvation to all men"(verse 62). This means that this is the "only" plan for "all" men, both alive and dead. If we want salvation unto eternal life- which truly is never ending life in the Celestial Kingdom of god, we must repent and be obedient to the "saving" ordinances of the gospel. There is no other way, no other name given whereby salvation cometh!(Mosiah 5:7-8). Neither is there any other "kind" of salvation. (Mosiah 4:8)

The "Meek" Shall Inherit The Earth!

2007-01-07T13:39:00.000-07:00

In the scriptures, we are told that the "meek" shall inherit the earth. What does this mean though? Who are the meek? Are they some elite group of super beings? It can sound as if this gift of inheritance may come to very few indeed! This topic was brought up in one of my previous posts a few days ago, and since then, it has striked deeply into my thoughts and reflections. Will there be few indeed who inherit the earth then, or will it be a great number of souls? In the past up until this point I have always figured the "meek" to be just one of several different groups who end up inheriting the earth. What I have come to find out though is that this word means way more than I thought it did and that this group who are "meek" are the "only ones" who inherit the earth in eternity.

Let's first start with a scripture. In 3 Nephi chaper 12 Christ is expanding to the Nephite/ Lamanite population in the Americas after his resurrection the sermon on the mount that he gave back in Jerusalem days. In verse 5 he gives us this familiar line-

5 And blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth.
(Book of Mormon 3 Nephi 12:5)

Who then are the meek? Or even, what does it mean to be meek? Let's read further. In Mosiah we have these words-

18 For behold he judgeth, and his judgment is just; and the infant perisheth not that dieth in his infancy; but men drink damnation to their own souls except they humble themselves and become as little children, and believe that salvation was, and is, and is to come, in and through the atoning blood of Christ, the Lord Omnipotent.
19 For the natural man is an enemy to God, and has been from the fall of Adam, and will be, forever and ever, unless he yields to the enticings of the Holy Spirit, and putteth off the natural man and becometh a saint through the atonement of Christ the Lord, and becometh as a child, submissive, meek, humble, patient, full of love, willing to submit to all things which the Lord seeth fit to inflict upon him, even as a child doth submit to his father.
(Book of Mormon Mosiah 3:18 - 19)

There are several good points here to bring up. In a sense we can say that they are the opposite of being meek. Let's list them here, they are-1. the natural man, and 2. enemies to god. What is the natural man? The natural man is a person who is driven off of his own carnal passions and desires who lives in a life of sin. This type of man is obviously an enemy to god because as of yet he has not "yeilded unto the enticings of the holy spirit". Instead he has yeilded himself unto the enticings of the evil one which has the power to captivate and lead one down to destruction both temporally and spiritually.

It also speaks that we must become as "little children" who are willing to submit to "all things" that their father wishes upon them. Becoming meek is more of an action word because it denotes the physical actions and thoughts of the righteous. Let's look at another set of scriptures. These are found in Alma-

27 And now, my brethren, I wish from the inmost part of my heart, yea, with great anxiety even unto pain, that ye would hearken unto my words, and cast off your sins, and not procrastinate the day of your repentance;
28 But that ye would humble yourselves before the Lord, and call on his holy name, and watch and pray continually, that ye may not be tempted above that which ye can bear, and thus be led by the Holy Spirit, becoming humble, meek, submissive, patient, full of love and all long-suffering;
29 Having faith on the Lord; having a hope that ye shall receive eternal life; having the love of God always in your hearts, that ye may be lifted up at the last day and enter into his rest.
30 And may the Lord grant unto you repentance, that ye may not bring down his wrath upon you, that ye may not be bound down by the chains of hell, that ye may not suffer the second death.
(Book of Mormon Alma 13:27 - 30)

Here we are beginning to be unfolded a wonderful and yet terrifying doctrine. Wonderful in that it plainly speaks of how we can receive eternal life- peace in this life and peace in the world to come. Terrifying though to the wicked who repent not and become not "meek" and thus being bound down with everlasting chains to suffer the second death! This might be a strange doctrine for us though to think that "all" must become meek or thus be cast off! Let's look some more to see if this doctrine holds up. Turning now to chapter 37 of Alma we find-

33 Preach unto them repentance, and faith on the Lord Jesus Christ; teach them to humble themselves and to be meek and lowly in heart; teach them to withstand every temptation of the devil, with their faith on the Lord Jesus Christ.
34 Teach them to never be weary of good works, but to be meek and lowly in heart; for such shall find rest to their souls.
(Book of Mormon Alma 37:33 - 34)

Once again we find the "type" of actions denoting the "meek". They are repentance, faith on the Lord Jesus Christ, able to withsatnd the devil's temptations. The "meek" here are only those who find "rest to their souls". What does this mean though? To find rest is the same as "entering into the rest of the Lord", these are they who eternally are brought to heaven. The wicked in hell are those who find not rest for their souls. The wicked always lie in restless anxiety which is their torment, in fear of the judgment of the almighty God! Let's finally look in one last book in the scriptures to futher this line of thought. It is in Moroni chapters 7 and 8, let's read-

43 And again, behold I say unto you that he cannot have faith and hope, save he shall be meek, and lowly of heart.
44 If so, his faith and hope is vain, for none is acceptable before God, save the meek and lowly in heart; and if a man be meek and lowly in heart, and confesses by the power of the Holy Ghost that Jesus is the Christ, he must needs have charity; for if he have not charity he is nothing; wherefore he must needs have charity.
(Book of Mormon Moroni 7:43 - 44)

26 And the remission of sins bringeth meekness, and lowliness of heart; and because of meekness and lowliness of heart cometh the visitation of the Holy Ghost, which Comforter filleth with hope and perfect love, which love endureth by diligence unto prayer, until the end shall come, when all the saints shall dwell with God.
(Book of Mormon Moroni 8:26)

These last scriptures are without a doubt the most powerful scriptures on the subject in my opinion. A person cannot have faith or hope without meekness! A person also cannot be "acceptable" before god without being "meek". He is also considered "nothing" if he has not this abiding in him. In verse 26 we are told that the "remission of sins bringeth meekness". This tells me that all those who god saves are only the "meek" because only those who have been forgiven by Christ through his atonement receive a remission of their sins, all the rest (the filthy) are cast out to suffer the second death. The last point to bring up here is that meekness is equated with becoming a "saint", and only the saints (the righteous) dwell with god in heaven, while those who are not saints are the wicked and are cast out!

Truly it is then that only the "meek" shall inherit the earth and that if we are found not to have this trait at the last and great day of judgment, then we are "an enemy" of god and subseqentually "cast off" into outer darkness with the devil and his angels!

Millennium Mysteries!

2007-01-05T21:41:00.000-07:00

The millennial reign of Christ is almost upon us, even at our very doorstep and knocking. The millennium will be a fun time on the earth where everything we always wanted in society will come to pass. But there are some mysteries to it that we may have overlooked. The first one to mention is that of good old "time"!

When Christ comes again, the earth will be moved from it's location to a new one, where, we are not sure. One of the little mysteries overlooked with this is that "time" will be no more, read D&C 84:100, D&C 88:110! But how can this be? Especially in light of people will still age, (D&C 101:30) and then of coarse- it is a 1000 year period. What we have is that our reckoning of time, "relativity", so to speak will be different. According to Abraham, planets give their time in revolutions in relationship to other spacial objects like a sun or moon (Abraham 3:4). Now suppose that when our earth is moved out of it's current solar system, and we then have a new one, incorporating a new heaven, that we make only one orbital rotation around a new sun and that it takes a thousand years to do so. What we end up with is an earth that never gets dark to it's inhabitants. It is always daytime and the sun is always in the same spot. The thousand year period really will only be one day (one spherical revolution in it's orbit around the sun) Because of this phenomenon, peolpe will still age, clocks will still rotate and things will grow old, but our reckoning of time according to how the gods measure time, will be at a standstill!

The second mystery to discuss is what exactly is happening in the spirit world during this period. The wicked will be locked up (see D&C 88:101) and the spirits in paradise will of been resurrected. There might not be very much happening in the spirit world. In our gospel we teach that the great missionary work will continue in the spirit prison throughout the millenium. I am not so sure about that. According to D&C 88:99, 43:29-30 all those who have accepted the gospel in the spirit prison will be resurrected at Christ's second coming and reign with him on the earth for the thousand years. There will also be no point in having spirits in paradise to welcome the dead as there will be no more death as we know it and no passing over to the other side to await our resurrection. So if there are no spirits in paradise (all righteous resurrected at this point) and no more spirits to be reclaimed from spirit prison, (the rest are the unrepentant)then all will literally reign on the earth for the 1000 years in the physical sense, won't they?

The last mystery to discuss stems from the last and deals with resurrection itself. Will people who are resurrected before and at Christ's coming, have to of already had their temple work done in proxy for them in order to be resurrected (this could take an extremely long time sorting things out and doing the work)? Or will all be resurrected as it states in the last topic iregardless of whether the actual work has been done for them by proxy, even though their proxy work will still have to be done at a future point? Another mystery dealing with resurrection is what change comes to those who are living on the earth at the time of his coming? In the scriptures it states that they will be "quickened" and caught up to meet him (D&C 88:96). What does this "quickening" do? Is it a change from a telestial body to a terrestrial body? Or is it just a spiritual change? Or is it a type of resurrection? According to D&C 88:26, a quickening, or to be quickened is a renewal (see footnote). So will our bodies be renewed at that time if we are alive? And if so, how would a "renewal" be different than a "resurrected" body, or are they the same? Also read verses 28-32 of this same section that identifies what "quickened" might mean.

Well, that is all for now, happy studying!

The Resurrection of the Just and the Unjust

2007-01-03T12:50:00.000-07:00

In scripture, it talks of there being two general resurrections- the just, and the unjust. This language is also synonymous with the resurrection unto life, and the resurrection unto damnation. All those who have part in the first resurrection are found on the right hand of god and receive eternal life (Mosiah 18:9). All of these individuals get to reign with Christ on the earth during the thousand years.

The resurrection of the unjust, or the second resurrection, includes all of the wicked who would not repent and believe in Christ. This is called the last resurrection and will not occur until Christ has finished saving all that can be saved and justified through his atonement. After Christ has finished his work saving all that can be saved, the last resurrection begins. This last resurrection is a resurrection of damnation meaning that all of these unjust souls will not be fit for the Kingdom of god and will be cast out. These souls are the Sons of Perdition.

Too often we confuse the language and say that there will be some whom Christ saves from the devil who come forth in the resurrection of the damned! What a contradiction that truly is! How can an unjust person be saved from the devil? He cannot! Justice demands that he is cast out with the devil because he refused to repent and become justified through Christ by taking on his name. If a soul is saved from the devil, it is because of obedience to the gospel. Obedience to the gospel leads to the right hand of god which means that he has eternal life. Eternal life is only granted to the ones who Christ saves through his atoning sacrafice who have believed and repented of "all" their sins.

So remember- the resurrection of the just, or the first resurrection is reserved for the "saved", while the second resurrection, the unjust, is reserved entirely for the Sons of Perdition who inherit damnation in hell!

The Great Suffering of the "Second Death"

2006-12-31T17:13:00.000-07:00

In recent discussions, it has been brought up that there seems to be an apparent misunderstanding of when the "second death" occurs and who partakes of this "second death". It has been suggested that the suffering of souls as is mentioned of in section 19:5-12 of the Doctrine and Covenants refers to the spirits in prison during the millennium and the suffering during this time is for those who "have their part" in the second death. I believe this doctrine to be untrue!

I believe that the second death only occurs after final judgment, and only is passed upon the sons of perdition- the devil and his angels. In order for man to be consigned to the "second death", which is a spiritual death, he must first be reclaimed or redeemed from the first spiritual death. The first spiritual death befalls all men and women who become accountable before God and then sin. This personal sin is called man's personal and individual spiritual fall resulting in a spiritual death from God. In the Book of Mormon in Helamen 14:16-19, Samuel the Lamanite tells us of the meaning of the first and second death and the distinction between the two-

16 Yea, behold, this death bringeth to pass the resurrection, and redeemeth all mankind from the first death—that spiritual death; for all mankind, by the fall of Adam being cut off from the presence of the Lord, are considered as dead, both as to things temporal and to things spiritual.
17 But behold, the resurrection of Christ redeemeth mankind, yea, even all mankind, and bringeth them back into the presence of the Lord.
18 Yea, and it bringeth to pass the condition of repentance, that whosoever repenteth the same is not hewn down and cast into the fire; but whosoever repenteth not is hewn down and cast into the fire; and there cometh upon them again a spiritual death, yea, a second death, for they are cut off again as to things pertaining to righteousness.
19 Therefore repent ye, repent ye, lest by knowing these things and not doing them ye shall suffer yourselves to come under condemnation, and ye are brought down unto this second death.
(Book of Mormon Helaman 14:16 - 19)

These verses are very clear that one must be redeemed by being resurrected and brought forth out of hell before a second judgment can be placed upon their heads. It is also clear that the second death is for the unrepentant at the final judgment. At the last judgment, men will either go into life eternal, or into everlasting punishment(Matthew 25:46). Everlasting punishment is the second death, and the second death does not start until after the resurrection and last judgment. Section 19 refers to this everlasting or "endless punishment" which befalls the unrepentant at final judgment. Section 19 deals with the consequences of remaining in an unrepentant state that is spoken of in Helaman 14:18-19. For these, the second death is pronounced upon their heads as their eternal consignment. They thus become the sons of perdition- this means that because they would not turn to God and hearken unto his voice, they cannot claim him as their father. Instead they have chosen Satan as their father, and they will thus go on to inherit his same misery.

Do not think that God saves the unrepentant after the millennium. Also, do not think that the second death occurs during the millennium and that we can gain hope that eventually the unrepentant might be saved. From the lips of Joseph Smith himself-

"So long as man will not give heed to the commandments, he must abide without salvation. If a man has knowledge, he can be saved; although, if he has been guilty of great sins, he will be punished for them. But when he consents to obey the Gospel, whether here or in the world of spirits, he is saved" (TPJS p.357)

When we talk of being saved in the scriptures, we generally mean that we are "saved" from the second death. Because all will die the first death, and all will be redeemed from this first death, then to be saved really means to us to be saved from everlasting punishment which is the second death!

"Heirs of Salvation"

2006-12-18T22:07:00.000-07:00

The term "heirs of salvation" is mentioned 4 times in the scriptures. It is a catchy little phrase, but what does it mean? Let us break the phrse into it's two parts. What does it mean to be an heir? In the gospel, to be an heir in godly terms is to "have the right to heavenly blessings" One can be an an heir of Godly things only by becoming or being a "son of God". This means that all that God has is ours. In the scriptures we can be "heirs of God", "joint-heirs with Christ", heirs of promise", "heirs to the kingdom of God", & "heirs of salvation". All of these terms resonate with eternal life.

The word salvation is a little more tricky. For different peoples and religions it can mean many different things. It can mean merely "resurrection" to some, while for others it can mea to be saved from Satan and his power. In our religion "salvation" means typically to be saved from both physical and spiritual death. Salvation really only has one meaning in the gospel doctrine aspect- it is the very point of our religion. In our religion we have the catch-all phrase of "the plan of salvation/ redemption". In this plan we begin with our pre-earth life and proceed from there on until we are assigned our reward in heaven or are cast out in the end.

Salvation in it's true sense means to be brought back into God's presence to live eternally with him in his kingdom. Salvation is the greatest gift God can bestow upon us. For without salvation, all of our good works avail us nothing. There is also no salvation outside of God's Kingdom in heaven. To have eternal salvation means that you will have an inheritance in the Celestial Kingdom of God.

In past post's of mine, I have tried diligently to define what salvation is and what it isn't. For instance, salvation is not being saved into a glorious kingdom outside of family ties. There is no eternal salvation if one is not saved into his eternal family! There is also no salvation for a soul who does not enjoy the eternal and literal physical presence of both the Father and Son in and throughout eternity. These are very brute statements, but they are nevertheless true statements. In our religion, the Kingdom of Heaven is the Celestial Kingdom. There is no salvation outside of the Kingdom of Heaven. Only the righteous have access to salvation. The wicked are consigned to damnation in hell. Those who receive salvation, receive eternal life while those who fail to reap salvation inherit the second death which is eternal death in outer darkness.

To sum up, To be "heirs of salvation", we must become "born again", changed from our evil and carnal manners and become sons and daughters of God. As we do this, either here or in the spirit world, we become heirs of salvation which enables us our right to the Celestial Kingdom of heaven. In the Telestial Kingdom in which we now live in, we can have the right to the ministering of angels and spirits through obedience to God's laws. This is made manifest in the power and gift of the Holy Ghost who now miniters in this the Telestial world.

Saved into Damnation?

2006-12-15T12:25:00.000-07:00

This is a rehash of an earlier post of mine to discuss a little paradox we have in our gospel. Growing up in the church had it's wonderful moments of inspiration and joy, but along with these most wonderful blessings was this black darkness which I could see gathering. It seemed as if it were a spirit of gloom or one of deceit and lies. I was twelve years old, living in West Kearns Utah and riding my bike one day to my favorite jumping spots when it really hit me. I had this silly notion that the Millenium was all there really was to heaven and once the thousand years were over that was the end! Now of coarse this is not really the case, but so much of my upbringing in the church focused on preparing ourselves for the Millennial era that it must of skipped my mind that there was something far greater laying ahead.

Anyway, this thought process of mine soon led to many unanswered questions about who Christ is able to save and who he isn't able to save. Continuing on in regular meeting attendnace as a young adult, these questions began to be more and more pressing upon my mind, although they had yet to really materialize in to real questions about contradictions in the gospel. Fast forward 20 years now, and these questions have materialized. Because I fell away from the church for a period of about 10 years and fell into many grevious sins and errors, I came to have an understanding of what non-members feel in their search for happiness. There was a point in the ten year falling away that I was totally convinced that the church was wrong, even though I still called upon others for their priesthood power and authority to bless my son and myself, (go figure) anyway what this all taught me was that people for the most part as a whole want to do good, they want to please their heavenly Father no matter what walk of life they come from. The problem with this thought though is that same thought I had as a youth, namely- I have been taught that there will be very few who accept the gospel and make it to the Celestial Kingdom. But yet, many will still be saved outside of that kingdom from Satan's powers living in non-family relationships.

This is the age old grandfathered saying in the church of being "saved into damnation". Past prophets and apostles have taught this doctrine of being damned if one doesn't reach the Celestial Kingdom even though they will still be saved from the damnation of hell. Many books and manuals published by the church have tried to address this problem and what has come from it is the teaching of "Celestial Kingdom or bust". We have even gone so far as to even give different meanings at times for words like "salvation" and "damnation" in order to fit our current understandings of the plan. Can a person be saved and damned at the same time? No, absolutely not according to the scriptures! The reason being that if one is "saved", he is saved from "being damned". The same goes the other way- if one is damned, he is not in a saved state from that damnation. So what does damnation mean then? It literally means according to scripture- to be condemned to/ or the current state of, the souls in hell. So is it taught then at times that the two lower kingdoms are thus damantion because they are in a sense "hell"? Yes, I am afraid so.

So why do we have this doctrine then? It is because it stems from errors in the interpretation of the whole line upon line precept of gaining knowledge pertainig to godliness. These errors just haven't been corrected yet is all.

So in looking back over the vastness of humanity and thinking about how many of them will really make the Celestial Kingdom, I tend to be a little more optimistic. I think that when it all boils down to a choice of either repenting and being saved into the Kingdom of God, or being cast out for unrepentance, then there will be very very few indeed that choose not to live with their families and be part of the heavenly society- instead they will like Satan more than God and the Devil will be their father becoming sons of perdition. I leave you with some scriptures to ponder over, and maybe you too will see the true picture that I paint.-

23 Therefore, blessed are they who will repent and hearken unto the voice of the Lord their God; for these are they that shall be saved.
24 And may God grant, in his great fulness, that men might be brought unto repentance and good works, that they might be restored unto grace for grace, according to their works.
25 And I would that all men might be saved. But we read that in the great and last day there are some who shall be cast out, yea, who shall be cast off from the presence of the Lord;
26 Yea, who shall be consigned to a state of endless misery, fulfilling the words which say: They that have done good shall have everlasting life; and they that have done evil shall have everlasting damnation. And thus it is. Amen.
(Book of Mormon Helaman 12:23 - 26)

43 And thus did I, the Lord God, appoint unto man the days of his probation—that by his natural death he might be raised in immortality unto eternal life, even as many as would believe;
44 And they that believe not unto eternal damnation; for they cannot be redeemed from their spiritual fall, because they repent not;
45 For they love darkness rather than light, and their deeds are evil, and they receive their wages of whom they list to obey.
(Doctrine and Covenants Section 29:43 - 45)

Is our Temple Work Vain?

2006-12-04T13:17:00.000-07:00

Is our temple work done mostly in vain? We have been taught that temple work is for the Celestial Kingdom. We have also taught that the vast majority of men that have ever lived will not enjoy Celestial glory. So this produces the thoughts of doing work in vain. We want to think though that the work we are doing for our dead will actually mean something to them, that they will actually benefit from the work. So where do we really stand on these doctrines?

I believe that these doctrines are just man's opinions. How many will accept their temple proxy work in the spirit world? I believe the vast majority of them will accept their work and show obedience to the laws and covenants made. But does this mean that they will then enjoy Celestial splendor someday then? Yes I believe so! The Celestial Kingdom in my opinion is heaven and in the end only heaven and hell will exist. Where will be men be found then in the end? I believe they will either be found in the Celestial Kingdom or in outer darkness with the devil. Is this sound doctrine, especially in light of the revelation of various kingdoms of glory? I believe it is! Tell me what you think.

Ordinances and Kingdoms

2006-12-02T00:21:00.000-07:00

I have recently come to some conclusions in my though process that have led me to some deep pondering. If you haven't kept track of my recent posts on salvation, there have been some deep questions that arise from our unique plan of salvation.

There are actually two plans of salvation in our doctrine. I always find it interesting when we make our unique diagrams in church on the blackboard with the pre-earth, mortaility, spirit world and finally assignment to kingdoms of glory or cast out. The other plan of salvation that is less understood and takes on more of a traditional Christian view has everything the same except for when it comes to assignment at judgement. At this point we are either saved in heaven or cast out to hell. I would say that this latter plan is hardly ever drawn up in LDS gospel doctrine classes throughout the world.

All of this got me to thinking recently about the great mysteries of the two lower kingdoms of glory. This brings up ordinances. Why? Because if you think about it, all of our ordinances of salvation are based on Celestial principles. In fact, there is no ordinance in our church that saves you into one of the two lower kingdoms of glory. The very first ordinance you can make, baptism, takes you from the devils grasp and power into Celestial principles. We constantly hear from the scriptures that man can only be saved by baptism, and yet to be saved is to be saved into God's Celestial kingdom.

If man can be saved into one of the lower kingdoms, what might be the ordinance for admittance? It surely can't be repentance and baptism can they? Or maybe, there is more to meet the eye than we can see.

What if, and this is purely hypothetical, we are as the temple states, currently in the Telestial Kingdom! You see, if this is true, then ordinances truly have more to do with the Celestial realm than the lesser two kingdoms. I drew a diagram for my father a while back because he did not quite understand. It was a very simple diagram and you can make it yourself to ponder over. Can it really be as simple as drawing a diagram? I believe so, heres how-

On a paper draw an hourglass. On the top write Celestial kingdom. On the bottom write lost state. In the very middle where the neck is draw a line from one side to the other and label this as the gate of baptism. Now sit back and look at your marvelous artistry and you will notice that it is nothing more than what our scriptures repeat over and over again. The truth of it lies in the fact that if we are accountable but not baptised we are in a lost state and within the devils grasp eternally. But as soon as we find that gate and enter it, we enter the Celestial realm or more naturally, the "Kingdom of God". Now we can eneter this kingdom wheather we live now in this Telestial kingdom through baptism and further obedience, and in the next phase- the Terrestial kingdom. Have you ever heard the phrase that "we are in the Kingdom (kingdom of God) already", It is true, we are already in the Kingdom of God now set up on this earth even though this earth right now is the Telestial Kingdom.

Think about it. tell me what you think.

Too Radical for Blogger of Jared!

2006-11-23T10:18:00.000-07:00

I guess my short-lived life as a guest blogger is over at the Blogger of Jared. I guess I was a little too radical for them. The part that makes me mad is that they invited me on and before I agreed, I said this- "I would be interested in that offer. I do get somewhat radical though in my views of things just to make awares." Ryan wrote back and said they were good with radicalism. In my introduction they even equated me with Colmes from the Hannity & Colmes show, even though they were kidding- they were serious. I even stated that I might jump in with a bang on my first post and everyone was looking forward to my first post.

So that is what I did, I jumped right in and told of a plausible theory on the location of the lost ten tribes and because of the replys that followed they felt that I was too radical and ended my shortlived life as a guest blogger there. I feel that I have been used and not treated right. I am glad I have this blog where no-one can go willy nilly kicking people off at their own free will! I no longer will agree to post for other peoples blogs. I was really looking forward to posting before a larger audience and over at the BoJ my first post generated quite a bit of feedback, it even opened the door for some people to view things different. Seems like the BoJ just want to run and hide if things get too radical though. I guess it is their loss!

Goal Setting and the Celestial Kingdom

2006-11-20T12:35:00.000-07:00

The word "goal" is a very unique word. In this post's context, we will use the definition of- an objective or result or achievement towards which effort or aim is directed at. In salvation terms we look at our objective here on the earth as- 1. gaining a physical body. 2. performing ordinances necessary to salvation. 3. perfecting ourselves through the laws until we are able to return back to Heavenly Fathers presence.

There is indeed much we need to do to achieve our goals while in this life. Now comes the pertinent question. Are these goals we make actually the same goals that Father in Heaven has in his overall plan? Before you answer, think about this. We know that it is Heavenly Fathers plan for his children to be able to bring to pass the immortality and eternal life of each one except for perdition. We also know that the vast majority of those who have walked the earth have done so without much of a knowledge of the plan. Many billions of people have literally died in their sins not knowing the truth. Have they not met the goals set up for them? Now answer the quetion of if our Father in heaven has a much broader goal and perspective than us.

Does God fail in his plan? Absolutely not. In fact, his plan is going exactly as planned for each one of his children. You see, I believe that God's main objective in this life is for us to gain a body and then experience mortality. Some of us through our faithfulness and chance enter into the proper path of salvation in mortality, while the vast majority go the way of the world not really finding the true path. This is what it means when it says that there are few who find the path. Is this part of God's plan? Under the extreme circumstances, yes this is exactly what God knew would happen and all is going as planned to bring out his purpose in us.

You see, if we only had this short life to perform all of the necessary ordinances and then live up to each one, we would all fail miserably. It is just too much work to be done and judged for in such a small time frame. As part of God's objectives, he has designed a plan that allows us to learn and progress line upon line, precept along precept without losing sight of our end goal. He does this also in a way where it is indeed hard to get discouraged of what might to us be perceived as an unreachable goal. He does this through not allowing us to see these endpoint objectives all at once- it is just too much to comprehend. Instead he allows us to see what we know we are capable of achieving. Once we reach that objective he let's us see just a little more.

This life is just way too short to try to perfect all of our little sin issues and be pronounced perfect upon our arrival of mortal death. We do not even know when that great event will happen. For some it is short and others it is long, but we should not view it as some have more of a chance than others. This life is just the beginning of a lot of work that continues into the next life and before we are admitted back into the presence of God. The temple shows us God's plan of salvation.

This plan as divinely taught, allows us to gain a body and learn to control it in the Telestial Kingdom where we learn from promptings of the holy ghost. After this trial comes death and our journey through the spirit world. We are then allowed into the Terrestrial Kingdom where we learn how to perfect ourselves and our family relationships. After that trial we are then able to return back to heavenly Fathers presence with a full knowledge of the plan and it's effects, having benefitted from them thus far.

So next time you hear of this life as being the final test, tell yourself that it is not true and that this life is just another step in our pathway towards perfection. This does not mean that we should waste away our mortal probation, it just means that everyone (except perdition of coarse) has to find the gate and then enter the path at some point. The quicker we can find that gate and path the better. It will just take longer than this mere lifetime to endure to the end of the path to find the holy city (Celestail Kingdom) and gain admittance therein. Don't shoot yourself in the foot by setting unreachable goals in this lifetime is what I am really saying, and don't marvel anymore how the vast majority might never find the Celestial Kingdom as everyone except perdition will eventually find the Celestial Kingdom and live once again in Fathers presence fulfilling God's objectives!

LDS underground Conspiracies and the Gadianton Robbers

2006-11-12T23:10:00.000-07:00

I don't know about you, but there seems to be an awful lot of talking circulating around the church in kind of an underground form. This talking has to deal with the last days and the destruction of America. Visions and dreams abound making claims of "tent cities" in the mountains where the LDS elect live to escape the communistic takeover of our country by this great and grand conspiracy.

I call it an "underground movement" becaus that is exactly what it is. It is not revelation that is coming down from the Brethren in Salt Lake City. This group of people have produced books such as by Roger K. Young like - "As A Thief in the Night". I own a copy of the book and have read through it several times. There are many good points about the last days and such but that is not what troubles me. What troubles me is that there is this underground movement within the church claiming divine revelation on the destruction and over-rule of this country.

This month my home teachers came over and gave me a bunch of material on this underground movement. They brought it as their lesson to which I gave notice as I like to be up on all of the strange and debateable topics in the church. What was strange though about this is I got this really strange feeling about this movement in our church. It was almost as if I got the inspiration that this information of being taken over by the United Nations, The Chinese, North Koreans etc.. and there forming tent cities where we are forced to receive the mark of the beast and such etc.., was part of Satan's work itself to slow down or derail the elect into the whole "rumors (lies) of wars" theme.

Think of it this way- We are told of secret combinations over and over again in the BoM and how they will be prevailant in our society and across the world. We are also taught about the Gadianton Robbers and how they proved the entire destruction of the Nephites and how this same secret combination will be in our day also. I do believe that this secret society has been established here and all over the world, but I do not believe that it is an organized global conspiracy which is mostly bent on taking over America. This seems utterly ridiculous! Let me explain further-

When we talk of Gadianton Robber types of people, we are mostly talking of organized crime, especially in this country. This is made manifest both in the past present and possibly the future also. These groups sometimes have the ability to take over and run entire nations such as we have seen with the Nazi party, The drug lords of Colombia, The government of Mexico etc... Mostly though these Gadianton type of people are more like large gangs and the Mafia. One of the main characteristics of this group is having secret alliances, secret hideouts, & secter oaths. The fruits of their works though are plainly manifest being slavery, robbery, lying, and murder.

These smaller groups which mostly are found as cells within larger cities are in our day called terrorists and guerillas who mainly remain a mystery. Bin Laden is the perfect example of a Gadianton Robber. Think about this- His work in bringing fear to us free citizens with his works of murder and secrecy has done more to undermine freedom and stability than a whole army of Japanese during WW2 (although they too were lead into war in a combination of secret oaths which constitues them also as Gadiantons). The point I am trying to make is that the groups we have to be on the lookout in our country is not commy Russians or the Chinese spies, it is more of the organized crime groups like those who operate in Florida and Nevada which have somewhat of a control in government.

Two or three bad government officials who are paid to keep their mouths shut is way more effective for Satan than trying to over-run an entire Nation in a long drawn out war where the whole communistic Nations of the world ban together and destroy America. Why would God even allow such? Especially when he has delivered us out of the hands of all other Nations. We are truly a free society! Why would the wrath of God fall on us to our very destruction of Government infastructure? This is a golden age where the Lord's work is progressing faster than ever with new Temples and church houses springing up faster than ever before. The internet and computer technology is doing more for family history than the mind can even comprehend.

So why would God allow all of his holy work to stop dead in it's tracks while we get taken over by communistic and social rule? He will not! He will not! He will not! The belief that this country is ripe for destruction by the hands of evil and global communistic groups is to deny the very counsel of the Prophet and Brethren in SLC. Sure, they have counseled us to vote and to keep a food storage but this is not in preparation for the impending doom prophesied by these LDS undergrounders in the which we will have to pack up and move to the mountains and live in tent cities until the commys no longer have power over our lands.

I believe that we should be aware of priestcrafts and secret combinations in our society and government but not self preach and exhort our fellow brothers and sisters that we need to be prepared for the atomic holocaust and destruction by communistic powers within the next few years. This underground movement of conspiracy lacks faith in God! Faith that we (America)truly have been delivered out of all nations by the shedding of blood and that it is us as Americans with our Constitution that is the banner and Ensign to the world of freedom and agency to mankind that Satan and his works will and must be destroyed! I leave with some remarkable scriptures-

6 Wherefore, I, Lehi, prophesy according to the workings of the Spirit which is in me, that there shall none come into this land save they shall be brought by the hand of the Lord.
7 Wherefore, this land is consecrated unto him whom he shall bring. And if it so be that they shall serve him according to the commandments which he hath given, it shall be a land of liberty unto them; wherefore, they shall never be brought down into captivity; if so, it shall be because of iniquity; for if iniquity shall abound cursed shall be the land for their sakes, but unto the righteous it shall be blessed forever.
(Book of Mormon 2 Nephi 1:6 - 7)

77 According to the laws and constitution of the people, which I have suffered to be established, and should be maintained for the rights and protection of all flesh, according to just and holy principles;
78 That every man may act in doctrine and principle pertaining to futurity, according to the moral agency which I have given unto him, that every man may be accountable for his own sins in the day of judgment.
79 Therefore, it is not right that any man should be in bondage one to another.
80 And for this purpose have I established the Constitution of this land, by the hands of wise men whom I raised up unto this very purpose, and redeemed the land by the shedding of blood.
(Doctrine and Covenants Section 101:77 - 80)

The Celestial Clause

2006-11-11T14:25:00.000-07:00

Oh the wonderful life that of the Celestial state. In our doctrine we believe their are certain requirements to our salvation. The first basic requirement is baptism. But does baptism alone get us into the Celestial Kingdom? I hardly would believe so as there are many other covenants made that we must abide by before we can enter that Kingdom. This is what I present in this post as labeled the "Celestial Clause".

The Celestial Clause is the part of the agreement that we enter into that must be obeyed. It is a contract so to speak between us and God. This contract is made up of several covenants that must be fulfilled prior to entrance into the Celestial glory. We often think that baptism is the gateway to the Celestial Kingdom and it is. But more importantly it is just the gateway to the PATH that leads to the Celestial Kingdom. The Celestial Kingdom at the end of the path has a gate on it also so to speak. Along the paths way were many signs that taught new principles and upon completion one could move farther down the path. This path in the Temple is one of endowment and covenants it also leads one through glorious Kingdoms.

Many have misunderstood the meaning of the path and it's signs and have deeply wondered after the signs even to the point of looking off the path's way for other guidance. The problems we have as a religion are those issues where we look not down the narrow pathway but get sidetracked teaching and wondering over false doctrines. You could even say that often we are shooting past the mark. We look at the Temple ceremonies as having this intricite deep gospel that frankly- no one really can explain. Are we looking at other signs? And more importantly. are we overlooking the plain and simple truth of the path?

Once we recognize that it is the Temple that is the path that leads back to God and eternal life, everything fits in place. All of the various parts of the temple ceremony in succession from the washing and annointing until we enter the Celestial Kingdom are the various signs along the path. These various laws, principles and covenants including showing obedience to them are all part of the Celestial Clause. The path towards the Celestial glory takes us through worlds of glory where different laws and covenants are met. This path is more than a mere lifetime though.

We are right now on the path back home. Our current stop is the Telestial Kingdom where we gain our bodies and learn the basics of overcoming temptation and finding the gate that leads to the path. Many in this Kingdom of no consequence of their own die before entering the path and then must learn it in the spirit world. Others who were disobedient must also hear and show obedience to law in the spirit prison.

If we all prove faithful we will be able to progress onwards down the path until we reach our next stop- that of the Terrestrial Kingdom. It is here where we learn to perfect ourselves and all of the principles and laws and covenants we have made. This 1000 year Kingdom is where Christ will reign and teach us how to live Celestial Law or Heavenly law as it is called on the other side. If we live up to all of the elements that are put before us in these two glorious Kingdoms, we can come to the end of the path and before us will be the Heavenly city with twelve gates. This new gate has names written on them and if we find our name written there we can then enter into the Celestial glory having met the agreement of the "Celetial Clause".

This gate we enter into the Celestial glory still leads to other paths that go onward and upward forever. These path's are really nothing more than glory itself.

Let us enter into the path and learn the ways of God so that we can find our way home!

The Identity of the Holy Ghost

2006-11-07T08:31:00.000-07:00

In our gospel the Holy Ghost makes up the third member of the Godhead. The Holy Ghost bears record that the Father and son are true. He also enlightens us and tells us all things that pertain to the Kingdom of God. He can also be our constant companion and guide. This seems like a lot of things to do for one person to say the least.

It was recently brought to my attention that early in the church it was taught that the Godhead was made up of only two personages, the Father and the Son. The Holy Ghost on the other hand was just the mind or will of the Lord and not really considered a separate entity with a divine mission. This is recorded in lecture 5 of "Lectures On Faith". This really got me to thinking about the personal identity of the Holy Ghost.

Come to think of it, the Holy Ghost is the most mysterious of all beings. Think about it, he can be in only one place at a time and yet all over at the same time. What is interesting is that he fits the very definition of mainstream Christianity and it's view while we say it is impossible and yet we believe it too! This view is manifest in that we do not know who, where, or what he really is. This really got the wheels turning in my brain the past few days and I began wondering if there is some real truth to what the lectures on faith said.

Think about it, the Holy Ghost is never specifically mentioned as being seen as a glorified separate but identifiable entity in the scriptures. Even visions where people were carried away in the spirit, it is not revealed. Neither is the Holy Ghost ever viewed as being part of the glorified Celestial Kingdom. In all major visions or appearances, the Holy Ghost is never seen nor mentioned such as is the case with the Father and Son. Even when God descends to earth and brings with him all to reign, this Holy Ghost as a separate being is never mentioned.

Now what I do find very interesting is this thought- Maybe the Holy Ghost is a plural term to define spirits or angels sent from God's presence who carry priesthood powers. These angels/ spirits would thus carry the will of the Father and Son to mankind through holy means that testify to us of the truth. These Holy spirits hold keys of power and enlightenment. This would mean that Holy angels are the Holy Ghost. These same spirits would also carry with them sanctifying powers. The knowledge of this truth being many holy ghosts would also mean that we ourselves through righteousness make up the third member of the Godhead.

Now this may or may not be true and I only speculate on the matter. I do not profess to teach a false doctrine but only put forth material to think about. Think about these things and tell me what you think. I leave with some great scriptures on the matter.

b JST Heb. 1:6–7 ... And let all the angels of God worship him, who maketh his ministers as a flame of fire. And of the angels he saith, Angels are ministering spirits.
(New Testament:Hebrews 1:6)

27 And Enoch beheld angels descending out of heaven, bearing btestimony of the Father and Son; and the Holy Ghost fell on many, and they were caught up by the powers of heaven into Zion.
(Pearl of Great Price Moses 7:27)

The Axiom of Salvation

2006-11-02T08:31:00.000-07:00

An axiom is a self evident truth that requires no proof or a universally accepted principle or rule. In gospel terms and more specific to Mormonism we have the axiom of salvation that state the following-

"Baptism is the gateway to the Celestial Kingdom"
"Baptism is the door through which one enters for salvation"

From this common rule we can postulate the following rules of gospel logic-

1. If Baptism is the gateway to the Celestial Kingdom & is also the gateway to being saved from Satan's powers, then it stands to reason that all those who Christ saves must enter into the waters of baptism.

2. If Baptism is the doorway to individual salvation, then all who receive salvation get saved into the Celestial Kingdom.

3. All who call themselves saved at the last day are saved into the Very Kingdom of God to dwell forever in his presence.

Is this a true form of logic though? Is it true to Mormonism? And what about all those who Christ saves but are not saved into the Celestial Kingdom? These are all questions that arise from the axiom posted above. It is a paradox of grand proportions because we teach the following which we call our axiom but is too unstable to be regarded as such. This is the LDS axiom of salvation-

"Salvation comes to all but the Sons of perdition"
"Christ will save us through his atonement even without baptism"
"We can receive salvation but be in a state of damnation also"

Do you see the problems of this axiom of LDS belief? It is paradoxial in very nature. How can one be saved if he believes not? How can we be saved from damnation into another state of damnation? If a person can get saved through the atonement of Christ without the required work of repentance and baptism, then exactly what is the purpose of the atonement?

I believe the answer is clear. We cannot be saved unless we enter the waters of baptism and when we do, wheather here or in the spirit world, we are given a ticket that enables us to return to God's presence in the Celestial Kingdom of God. If we do not recieve such ticket then we forfeit our right to salvation and are cast off into outer darkness! We are damned if we do not repent and believe in Christ and obey his will. To be damned is to be cast off from God's presence into hell.

So what about the Telestial and Terrestrial inhabitants then? We must understand that the Telestial Kingdom is not a futuristic Kingdom, but in fact is the Kingdom right now and is the very earth we live on. We dwell right now in the Telestial Kingdom and enjoy the Glory of it through the Holy Ghost. The future Terrestrial Kingdom is the stage of the earth during the millenium where Christ will continue to work his glory until the Kingdom is perfected meaning that all those he saves are spotless and can return with him to the Fathers presence. We can also state that the Telestial and Terrestrial Kingdoms have an end once the earth is Celestialized and all those who repent and are baptized enter in through the gates into that Kingdom to dwell with God and his Christ forever!

Progression between Kingdoms?

2006-10-28T23:20:00.001-06:00

Probably the most talked about and debated topic in Sunday school and in Mormon homes throughout the world is if there will be progression between The 3 Kingdoms of Glory. It is because we as human beings are so competeive and yet also so godly in our mannerisms that we want justice and a fair game. And when it comes to our precious families many have wondered if those who get lost will ever regain the family in the resurrection of glories.

And we should lament over our lost brothers and sisters as it is our job to bring them to Christ. Sometimes though we get dejected easily and think that people are too complacent to want to change. We tend to think in very short-sighted terms and figure that people find a spot where they are comfortable and wherever that spot is, that is where they will be eternally. Kind of like climbing a plateu and reaching the top but never going any higher but yet be happy with the view!

To get back to the question of the post, will there be progression between the glorious kingdoms? I believe so, even in a very unique but heart settling manner. Sometimes we think inside of the box and in this case- that of progression, we definately think inside of the box. Some have proposed different ideas outside of the box, but I generally think that we ourselves have become quite complacent ourselves and do not want to venture out of the box, life is too comfortable inside and we have all of our friends there who think alike. What I propose is for you to come and take a journey through worlds of glory with me and you may just find that life outside of the box is a thing of mysterious and wonderful grandeur! Let us begin!

First off I would ask you to not think about time and limitations, this is key to reading more.....

The first place I would like to take you too is the wonderful and glorious Telestial world or Kingdom. This Kingdom is the first of God's work after man had fallen from the Celestial realms of the Father. This world is a wonderful kingdom though and when viewed with an eye single to the glory of God, it cannot be described in our mortal language, it is that glorious. The inhabitants of this Telestial world are vast and different and go from one end of the spectrum to the other. Some are righteous and some are wicked. Some of them get ministered too and others of this world receive no ministering. This Telestial world is glorified by the presence of the Holy Ghost and his missionaries of angels and spirits to minister to those who are heirs to salvation. The limitation placed on this Kingdom however is that no man can build spaceships or other means whereby to go where Christ and God dwell which is worlds withou end.

The key to understanding this Telestial Kingdom is that it is our earth right now. This is where you have to be outside of the box because if you are still inside you can never see what a beautiful plan it really is! Anyhow, we all are in this Telestial Kingdom together. We are all able to enjoy this glorious Kingdom as we submit to God's commands. For blessings, God sends the comforter to us each here on the Telestial world as we will be heirs of salvation.

Taking off from this world we travel through time and arrive back on this same Telestial planet only we find something quite different has happened. We notice that there are no longer really wicked people and that all governments are publishing peace. We also notice that many of the inhabitants are in a state of translation or even in resurrected states and that they are the same inhabitants that we viewed in the Telestial Kingdom. We really wonder now and there appears a most glorious individual dressed in white, and he is coming towards us. He asks- "Is there something I can tell you about this planet and is there anyway I can be of assistance to you"?

We say yes, we would like to know the meaning of this glorious abode. He then proceeds to tell us that the Kingdom of God is at hand and is slowly starting to fill the earth and that The new king of this earth is the Savior himself! He also tells us that this must surely happen so that the work of the Father is prolonged that will enable the Son to perform the necessary work before he delivers this Kingdom to the Father so that the word of God is fulfilled in saving mankind. He also tells us the laws of this Kingdom and tells us that this 1000 year reign of Christ upon this earth constitutes the world as The Terrestrial Kingdom. We ask- Is this the same Terrestrial Kingdom talked of in the scriptures? He reply- "Yes it is, but because of the hardness of peoples hearts it was kept a mystery to the Inhabitants in former times when all were in the Telestial Kingdom". He also goes on to say that It was the plan from the foundation of the world for all men to come to both of these Kingdoms of differing glory so that the word of God would not be frustrated.

We then take you once again in our journey through space and travel through time once again ending up back on the same planet, only this time everything is white beyond all comprehension! We notice that everyone is together and operating in a most wonderful style of government. It is one of a Patriarchal order where the Father and Mother of each family have crowns on their heads, yea, everyone here has a crown on their head! Wealso see in the midst of this world a most beautiful throne. Seated on this throne is the Father of all and on his very immediate right we see Christ the savior seated and enthroned with all glory. We see many concourses of people all bearing the same name- that of Christ! He who is holy! We see many of the inhabitants and wonder and marvel at the great change in people. Many of the unrighteous who we saw in the Telestial world are in this very kingdom and we begin to be disheartened.

Suddenly we get a great rush of warm air and here a voice. We know the voice, it is the voice we have heard for a long time but did not know where it came from neither could it be described. It is the voice of our Father in heaven. Hespeaks- Be not afraid and be not troubled. The prayers of the ever faithful have been answered through the Lamb, yea, even my beloved Son in whom I AM WELL PLEASED. He has suffered himself to become subject to the flesh that he might know how to succor his people which are mine and I have given them to him. These who you see and are troubled herewith is joy to me and it is through your humble prayers that none of them should be lost. He then spake and said "LOOK" and suddenly we were transformed and saw the suffering that these souls went through in life and in death and in the spirit prison we beheld angels and spirits who were very valiant and they went and taught them the gospel and that during the Telestial and Terrestrial trial of the earth the work of proxy was done for them in the many numerous temples.

Through periods of time in the spirit world we saw how these spirits became clean and were allowed to leave their prison houses and rejoice with their families in paradise, and saw that there was a great and new change in them. We then saw Christ with tears on his cheek and said "LOOK" and we looked and saw all of the hosts of heaven weeping also. and were amazed and we wondered and then suddenly a voice again said to us- "Behold the Lamb of God" and everyone was of one heart and one mind and whatever caused one to rejoice in ever loving wonder caused all to wonder alike, we realized that this truly was heavenly and that we ourselves did not want to leave, But, life is happening right now and we must attend to it here on our lone and dreary world- yea that of the Telestial Kingdom!

I hope you now look and open your eyes and see yourselves outside of the box and not even looking at it but instead be gazing at the Glorious Kingdom of God and his blazing glory and see yourself standing there in that Kingdom someday giving praise to the Lamb and God the Father forever and ever- It is what God wants, Amen!

Progression between Kingdoms?

2006-10-28T23:20:00.000-06:00

The immortality and Eternal Life of man

2006-10-27T12:28:00.000-06:00

In this world we are mere sheep. Sometimes we stray from the fold and other times we look for others who have strayed from the fold hoping with faith they will come back. And then there are some who are not even sheep but are goats who profess to do good but they do it not for they are not numbered with God. Lost sheep are sinners and lost sheep wander away on their own after coming to a knowledge of what will make them good and what will not. These lost sheep are everyone of us who after becoming accountable wander off into worldly things and sin. It then takes the Good shepard to find us and bring us back into the fold. This shepard is Christ and his atonement.

But Christ has more of a sure purpose here on earth. He is our savior, mediator, counselor, God and so forth. He wishes all of us to become like him who is spotless. To those who do this, they bring about the will of the Father in themselves. And upon completion of the process we glorify our Father in Heaven. What is it mean though to "glorify our Father in Heaven"?

In Moses 1:39 we have the most famous sentences in all of Mormonism it reads-

39 For behold, this is my work and my glory—to bring to pass the immortality and eternal elife of man.
(Pearl of Great Price Moses 1:39)

It is Christ who makes this glorifying possible. Without Christ, none of us sinners could ever become clean and we would forever shrink from the masters watchful eye until we were held down captive by Satan because we have yeilded ourselves over to him. But oh, the great plan of salvation, oh how great it is. Through this plan all of God's willing and obedient children can wash their garments in the blood of Christ and take upon his name and be pronounced cleaned. We can also be resurrected and perfected into a perfect body without death abiding in it. Once we have done this we glorify our Father in heaven. This means that all of us have a crown of immortality and eternal life. We are joint heirs of Christ and all that he has.

But what of those who do not come to this glorious of all obodes? Wo, wo, wo unto them, they must suffer as did Christ himself because Christs blood cannot cleanse them because they choose to repent not. They are forever cast off from God's presence with the devil becoming his angels.

This doctrine might seem somewhat contrary to the teachings of our religion but it is true. "Marvel not that all men must be born again" or they cannot be saved! And what is it to be saved? It literally means that we bring to pass within ourselves through the atonement our immortality and eternal life and become "gods, even sons of God! It is crystal clear- the right hand of God or the left hand of God, yea white or black, righteous or wicked.

Will there be degrees of cleanliness in the end? No, there cannot be for God cannot look at sin with the least degree of allowance. Neither can a perfect immortal body allow such that is corruptable! And last of all is the testimony of the Perfection of Christ's work-

40 And this is the gospel, the glad tidings, which the voice out of the heavens bore record unto us—
41 That he came into the world, even Jesus, to be crucified for the world, and to bear the sins of the world, and to sanctify the world, and to cleanse it from all unrighteousness;
42 That through him all might be saved whom the Father had put into his power and made by him;
43 Who glorifies the Father, and saves all the works of his hands, except those sons of perdition who deny the Son after the Father has revealed him.
(Doctrine and Covenants Section 76:40 - 43)

The great suffering of the "Second Death"

2006-10-20T21:52:00.000-06:00

We are all aware of our condition here on this earth. We are free to go about life and make choices but we are not always able to control the consequences of those actions. When we sin, we alienate ourselves from godlieness or the things of righteousness. The result or consequence of this transgression is "spiritual death". Christ's purpose is to redeem us from this spiritual death degree upon degree until we are brought back into his full physical presence being fully cleansed from all of our sins. If we achieve this condition through the atonement we are "saved". But what of the others- those who repent not and as a consequence are not redeemed through the atonement?

This is somewhat of a mystery in Christianity. Because all will be brought back into the presence of God with a resurrected body, we can be assured that all mankind must either be cleansed from their spiritual fall (firts spiritual death), or remain in their filthiness before God. We know that day to be at the end of the earth after the Millenium. Some have thought that the second spiritual death occurs both during and after the Millenial reign of Christ on the earth. This comes from reading such scriptures as this one-

6 Blessed and holy is he that hath part in the first resurrection: on such the second death hath no power, but they shall be priests of God and of Christ, and shall reign with him a thousand years.
(New Testament Revelation 20:6)

They also bring up Section 19 in the Doctrine and Covenants where it speaks of this-

4 And surely every man must repent or suffer, for I, God, am endless.
5 Wherefore, I revoke not the judgments which I shall pass, but woes shall go forth, weeping, wailing and gnashing of teeth, yea, to those who are found on my left hand.
(Doctrine and Covenants Section 19:4 - 5)

So when does the second death really occur? Let us first reason a little bit with logic. If we as sinners are cut off from God's presence, then it stands to reason that in order for there to be a second spiritual death, we would first have to be redeemed from the first spiritual death. The other logic of it is that if we remain in our spiritually fallen condition upon physical death, we remain in that first spiritual death until we either- 1. repent and are washed clean in the spirit world, or- 2.we are resurrected and brought back before the bar of God having a perfect remembrance of what righteousness is by being in God's literal presence.

The second death only happens after resurrection which is after the millenium. Revelations speaks of it like this-

13 And the sea gave up the dead which were in it; and death and hell delivered up the dead which were in them: and they were judged every man according to their works.
14 And death and hell were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death.
(New Testament Revelation 20:13 - 14)

The Book of Mormon speaks of it like this-

17 But behold, the resurrection of Christ redeemeth mankind, yea, even all mankind, and bringeth them back into the presence of the Lord.
18 Yea, and it bringeth to pass the condition of repentance, that whosoever repenteth the same is not hewn down and cast into the fire; but whosoever repenteth not is hewn down and cast into the fire; and there cometh upon them again a spiritual death, yea, a second death, for they are cut off again as to things pertaining to righteousness.
(Book of Mormon Helaman 14:17 - 18)

So now that we have affirmed that the second death happens after resurrection, who partakes of the second death? We know that the sons of perdition suffer the second death according to D&C 76. There is some confusion on just who is cast into this Lake of fire and brimstone. Are unbelievers at the last day sons of perdition? Let us use some logic here. There are some sins which are unpardonable and some sins which cannot be forgiven because the sinner is in a state of rejection of Christ. Remember that only the repentant recieve forgiveness. We cannot even, nor even begin to think that a sinner can gain forgiveness through his own suffering without acknowledging Christ and partaking of his atonement. The notion that Telestial heirs are cleansed from their own sins through their own suffering outside of obedience to the laws and ordinances of the gospel is impossible. By the way- this earth we live on now is "The Telestial Kingdom". I will now prove this point!

In Section 76 verse 103 it reads-

103 These are they who are liars, and sorcerers, and adulterers, and whoremongers, and whosoever loves and makes a lie.
(Doctrine and Covenants Section 76:103)

The problem with trying to interpret this verse as typifying the future "glorious" Telestial Kingdom inhabitants who Christ saves is that this word grouping is the Lord paraphrasing himself and repeating what he has already said. We find these word groupings all throughout the scriptures. It is a way to cross reference and find out the mysteries of the Kingdom to those who seek them. These people who are mentioned in verse 103 are both angels to the devil and sons of perdition and ARE NOT REDEEMED! Let me repeat that but differently, these who are mentioned in verse 103 are not those who Christ redeems and saves from the devil. These suffer the SECOND DEATH which happens after resurrection and judgement. The footnotes to verse 103 even tell us this-

17 Wherefore, I, the Lord, have said that the fearful, and the unbelieving, and all liars, and whosoever loveth and maketh a lie, and the whoremonger, and the sorcerer, shall have their part in that lake which burneth with fire and brimstone, which is the second death.
(Doctrine and Covenants Section 63:17)

8 But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death.
(New Testament Revelation 21:8)

The Telestial Kingdom is here and now. The Terrestrial Kingdom is not far off when Christ will reign. The Celestial Kingdom is more than a thousand years off and we have that time to prepare ourselves worthy to enter into the Holy city of God where both God and Christ dwell. Let us repent and wash our garments in the Lambs holy blood which will clean us from our filthy state so that we can present our perfect and sanctified bodies in glory in the Celestial Kingdom and not be cast out to the Devil's Kingdom which is the second death!-

14 Blessed are they that do his commandments, that they may have right to the tree of life, and may enter in through the gates into the city.
15 For without are dogs, and sorcerers, and whoremongers, and murderers, and idolaters, and whosoever loveth and maketh a lie.
(New Testament Revelation 22:14 - 15)

"Shall be quickened and caught up to meet him"

2006-10-13T12:35:00.000-06:00

At the time in the beginning of the millenial reign of Christ, Satan shall be bound and the saints who are still alive on the earth shall be quickened and brought up into the cloud of heaven to meet Christ in his descention down to earth. The key word here is "quickened". does this mean resurrection? Well sort of. People who are alive cannot be resurrected as that only happens to dead people. People who are alive and then quickened are done so by powers of glory. This is essentially the same as being resurrected. Both the saints who are quickened and the saints who are dead and then resurrected will have the same change made to their bodies.

Because the earth will attain it's Terrestrial glory at that point, all of those who are quickened or resurrected at that time will receive a body that is of a Terrestrial glory. The question is asked if there are any mortals on the earth during the millenium seeing as the only ones who descend back down to the earth after it's burning will be resurrected or quickened bodies. The answer I believe is that even Terrestrial bodies are not perfect and will age just as the Telestial bodies before that they had on the earth. Only Celestial bodies are perfect because they are the only ones who "overcome all things" and we know that the last enemy to conquer is death itself and this will not happen until the end of the millenium when Christ shall have perfected his work which the Father gave him and he has subdued all enemies (death) under his feet. The earth will then pass away again by fire and will be quickened again and receive an even greater change only this time it will be perfect. All of the righteous will be quickened once again also and be received into the Kingdom of Heaven never to go more out.

This knowledge hinges off of the fact that even though the earth abides by a Celestial law now it must first pass through from grace to grace as all others even as Christ. These laws include that one goes from Telestial-Terrestrial-Celestial. This is also taught in the temple where not only the earth goes from Telestial on up to Celestial but that we too inhabit and reign on the earth receiveing like bodies starting with a Telestial one and then to a Terrestrial and finally a perfect body of a Celestial glory. Once we have a Celestial body(one without flesh & blood) we can finally be admitted back into the presence of God or the Celestial Kingdom of God.

I leave you with these versus from scripture to ponder-

25 And again, verily I say unto you, the earth abideth the law of a celestial kingdom, for it filleth the measure of its creation, and transgresseth not the law—
26 Wherefore, it shall be sanctified; yea, notwithstanding it shall die, it shall be cquickened again, and shall abide the power by which it is quickened, and the righteous shall inherit it.
27 For notwithstanding they die, they also shall arise again, a spiritual body.
(Doctrine and Covenants Section 88:25 - 27)

The Book Of Life In The Celestial World

2006-10-06T11:45:00.000-06:00

One of the goals we as Latter Day Saints have is to aim for the Celestial Kingdom. But what of the others- those of the Telestial and Terrestrial Kingdoms? Precisely speaking, what is the grand mystery of section 76 of the Doctrine & Covenants concerning the different kingdoms? And even more importantly, what is meant by those whose names are written in heaven as found in verse 68?

According to verse 68, we learn that those who get saved in Celestial glory have their names written in heaven. These names are those found in the book of life. So does this mean that all the names found in the book of life get saved in Celestial glory? Yes, I believe so and here is where the grand mystery of it begins. If according to common thought LDS teachings there are three separate worlds of glory after final judgement and only the top world or Celestial world have their names written in this book, then we have a grand contradiction of gospel. Let me explain.

You see, all of us who the Father has given to Christ to save from the foundation of the world (before man was placed on the earth) have their names written in this book. Those of us who kept our first estate retained our names written in heaven. For us to keep our second estate we must continue to have our names written in heaven. Now if only the Top kingdom retains those names, then what happens to the vast majority of us sinners who do not get to go to the Celestial world? According to Revelations, those whose names are not found written in heaven in the book of life are cast out to perdition to die the second spiritual death and become sons of perdition. Read these verses-

12 And I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God; and the books were opened: and another book was opened, which is the book of life: and the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works.
13 And the sea gave up the dead which were in it; and death and hell delivered up the dead which were in them: and they were judged every man according to their works.
14 And death and hell were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death.
15 And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire.
(New Testament Revelation 20:12 - 15)

These verse are often overlooked because they do not immediately seem to go along with section 76. Many have said that Revelations never speaks of the two lower kingdoms and that it just gives the extremes of both ends. I tend to disagree with this heavily as Joseph Smith went through Revelations and made changes as now found in the JST. In fact, all of the Book of Mormon (fulness of the gospel) and the New Testament always speak of either being save in the kingdom of heaven or being cast out to hell. Also is taught in these books, although not always very clear, is the teaching that there will be different degrees of glory to those who get saved in the Kingdom of heaven. So what is the Kingdom of heaven? According to LDS teachings it is the Celestial Kingdom or Celestial glory, or even the Celestial world. All three of these things are synonymous. So what are the Telestial and Terrestrial Kingdoms then?Ah, the grand mystery to it all!

The Telestial and Terrestrial kingdoms are worlds indeed. But they are just temporary abodes of the earth, the same earth. The temple teaches us that "this earth" is "the" Telestial Kingdom in all of it's glory. Remember that glory means nothing more than light and truth, and we receive this glory and thus glorify God through the Holy Ghost. Messengers under the direction of the Holy ghost minister to us (god's servants) and teach us and comfort us. These messengers are sent from Heaven down to us on the Telestial world. But we can't go where God dwells while we are in this Kingdom, our spaceships just can't get us there- even worlds without end.

The Terrestrial world or Terrestrial Kingdom will be established when this Telestial world passes away and is then quickened to the Terrestrial world when Christ comes on the earth to reign. Both of these two kingdoms- the Telestial and Terrestrial, will both pass away in eternities round and finally the world will be quickened by the Celestial glory which is the glory of the presence of God the Father and his son Jesus Christ. The world will then be in it's final and eternal state- that is, it will be The Kingdom of Heaven, which as translated is the Celestial Kingdom. There will no longer be worlds for those who Christ saves of Telestial and Terrestrial grades because there will be only one world- the Celestial!

It then goes along perfectly that those who Christ saves through his atonement retain their second estate and that Christ himself becomes our advocate with the Father. Our names are held gloriously in the book of life- yea, written in heaven! Check out this testimony-

5 He that overcometh, the same shall be clothed in white raiment; and I will not blot out his name out of the book of life, but I will confess his name before my Father, and before his angels.
(New Testament Revelation 3:5)

We will be clothed in white raiment. This means that we will be washed clean of our sins, this only comes to those who as mentioned in section 76 are redeemed. And who are redeemed? Everyone except for the sons of perdition. All those who get saved through the atonement will receive a dominion of power and glory that surpasseth all understanding. They are those who receive an inheritance at the right hand of God-

58 For the names of the righteous shall be written in the book of life, and unto them will I grant an inheritance at my right hand. And now, my brethren, what have ye to say against this? I say unto you, if ye speak against it, it matters not, for the word of God must be fulfilled.
(Book of Mormon Alma 5:58)

All those who get saved will all receive Celestial glory but of differing degrees within that Celestial world. We will all live as eternal families also on that world. Remeber that the family is central to the creators plan for the eternal destiny of his children. The teachings that those who receive a lesser degree of glory will not be with their respective families is pure heresy! Why would got exclude people from such a great blessing after they have confessed their sins and washed their garments in the blood of the Lamb? He won't! We will all (repentant) live in the presence of God and his son Jesus Christ upon the future Celestialized earth. If we do not live in this heavenly city( Kingdom of God) we must as John revealed be those who are of the devil outside of the gates of his holy city (outside of his kingdom)-

7 He that overcometh shall inherit all things; and I will be his God, and he shall be my son.
8 But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second gdeath.
(New Testament Revelation 21:7 - 8)

27 And there shall in no wise enter into it any thing that defileth, neither whatsoever worketh abomination, or maketh a lie: but they which are written in the Lamb's book of life.
(New Testament Revelation 21:27)

Christ To Save All In Celestial Glory?

2006-10-02T22:11:00.000-06:00

Over this past conference weekend I contemplated the many talks and what was brought up time and again was the teaching of achieving a Celestial salvation. Over the past few years my understanding of the gospel has taken several u-turns. Right when I am feeling good about the gospel and how I understand it, it will take another u-turn and I will see things totally different. A lot of this has to do with my "includer" attitude towards mankind. I just hate seeing mankind tend to believe in a division of the good as far as heaven goes. Think of it like this-

When we tend any church activity, we all see each other as equals, we all treat each other with fairness and respect, but above all, all things are held in common with each other no matter who has paid a greater offering or tithe to the Lord. These are the blessings of a Zion society- we all share alike even though some have joined later or have sinned greater in the past. It is all about forgiveness and equality that makes Zion so grand- there is no social class of glory! This leads up to one of those great u-turn moments in my life in how I currently understand the gospel.

In section 76 of the D&C we are given the prophetic vision of a "sketch of eternity". One of the more curious aspects of this section is the apparent falling away of the doctrine of "all sharing alike" in the Kingdom of the saved- those of the glorious world. This section leads one to the belief that although many will be saved gloriously, many will not enjoy the blessings of the Zion society- the Holy and heavenly city of God and Jesus Christ. So I ask- What really is in store for those who Christ saves? It is exactly at this point that my mind is enlightened. The key to this section (D&C 76) is those who come forth in the resurrection of the just as is spoken of in verses 50-70. Generally it is thought that it is speaking only of the Top group of those who Christ saves. This is where we have misunderstood.

In fact, verses 50-70 describes the final state of souls who get saved period! The world we now live on is the Telestial world in all it's glory, even the presence of the ministering of angels and the Holy Ghost, for we shall be "heirs of salvation" even though most of the citizens who made up this world were evil and wicked people. At the end of the Telestial world, the earth will be renewed and enjoy it's glory of the presence of Jesus Christ (the millenium). At the end of that world the earth will be prepared to recieve it's Celestial glory- yea, the presence of God the Father. There will of coarse no longer be worlds of Telestial and Terrestrial glory as they have both passed in eternities round filling the measure of their creation and purpose.

The key to understanding this view is to cross reference each part of those who are finally saved into the Celestial glory with other scripture and view the opposite of each. I will give a general outline below according to verses, first will be the description of the saved and then I will give the description in it's opposite of those who do not enjoy such blessings-

1. v.50- resurrection of the just. These are those who are justified through the atonement of Christ and have become clean and are thus saved from the second everlasting death. Opposite- resurrection of the unjust. These are those who are resurrected but are not justified in so doing by being filthy still.

2. v.51- received testimony. These are those who either in this life or in death received the testimony of Christ.
Opposite- received not the testimony. These are those who are cast out not believing in the atonement and it's power to save.

3. v.51- believed on his name. These are those who ultimately in the end believed in his name that salvation is true to all the repentant.
Opposite- believed not on his name. These are those who have ultimately decided that Christ could not save them nor wanted him to do such, these are cast out into outer darkness.

4. v.51- were baptized. These are those who truly are saved. They have been washed of their sins through Jesus Christ.
Opposite- not baptzed. These are those who the scriptures talk of who are damned to hell because of their filth that they are unwilling to repent of. They remain filthy still and are cast off from the presence of God into outer darkness where there is a wailing and gnashing of teeth.

5. v.52- washed and cleansed from sin. These are those who have their garments washed in Chris'ts blood and become holy and righteous through the atonement.
Opposite- remain in all manner of filth. These are those who remain in their spiritually fallen condition and are thus not redeemed through Christ, therefor they receive punishment rather than reward.

6. v.52- recieve holy spirit. These are those who are born again who are granted access to all things holy and true- the mysteries of the kingdom.
Opposite- recieve not holy spirit. These are they who ultimately shed the Holy Ghost in every aspect of their being and are led captive by the devil down to destruction knowing nothing of the mysteries of God.

7. v.53- sealed by the holy spirit of promise. These are those who sealed up unto eternal life. This process does not neccesarily have to be done in mortality as many have passed not knowing Gods will and some have even passed knowing his will and obeying not his commandments- thus the reason for teaching to the spirits of men kept in spirit prison.
Opposite- not sealed by holy spirit of promise. These are those who receive no promise of eternal life and salvation.

8. v.54- members of the church of the firstborn. These are those who ultimately belong to the heavenly church of God. Remeber there are eternally only two churches and everyone who has ever lived or ever will, will ultimately belong to either the church of the firstborn or the church of the devil.
Opposite- not members of the church of the firstborn. These are those whose names are blotted out of the book of life and are cast into the lake of fire and brimstone with the devil and his angels.

9. v.55- Father has given all things. These are those who through the atonement become heirs to all that the father hath for eternities to come. There is only one requirement spoken of for this gift- that of accepting and believing in Christ and then obeying his counsel and commandments.
Opposite- receive no blessings from the father. These are those who receive no gifts from the father, instead they suffer eternal death by being dead to all righteousness.

10. v.56- are priests and kings. These are those who get to reign gloriously over their dominions being common judges in righteousness of all things. These are they who receive a crown of righteousness.
Opposite- receive no crown and are not even considered holy or gloroius beings. These are those who are damned to hell for being unwise and unprofitable servants and thus receive no reward of glorious dominion.

11. v.56- recieved fulness of glory. These are those who are saved at the final judgement into God's kingdom- the world in it's Celestial glory.
Opposite- receive not fulness. This is where it gets tricky because it is hard to determine what is a fulness and what is not. It is easier to think of it in eternities perspective- the righteous progress from grace to grace becoming brighter and brighter until the perfect day. In this sense it is easy to understand as the wicked never receive of his fulness no matter how hard they try because they remain in their filthy state without progression by not being part of Christ.

12. v.57- priests of the most high. These are they who have entered into holy covenants that belong to the priesthood- a basic requirement to gain salvation as taught in the holy temple.
Opposite- not priests. If you are not a priest to God, how can you reign over your dominions in righteous order in eternity?

13. v.58- are gods, even sons of god. These are they who as Joseph Smith described as being anyone who rules over his dominions in eternal bliss and glory. To be a son of God, you have to be born again becoming his sons and daughters and unless you do this you must be cast off forever.
Opposite- sons of perdition. All of us ultimately will either be classified as a child of God or a child of the devil.

14. v.59- all things are theirs. These are all those who are heirs to the kingdom- those who are partakers of the great gift of salvation.
Opposite- nothing in Gods kingdom is theirs. It is an all or nothing thing. This is the Zion type of society I was referring to and if you are part of Zion all things are yours because God owns everything and you are just a steward, but if you are not part of Zion, then nothing is yours.

15. v.60- overcome all things. These are they who overcome the world, yea, those who overcome sin through the atonement. These are they whose names are not blotted out.
Opposite- overcome by the world. These are those who at the last judgement cannot be redeemed from the world as they are still overcome by it meaning that they love sin and have let it overcome their every fiber. These are those spoken of as being outside the Holy city of god who are the sons of perdition.

16. v.62- dwell in presence of God and Christ. These are those who ultimately return home to the presence of the Father and son. These are spiritually alive to righteousness.
Opposite- cast out from God's presence. These are the sons of perdition who dwell outside of the Glory of the "holy city" and must dwell in darkness instead.

17. v.63- bring with him to reign on earth. These are they who are obviously not shut up in hell.
Opposite- not to reign on earth with God. The wicked obviously!

18. v.64-65- have part in first resurrection and come forth in resurrection of the just. These are they who will be found on the right hand of god to recieve salvation unto eternal life. This is also called the resurrection unto life in the scriptures.
Opposite- not have part in first resurrection and ultimately come forth in resurrection of the unjust. These are those who come forth in the resurrection of damnation and receive from satan their reward which is eternal damnation in outer darkness.

19. v.66- live in the Holy city. These are those that John mentions in the book of revelations as being the ones who have access to the tree of life and the fountain of everlasting waters. These are those who are Christ's whom the Father gave to keep that he should not lose except for perdition.
Opposite- outside holy city. These are those who are liars, whoremongers, murders and the like. These are they who are the sons of perdition who suffer the second death.

20. v.67-68- members of church of firstborn and have names written in heaven. These are they who retain their second estate and have their names remain written in the book of life. These are they who are partakers of salvation and take upon Christ's name- the only name whereby man is made free.
Opposite- belong to church of the devil and have names blotted out. These are they who are overcome by the world and keep not their second estate and therefore receive no glorious reward. These are also those mentioned in Revelations as being those who are blotted out of the book of life and being cast into the lake of fire and brimstone to suffer the second death.

21. v.69- just men made perfect. These are they who are justified through Christ unto the renewing of their bodies and then made perfect (sanctified). This might not happen until many years after one is dead and resurrected as perfection is gained line upon line and precept upon precept.
Opposite- unjust who are left flawed in sin and corruption. These are those who have no claim on Christ or his atonement to be come perfect without sin. These are doomed to suffer eternal torment because they would not repent by the last judgement.

That said, I would have to say that these 21 points I have brought up describe the state of the "saved" at final judgement. These are those who live in the heavenly Zion for all eternity where they share in glory alike rather than having a social order of class of glory as is now found on the earth in it's Telestial glory!

The 3 Degrees of Celestial Glory Examined

2006-09-26T12:50:00.000-06:00

In section 131 of the D&C, it opens talking about the 3 heavens or degrees within the Celestial glory. Many have contemplated the meaning of this and what the qualifications are for the twoo lower levels of this glory. I have an idea. This idea has come from the reading of other blogs on the net. I believe that those three degrees of glory of the Celestial world are the Celestial, Terrestrial, & Telestial as spoken of in the 76th section. Let me explain.

In section 76 we are told in verses 51-70 the general types of beings found there. What is interesting about some of these verses are that they relate of God's fullness. This means that they are Gods, they continue to increase eternally and that all are subject unto them even the angels and servants. Let us look at the verses-

56 They are they who are priests and kings, who have received of his fulness, and of his glory;
57 And are priests of the Most High, after the order of Melchizedek, which was after the order of Enoch, which was after the order of the Only Begotten Son.
58 Wherefore, as it is written, they are gods, even the sons of cGod—
59 Wherefore, all things are theirs, whether life or death, or things present, or things to come, all are theirs and they are Christ's, and Christ is God's.
60 And they shall aovercome all things.
(Doctrine and Covenants Section 76:56 - 60)

The only way to become Gods is to be eternally married. The only way to recieve of this "fullness" of glory in the Celestial world is through the new and everlasting covenant of marriage. Section 132 tells us about this-

6 And as pertaining to the new and everlasting covenant, it was instituted for the fulness of my glory; and he that receiveth a fulness thereof must and shall abide the law, or he shall be damned, saith the Lord God.
(Doctrine and Covenants Section 132:6)

The key to understanding section 76 is that all three degrees of glory are not yet found, but will be established upon the Celestialized world after the millenium. The Terrestrial and Telestial worlds are the temporary states of "this world" as it progresses to the Celestial world. The inhabitants of that future Celestial world will be given bodies of different orders or degrees of glory, but will still be able to reside on the Celestial world. Only the sons of perdition will be cast off away from "the earth". The book of revelations speak of "the holy city" as being in one place and the inhabitants therein are "all" those who are saved through the atonement of Christ. Outside of the holy city gates are the devils and sons of perdition. Also spoken of within this holy city is the tree of life and fountain of everlasting waters. These objects, whether real or just symbols of something else, are given to all heirs of salvation.

To sum this post up, there will be no separate eternal worlds of Telestial and Terrestrial orders after all are resurrected. There will be only one world- the Celestial, but on that world will be found the 3 different heavens or degrees of which the top is the Celestial and will be only for the Gods who have entered into eternal marriage. All inhabitants of each degree will recieve a new name according to the atonement and plan, and each will also recieve their own personal urim and thumim to see higher levels within that world and others also.

Eternal Marriage or Damnation? D&C 132 mystery!

2006-09-10T21:43:00.000-06:00

We have all heard the doctrine- Those who do not achieve Eternal Marriage will be damned! This doctrine comes from the 132nd section of the Doctrine and Covenants. Is there a mystery here, and more importantly, do we understand what damnation really means? This post will set out to define what damnation is and the mystery of D&C 132.

In general Christianity to be damned means to be condemned, especially to hell. In LDS terms it can also mean to be stopped, limited, or slowed in ones progress by not being eternally married and sealed by the Holy spirit of promise. I believe that because D&C 132 has been misinterpreted in commentary on the definition of the word damned, that we have created a false doctrine in the gospel of Christ. Let us start in verse 3 of that section.

3 Therefore, prepare thy heart to receive and obey the instructions which I am about to give unto you; for all those who have this law revealed unto them must obey the same.
(Doctrine and Covenants Section 132:3)

The key to this verse is the timing, It speaks generally of Eternal marriage but also towards Plural marriage. Joseph and Emma had this law revealed to them already- this is the main context to the meaning. It specifically means those who have already entered into the covenant or those who were worthy and about to enter into the covenat of eternal marriage. The command to obey in this context though entails that the parties the Lord is referring to (Joseph and Emma specifically), have already entered into the covenant and this is just a refresher of how God's laws work. This is detailed further in verse 4, it reads-

4 For behold, I reveal unto you a new and an everlasting covenant; and if ye abide not that covenant, then are ye damned; for no one can reject this covenant and be permitted to enter into my glory.
(Doctrine and Covenants Section 132:4)

This verse is where we read into the scriptures the wrong definition. Upon just a quick reading and passing over, it appears that those who know about eternal marriage, but then decide not to partake of it are damned- kind of like a refusal to either get married eternally or even get married at all. This is where we have erred! The key to this verse is the term "abide not". This means that one must have already entered into the covenant of eternal marriage. It is impossible to not abide by a covenant that one has not first entered into. The dictionary definition states that to "abide by" means to "remain steadfast or faithful to". This fits in with what is being explained. If one is to remain "faithful" to a covenant, he first has to enter into it under divine law & under the right authority.

Let us apply this law to the covenants we make at baptism. For someone who has not yet entered into the waters of baptism and made those covenants, he cannot be held accountable before God for not abiding that covenant. But once he agrees and makes the covenant and is baptised, he must abide the covenant he made or face possible condemnation/ damnation. Verses 5 & 6 finally show the mystery to the true meaning, they read-

5 For all who will have a blessing at my hands shall abide the law which was appointed for that blessing, and the conditions thereof, as were instituted from before the foundation of the world.
6 And as pertaining to the new and everlasting covenant, it was instituted for the fulness of my glory; and he that receiveth a fulness thereof must and shall abide the law, or he shall be damned, saith the Lord God.
(Doctrine and Covenants Section 132:5 - 6)

Verse 5 parallels D&C 130:20-21 Where the Lord informs us with the logic that blessings only come after obedience to law. Obedience to law requires covenants to be made and already in place to even be under law. The fulness of glory is the "blessing". For one to receive this blessing he must "abide the law" first. If he receives the blessing and then breaks his covenants of that law- he will be damned. This means that he will be delivered up to the devil. All laws of God work in this fashion. If we reject covenants after we have entered into them in full knowledge and do not repent in mortality, then there is no choice but for God to remove the blessing either temporarily or permanently and deliver us over to the buffetings of Satan. This is the state of the "damned" in spirit prison.

To prove that this is what damned means in this section let us read in verses 26-27, they read-

26 Verily, verily, I say unto you, if a man marry a wife according to my word, and they are sealed by the Holy Spirit of promise, according to mine appointment, and he or she shall commit any sin or transgression of the new and everlasting covenant whatever, and all manner of blasphemies, and if they commit no murder wherein they shed innocent blood, yet they shall come forth in the first resurrection, and enter into their exaltation; but they shall be destroyed in the flesh, and shall be delivered unto the buffetings of Satan unto the day of redemption, saith the Lord God.
27 The blasphemy against the Holy Ghost, which shall not be forgiven in the world nor out of the world, is in that ye commit murder wherein ye shed innocent blood, and assent unto my death, after ye have received my new and everlasting covenant, saith the Lord God; and he that abideth not this law can in nowise enter into my glory, but shall be damned, saith the Lord.
(Doctrine and Covenants Section 132:26 - 27)

Here we confirm that the word "damned" means to be delivered up to the devil in hell either temporarily or permanently. It stands to reason that if this section is viewed in this light, our definition of damned/ damnation fits in with all other scriptures capturing this word with either being saved in God's kingdom or damned to hell which in other words mean that all will receive either eternal salvation in God's kindom or eternal damnation in Satan's kingdom. If our doctrine is the true doctrine, which I for one believe it is, then this redefining of damnation in this section of the D&C should bring harmony with other revealed works such as the New Testament and the Book of Mormon. If this is true then everything should cross check itself. Let us read where "damned souls" dwell From the Book of Mormon-

4 Behold, I say unto you that ye would be more miserable to dwell with a holy and just God, under a consciousness of your filthiness before him, than ye would to dwell with the damned souls in hell.
(Book of Mormon Mormon 9:4)

Damned people dwell in hell according to the Book of Mormon. What does the New Testament say about where the damned are? Let us read-

33 Ye serpents, ye generation of vipers, how can ye escape the damnation of hell?
(New Testament Matthew 23:33)

According to both the New Testament and the Book of Mormon, the spirits/ souls who are in hell are damned, or in speaking of their state- they are in a state of damnation. If God allows damned souls to dwell safely in his kingdom, then how come there is no mention of it in the scriptures? The closest scriptures that speak of this theory is in section 132. But under scrutiny, the truth is revealed that the damnation spoken of in this section truly means- to be delivered unto Satan in hell/ spirit prison.

So who will be damned at the final judgment? Only the sons of perdition. All the rest, including those who paid their penalty in spirit prison and have come under the laws of the gospel through obedience, will not be in any state of damnation. Neither will they carry a mark of being damned in eternity! These souls are free, God had made them free. They will not rest under a penalty of law, they will not be subject to condemnation, yea, they are the fruits of Christ's atonement and will enjoy all the blessings they wish as they proceed and progress onward and upwrd forever!

Telestial Law

2006-09-09T11:31:00.000-06:00

What exactly is Telestial Law? I have heard that it "the law of the world" or "the law of the jungle". In Bruce R. McConkie's book "Mormon Doctrine", he defines Telestial Law as those people who live wicked and rebellious lives full of sin of all kinds. Is this the truth? Let's find out.

According to the gospel of Jesus Christ, all men recieve blessings according to their diligence and obedience (D&C 130:18-21). God's laws are not carnal or sensual either (D&C 29:34-25). One other thing that must be made clear is that the Telestial Kingdom is part of the "Kingdom of God". We know this is true because the Father has "many mansions" within his house of rule. As such, Telestial heirs will serve their King (God) within that kingdom (D&C 76:111-112). So if carnal and sensual men recieve the reward of their fruits, where does it get them, and what blessings of God come to them? It gets them nowhere and they recieve no good reward.

The wicked who disobey God do not live up to a Telestial Law. Telestial Law is a law of righteousness to some degree. The wicked live outside of law and therefore if they remain in that situation at death they are delivered up to Satan in spirit prison. In spirit prison they are given the chance to repent and believe in God and obey his commandments. They must also have certain work done for them in Temples, which is of coarse done vicariously for them. After they have paid their penalty for sin as part of the repentance process, and are washed clean of their sins through Christ, they can now be in position to judged worthily to either live within a Telestial or Terrestrial Law of obedience. They can thus receive a reward in one of the mansions of the Father.

Telestial Law is a Law of righteousness. The wicked of the world who live outside of this law will be delivered over to the buffetings of the devil. I believe that there are many righteous saints who live at least the Telestial Law of obedience which entails sacrafice and obedience. Through this obedience, we receive the Telestial blessing of the companionship of the Holy Ghost. Although, at many times, we as saints too, drift in and out of this Law, and when we do God removes his presence from us even in slight degrees and we suffer outside of his obedience to even the smallest of laws (D&C 19:20).

Telestial Law is also part of the greater Celestial Law, just not a fulness. As man learns more and more truth, he can through obedience continue to live more of the fulness of Celestial Law until he shines perfectly as the sun in the Kingdom of the Father (Proverbs 4:18).

Pre-Adamites: Are they for real? and just where did we come from?

2006-08-31T22:18:00.000-06:00

To help explain our origins in light of scientific evidence of man's past, many have come forth with the idea of pre-adamlike creatures that resembled man but were not human. These creatures were used to make Adam and Eve's bodies. Once they were made, God placed the man and women spirit into them and called them the first. But was God the father of Adam according to this theory? Let me ask in a different way. If I breed my two dogs together to get a desired breed of dog does that make me the father? You get the picture.

So why do we have to deal with these pre-adamites anyway? This race of human-like non-spirited beings running around the planet for millions of years?
The evidence itself isn't very compelling either. At most they have found parts of various skulls that are either ape-like or human-like and often times when reconstructed, painted and given hair- resemble our idea of a pre-adamite being. But are these skulls ever scientifically dated? No, they are given dates by conjecture of where they are found in certain strata in relation to rocks that are believed to be from the same period that can be radiometrically dated.

I think the number one rule to it all is that we have to be able to picture it being old. It is kind of like when we say how a certain fish or lizard looks prehistoric. Now I don't know about you but exactly what does something prehistoric look like? Does it always have bony obtrusions? Or, does it always have scales? We never say that a shark is a prehistoric looking creature, but when it comes to those ugly crocodiles.....yep, you get the picture.

So, the second rule then obviously, it has to be ugly!!! So now we have the first two rules- picture it being old and ugly. So how do we- a very beautiful people, come from such a wreck of a looking hairy, old ugly critter? Scientists say that this part comes from "sexual selection" meaning,- Our pre-adamites over millions of years began to show increasingly better skills that of coarse, wooed the females while the boring ones just kind of died out. This must be how we got so good looking eh?

So now the third rule to it is that at some point, our ugly, old, hairy, pre-adamites got pretty. Yep, they got to be quite the good looking beautiful and desirable pre-humans. This is now where God supposedly enters the picture and places these "sons & daughters" spirits into the now beautiful, youthful bodies and then calls them man. Yep, you get the picture. Now what is wrong with all of this? The answer certainly isn't that we will just infinitely become more beautiful as we shed more of those pre-adamite genes now is it!

The answer of coarse is that there were no pre-adamite beings roaming the earth before Adam and Eve rolled onto the scene. You see, Adam and Eve were real special. They were the offspring of perfect beings- our heavenly eternal parents. Adam and Eve were perfect in every way. They carried within them, the seeds of reproduction of which, contained the blueprints of Godliness. They weren't animals in no right either, for they had dominion over them. Because Adam and Eve were the offspring of God, that makes us all sons and daughters of God. We won't have to answere to any pre-humans as our fathers as they did not exist.

So where does this information place the pre-adamites? In the great book of fairytails. It would seem quite strange to think that to dupicate ourselves we would have to start with the smallest part possible and through what would appear to be ten million miracles by their own right, slowly build up into what we already are.... yes I am talking about that micro-biology stuff. It is like the great chicken and the egg- which came first? Of coarse the chicken came first, but who created the first chicken- the one before it. Liken this to God-

What came first- man or God? Of coarse God did because it is a law of heaven that God has to first start as a plain man and then grow into his blueprint of being God. So who wrote the whole blueprint then- yep I am talking about that micro-biology stuff again. Who wrote up the blueprint- the great plan- that whole DNA stuff. DNA by itself is nothing. It is like an architects drawings sitting on a desk but no one to put it to work. Liken it (DNA) to a book of instructions on how to build a nuclear bomb. If there are workers, they have to be able to read the book and then understand what the book is saying. They also have to have the intelligence to gather different materials and place them in exact sequence to achieve the desired results. Oh, one other thing- there has to be sufficient materials available or the workers can't put their intelligence to task. Did Adam and Eve DNA evolve with time to become what it is or did it come straight from God?

The point I am getting at is that man claims to know how we came about through what appears to be natural processes that would excuse God from the picture. We do this mainly by guesswork and good artistry and speaking skills (kudos- National Geographic) while our great scientists are saying the missing link is just around the next corner. That missing link is missing for a reason- it doesn't exist. The puzzle is already together- stop searching. Open the scriptures and let God calm your heart and gladden the mind-

We truly are sons and daughters of God and carry within each and everyone of us God DNA of which enables us to become an exact duplicate of our parent material- Sing praises forever and Amen!

Noah's Flood & the testimony of the Rocks

2006-08-23T12:35:00.000-06:00

I would like to go over the account of the Flood in Noah's day and show that it was a global catastrophic event that has sever implications to evolution and a long age for our earth. I will basically just use a little common sense and logic from the scriptures.

The first thing we must ask is on what scale was the flood and what kind of destruction did it create. We first look in Genesis chapter 7-

18 And the waters prevailed, and were increased greatly upon the earth; and the ark went upon the face of the waters.
19 And the waters prevailed exceedingly upon the earth; and all the high hills, that were under the whole heaven, were covered.
20 Fifteen cubits upward did the waters prevail; and the mountains were covered.
21 And all flesh died that moved upon the earth, both of fowl, and of cattle, and of beast, and of every creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth, and every man:
22 All in whose nostrils was the breath of life, of all that was in the dry land, died.
23 And every living substance was destroyed which was upon the face of the ground, both man, and cattle, and the creeping things, and the fowl of the heaven; and they were destroyed from the earth: and Noah only remained alive, and they that were with him in the ark.
(Old Testament Genesis 7:18 - 23)

These scriptures make the claim that everything upon the face of the earth under the whole heaven died. But is this enough evidence for a global flood? Let's read on in Genesis chapter 9-

11 And I will establish my covenant with you; neither shall all flesh be cut off any more by the waters of a flood; neither shall there any more be a flood to destroy the earth.
12 And God said, This is the token of the covenant which I make between me and you and every living creature that is with you, for perpetual generations:
13 I do set my bow in the cloud, and it shall be for a token of a covenant between me and the earth.
14 And it shall come to pass, when I bring a cloud over the earth, that the bow shall be seen in the cloud:
15 And I will remember my covenant, which is between me and you and every living creature of all flesh; and the waters shall no more become a flood to destroy all flesh.
16 And the bow shall be in the cloud; and I will look upon it, that I may remember the everlasting covenant between God and every living creature of all flesh that is upon the earth.
17 And God said unto Noah, This is the token of the covenant, which I have established between me and all flesh that is upon the earth.
18 ¶ And the sons of Noah, that went forth of the ark, were Shem, and Ham, and Japheth: and Ham is the father of Canaan.
19 These are the three sons of Noah: and of them was the whole earth overspread.
(Old Testament Genesis 9:11 - 19)

These scriptures are a little more detailed. They state 3 important facts, they are-

1. The rainbow in the clouds is a token to man that God will never send the flood water over the earth to destroy all flesh again.

2. The flood will not destroy the earth again.

3. The whole nations of the earth came from the three sons of Noah.

These are very important facts. From them we may know that the flood was not a local event as that type of event has happened many times since Noah. We may also know that it wasn't a local event in that there have been many localized floods that have destroyed the parts of the earth where they take place. We can now establish that this was a truly global catastrophic event because if it wasn't, then God has broken his covenant with man and beast on numerous occaisons!

Let's look at some more scriptures that testify of the flood. In Isaiah 54:9 the prophet testifies to the gloabal catastrophe-

9 For this is as the waters of Noah unto me: for as I have sworn that the waters of Noah should no more go over the earth; so have I sworn that I would not be wroth with thee, nor rebuke thee.
(Old Testament Isaiah 54:9)

Isaiah knew that the flood was a global event and not just localized. Jesus also testified of the event and compared it to the destruction of the wicked when he shall come again. This is in Matthew-

37 But as the days of Noe were, so shall also the coming of the Son of man be.
38 For as in the days that were before the flood they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day that Noe entered into the ark,
39 And knew not until the flood came, and took them all away; so shall also the coming of the Son of man be.
(New Testament Matthew 24:37 - 39)

Christ specifically said that the flood took them "all" away. 1st Peter also testifies that all men were killed except those on the ark. We read-

20 Which sometime were disobedient, when once the longsuffering of God waited in the days of Noah, while the ark was a preparing, wherein few, that is, eight souls were saved by water.
(New Testament 1 Peter 3:20)

Remember that these testimonies of the flood have been a constant reminder that God can and will do what he deems necessary to destroy wickedness from off the face of the whole earth. Here is another scripture-

5 And spared not the old world, but saved Noah the eighth person, a preacher of righteousness, bringing in the flood upon the world of the ungodly;
(New Testament 2 Peter 2:5)

This testifies that there was an old world at one time and that God destroyed it and all flesh except for Noah and his family. This next scripture also testifies of the destructive events of the "old world"-

6 Whereby the world that then was, being overflowed with water, perished:
7 But the heavens and the earth, which are now, by the same word are kept in store, reserved unto fire against the day of judgment and perdition of ungodly men.
(New Testament 2 Peter 3:6 - 7)

This scripture is compared with the destructive events that will preceed the second coming. The earth- the whole earth under the heavens will be burned.

So where does the testimony of the rocks come in? The testimony in the rocks are the vast sedimentary layers found everywhere upon the whole earth. The rocks also hold clues as to the magnitude of the event. Everwhere we look we see twisted and broken strata containg millions of fossilized critters. These obviously perished in the great event of the flood and the breaking up of the earth in Pelegs day and also the formation of all of the mountain chains in the world since the flood.

If you were to climb Mt. Everest you would see the testimony in the rocks of the flood as they have been uplifted high for the whole world to see as a witness to God's almighty power. Very high up in those mountains seashells by the millions can be found. One might be tempted to think that the flood waters would have to go pretty high to pass over this mountain. In reality the sedimentary layers have been pushed up as a barrier for the flood waters. In Psalms we read of this event-

6 Thou coveredst it with the deep as with a garment: the waters stood above the mountains.
7 At thy rebuke they fled; at the voice of thy thunder they hasted away.
8 They go up by the mountains; they go down by the valleys unto the place which thou hast founded for them.
9 Thou hast set a bound that they may not pass over; that they turn not again to cover the earth.
(Old Testament Psalms 104:6 - 9)

This tells us that after the flood God created the great mountains and valleys as a place for the flood waters to lay so that they could no more cover the earth. The testimony of the flood stands to this day in our rocks and mountains. The Grand Canyon is also a place of magnificant beauty that stands as a testimony to the great flood and it's massive destruction. What is sad though is that modern science in their haste to remove God, have tried endlessly to explain away this testament as a slow natural process that is continuing to this day and will for millions of years to come.

In Second Peter 3:6, Peter calls these latter day scientists and wicked people scoffers who purposly deny the flood and it's testament and also of his soon to return global destruction of those who refuse to believe on his power. So where do we as Latter Day Saints stand on the issue? I would hope that all of us can open our eyes to the miraculous almighty power of God and realize that we must trust in him and his holy prophets and look to the mountains and see for ourselves that everywhere the rocks speak to us declaring that even as the world in Noahs day was completely annialated, the world in which we now live in will also soon be totally annialated in the same catastrophic matter. Only this time it will be the reversing of the Flood and lands in their shakings!

The Parable of The Wheat And The Tares examined

2006-08-16T13:04:00.000-06:00

For many the parables given in scripture remain somewhat a mystery. For me, I have always enjoyed reading and discussing the various parables given by Christ even if I was not always sure of their deep various meanings. This past week I have been studying the parable of the wheat and the tares. I have come up with some very interesting bits of information. Lets first look at the parable as it is found in the scriptures-

24 ¶ Another parable put he forth unto them, saying, The kingdom of heaven is likened unto a man which sowed good seed in his field:
25 But while men slept, his enemy came and sowed tares among the wheat, and went his way.
26 But when the blade was sprung up, and brought forth fruit, then appeared the tares also.
27 So the servants of the householder came and said unto him, Sir, didst not thou sow good seed in thy field? from whence then hath it tares?
28 He said unto them, An enemy hath done this. The servants said unto him, Wilt thou then that we go and gather them up?
29 But he said, Nay; lest while ye gather up the tares, ye root up also the wheat with them.
30 Let both grow together until the harvest: and in the time of harvest I will say to the reapers, Gather ye together first the tares, and bind them in bundles to burn them: but gather the wheat into my barn.
(New Testament Matthew 13:24 - 30)

36 Then Jesus sent the multitude away, and went into the house: and his disciples came unto him, saying, Declare unto us the parable of the tares of the field.
37 He answered and said unto them, He that soweth the good seed is the Son of man;
38 The field is the world; the good seed are the children of the kingdom; but the tares are the children of the wicked one;
39 The enemy that sowed them is the devil; the harvest is the end of the world; and the reapers are the angels.
40 As therefore the tares are gathered and burned in the fire; so shall it be in the end of this world.
41 The Son of man shall send forth his angels, and they shall gather out of his kingdom all things that offend, and them which do iniquity;
42 And shall cast them into a furnace of fire: there shall be wailing and gnashing of teeth.
43 Then shall the righteous shine forth as the sun in the kingdom of their Father. Who hath ears to hear, let him hear.
(New Testament Matthew 13:36 - 43)

The key to understanding the parable is what the various parts are and are not. Many have supposed that the tares are just wicked peolpe on the earth. The truth is that the tares are the devil and his angels- those who did not keep their first estate in the pre-mortal realm. The good seed which sprout into wheat are us born into mortality. The tares in the field try to destroy or take over the planted wheat- choke them off so to say. Now what is interesting is that the tares never become wheat- never become children of God, just as the wheat never becomes tares unless the tares take such hold upon the wheat that the good seed becomes chained down to destruction.

When the tares (devil and angels) are separated from the wheat, the wheat (children of God)flourish (millenium). The tares (Satan nad his angels) are bound up to be burned. The burning we are talking of is a spiritual fire of torment- how do you burn a spirit? This casting of the tares to be burned will happen at the end of the world which will be after the millenium and resurrection. This parable is in direct relation to that of the "goats separated form the sheep". The wheat in the parable are the sheep (fold of God) while the tares are the goats (sons of the devil/ perdition).

Remember that we are talking of a parable of the kingdom of heaven. Sure, some wheat stock will bear more fruit (good works towards individual salvation) than others, but all the wheat in the end will be accounted as a whole towards the glory of God in his kingdom. From this we may know that as we remain steadfast in the gospel and away from sin, our guard is up protecting us from the harmful effects of the tares.

Another interesting aspect of this parable is just how Satans role effects us. Let me explain. Some say that it is needed that there be a Satan in order to tempt us or we could not grow/ progress. Let's look at the parable- Remember that the field is the world. When first planted the sower wanted only good seed (God's beloved children) in his field (world) but then came Satan and established his kingdom (tares) amongst God's children in the world. The tares actually act as a hinderance rather than a help. Now also it is important that it is understood that God does not want tares in his field of wheat. After Satan had established his kingdom though, it would have been detrimental to the wheat to uproot the tares until the wheat was strong enough on it's own to bring forth fruit.

What should not be naturally assumed from this parable is that the tares are just the "wicked people of the world". The wicked people in the world are still wheat, they are just entwined heavily in the tares and have let them take hold. It is Christs atonement that breaks the grasp of the tares upon the wheat so that the field can be harvested for it's labors!

Definition of our "Second Estate"

2006-08-07T22:56:00.000-06:00

As part of the plan of salvation, we have a knowledge of pre-mortal, mortal and post-mortal life. In the PoGP book of Abraham there is a few verses that speak of our "first estate" & our "second estate". What is the meaning of this whole "estate" language anyway?

In our doctrine we speak of estate as being defined as a "time" designation. It is taught that our "first estate" was pre-mortal life while our "second estate" is mortality which ends at physical death. There are a few problems with this teaching however. If estate is used strctly as a "time" designation and definition then the scripture that speaks of this "second estate" makes no logical sense without reading more words into it. Let's look at the verses in question-

26 And they who keep their first estate shall be added upon; and they who keep not their first estate shall not have glory in the same kingdom with those who keep their first estate; and they who keep their second estate shall have glory added upon their heads for ever and ever.
27 And the Lord said: Whom shall I send? And one answered like unto the Son of Man: Here am I, send me. And another answered and said: Here am I, send me. And the Lord said: I will send the first.
28 And the second was angry, and kept not his first estate; and, at that day, many followed after him.
(Pearl of Great Price Abraham 3:26 - 28)

Under the time or place designation, you have to read more into it. For instance- If I were to say that I have kept my second estate, I would really only be saying that I have kept my mortality. This makes no sense. One would have to insert words inbetween keep & second estate in order for it to make sense as a time designation. Some might say that it could be implied to mean that we must live up to a godly standard while in the second estate. So why not include more words to begin with. I believe our teaching is wrong completely as far as definitions go on this matter. Let me explain a better view-

I believe that the terms "first estate" & "second estate" should be broken down into two parts. The first is the "time" designation. The word "first" is our time designation. "First" meaning pre-mortal realm and "second" meaning mortal & post-mortal until resurrection and great last day of judgment. The second part is "estate". Amongst the various definitions of the word, the way the bible and modern dictionaries both portray the word in biblical sense is to use it as a descriptive word towards an individual as one who holds a place within society. For example- Because I am an American citizen, I have estate. If I were to lose my estate as an American I would literally lose my place in society. In Godly terms, to have estate is to have good standing with God. The term for one having this estate or good standing with God is also called being a son or daughter of God. It can also mean to be a sheep, whether in the fold or lost.

Now to bring it all into logical terms. Satan lost his first estate. What did he really lose? It wasn't his pre-mortal life! Satan lost his good standing with God. He literaaly fell from his noble position in the Godly society. He lost his estate or in other words he lost his nobility and right as a son of God. We in mortality are living with estate. The only way to forfeit or lose our estate is to knowingly deny God after the Holy Ghost reveals such truth. The only ones who lose their second estate are those who are born into mortality and end up becoming sons of perdition, all the rest retain their estate (good standing) with God. Now to backwards engineer what I just said- If I use the term estate to mean mortal probation, then none of us truly retain such a thing as mortality is something one doesn't retain nor wishes too.

Another angle to look at is that if our second estate is by definition our gaining salvation while in our mortal lives and nothing more then very few indeed would keep their second estate! No, I believe that estate means "to have place & standing in Godly society". All of those who retain their names in the book of life retain their estate. And who will retain their names in the holy book of life? Those who Christ saves through his atonement, yea, those who recieve the glorious gift of salvation. And to these rightful heirs shall be glory added to their heads for ever and ever which is by very definition- "Eternal Progression" But hey- That's a whole other topic to debate!

Salvation: The greatest gift of God

2006-07-10T12:52:00.000-06:00

Gifts are wonderful blessings. When we think of the greatest gift, we probably think of our savior as playing a major role. There is some confusion though in our doctrine over just what is the greatest gift that God gives the righteous. In "Gospel principles" chapter 47, it explains that exaltation is the greatest gift and gives a scriptural reference to D&C 14:7. The problem here of coarse is that the doctrine of "salvation unto eternal life" had firmly been established, while the doctrine of "exaltation" had not yet been revealed. The gospel manual though disregards this information and fuses the two terms together synonomously together.

Because of this confusion, we have both "salvation" and "exaltation" as having the same meaning. D&C makes no mention that exaltation is the greatest gift. In fact exaltation is a reward rather than a gift. Once one has recieved the greatest gift of salvation (D&C 6:13) he may then be rewarded according to his works and recieve a reward of celestial glory and perhaps even exaltaion.

The important thing is that we don't equate salvation with exaltation and also eternal life with exaltation. The three terms are different in meaning and because the doctrine of exaltation was added last, it should be reserved as a meaning separate from eternal life.

Because even Telestial heirs recieve the greatest gift, we should not exclude them when discussing ordinances that must be made to recieve such blessings. These include repentance, baptism, & the priesthood. Once one has been cleansed from the mistakes made in the world, God will grant unto them according to their diligence and desire as promised throughout eternity, yea even with immortality, eternal life & eventual exaltation. Thus we truly say- That families can be together forever.

The Eternal Family

2006-06-13T12:38:00.000-06:00

I just attended another temple preparation class for a friend going through. One of the many subjects talked about was the discussion of what would become of a family member if they went to another kingdom other than the Celestial. As we currently understand our doctrine, we tend to teach that families only are together in the Celestial Kingdom and that there are no family units outside of that kingdom.

According to modern day revelation however we are beginning to be revealed a new message concerning God's will concerning the family. According to "A Proclomation To The World" we are informed that the "family is central to the Creator's plan for the eternal destiny of his children". And what is that plan? It is the plan of happiness or also called the plan of salvation. The Proclomation goes on to say that through this plan the family relationship will be perpetuated beyond the grave.

So I ask- If the family is central to the plan of salvation, will all kingdoms continue the family relationship regardless of different glories? Another question I ask is what is true happiness? I believe that true happiness is living as families together forever. If a person were cut off from his or her family for eternity in a lower kingdom and thus no longer part of a family, wouldn't that be hell? Another question I have- I currently do not live according to a Celestial law (how many of us truly do right now with the law of consecration done away with until a later date) and yet I feel that my marriage and son are eternally bound. Can we be bound together with a lower law though? I believe it so!

Think of this situation- When an engaged couple go through the temple, their last covenants they make are their temple marriage covenants. But because they enter into the marriage according to God's law, it is eternal. Now we all know that it is pretty much impossible to live up to all of the obligations and covenants in our lifetime. So this must continue after death and even perhaps after resurrection. And you know what? The family will probably be there along your side the whole time while you progress from Telestail law on up through your perfection in the Celestial kingdom. The logic of it is this- When we are married according to God's law in the temple we are recognized by God as being eternally bound to each other as long as we obey his commandments to love and serve each other in wedlock. But eternal marriage itself is not a covenant that we make while in the Celestial kingdom! It is made before we enter the Celestial Kingdom! The great mystery of it!

Remember that the Telestial law is the law of chastity with our spouse! Also remember that entrance of a spouse into the Celestial kingdom requires that the covenant was made long before in a lower set of laws in kingdoms below! So if all of this musing is true then all chidren born into that covenant or sealed by the same is also recognized by god outside of his Celestial kingdom!

Afraid of The Dark? a new twist on thought!

2006-06-04T22:53:00.000-06:00

Afraid Of The Dark? I know that I am. But why? Why does a grown man as myself who has endured some very difficult trials shake and tremble because of the dark? I will relate a recent activity that I went on with our mutual group.

I live in Idaho close to the great rift (about 10 miles away). In this great rift are many unique lava structures including cave systems made from lava tubes. Some of these lava tubes can be accessed and go back several thousand feet. This last weekend we took the mutual group of kids out to "Government Cave". This cave (lava tube) goes back into the ground about a mile or so. It also has sections where you have to go up and down ladders to access more of the cave.

When we arrive everything is fine and usual with the normal general feelings amongst some members of their apprehension of danger and risk. So we set off down into the ground into the cave. I of coarse am one of the last to go in realizing my anxiety with the dark and closed in spaces. The cave itself is not a tight closed in area though as you can walk upright throughout most of it. So anyway, we get down to the bottom to where the cave really starts (about a 100 feet) to get dark and everyithing is fine. I am a little nervous but yet quite pleased that I am able to make it even this far. And then just a few more feet in and my panic meter goes off- the heart starts racing, the air gets harder to breathe, feelings of death immediately come to mind, fears of being trapped, etc... So I scramble out telling the group I cannot handle it any longer while those around me must wonder why I am so scared and we are not even in the cave system yet.

This led me to a weekend of deep thought and prayer about why I fear, or even more so- why darkness coupled with tight quarters brings out fear in people. Through this deep pondering I recalled an incident the happened to me and my son when he was a newborn baby. We were living in a two bedroom apartment in Salt Lake City. He was just a few months old at the time.

One night I started having this really strange dream. I dreamed that Satan was trying to get my son who was in my house in the adjacent bedroom. I remember as I was waking up casting satan out of the house and my whole body was shaking. My son in the other bedroom was crying out in tremendous and fearful crying unlike we had ever heard. We rushed in to his crib and settled him down and he spent the rest of the night between me and my wife in our bed. The interesting part of this story is that my son would no longer go in the room to his crib and also from that moment on could not sleep without a light on or the TV on.

To this day (10 years later) my son cannot stand to be in a place where it is dark and cramped. He will literally shake to death in that situation. So this got me to thinking about darkness and what it represents.

Darkness is the absense of light plain and simply. In gospel terms darkness is the absense of knowledge. One of the reasons Satan is so miserable is because of his refusal to come into the light literally. The hell (spirit prison)which God has prepared for wicked individuals is literally a place of darkness and chaos. The worst punishment that man can endure mentally is to be locked up in a small confined area that lacks any kind of light. Men have been known to go crazy under these conditions after just a few days of this type of punishment.

I sometimes wonder now if past spiritual experiences even including pre-earth life trigger the type of panic and fear in the physiacl body for no real known reason. I wonder if people like myself and my son know all about where and why Satan is where he is at and have even seen and have been shown those mysteries and that our actuial fear of darkness isn't just an unexplained natural phobia, but that it invokes within us the true testament of the war in heaven and how that war is still being waged. So when we are actually experiencing the fear of darkness we are actually encountering Satan himself. Does this make any sense?

I was talking this over with my family about this recent caving trip and when I was relating the experience I jokingly told them how I could not go into the cave because my guardian angels wouldn't go in with me (they were afraid of the dark also, eh eh). But on a more serious note that brought up another thought and this is where it gets very strange with that wild twist!

What if certain men (like myself and my son) are encouraged by our guardin angels and the holy ghost not to go into the extremely dark places (like caves) because the powers of the darkness are too great and could lead to disasterous consequences and so therefore the actual feelings of fear are invoked by the holy spirit prompting me with that still small voice that the power of darkness will be able to overpower me even with disasterous consequences like actually getting trapped under the ground so that Satan can laugh as he sees me in sheer terror because he wants my soul so bad and to see me suffer he would do anything for it including luring me within his place of darkness to torment me.

Do you see where this is going? One of the Lords works he will perform when he binds up Satan during the millenium is the effect of darkness. With Satan out of the way there will be no more darkness literally. Night time will be no more. It will be like a day where the sun never sets. Because the light of truth will be everywhere, will all of those dark places of panic and fear (like dark cave sytems) so prevailant in our day also disappear. Because darkness is always associated with being lost, the real fear of darkness invoked by the spirit is that miserable and dreadful thought of being outside the presence of the Father in outer darkness. This is what the gospel calls being lost and in the mists of darkness- literal darkness!

So to get back to my original dilemma. If I have thought this out correctly- when I feel prompted not to go into a deep and dark cave, I should follow that prompting not because it's easy to be a chicken and run from my fears but because the spirit is literally telling me that because of the absense of light, it is a place where Satan can have more power and influence over those who he has put out a high bounty on. The actual fear that triggers the reaction of not wanting to go into the cave happens when I step inside the cave and my angels bring this awful fear upon me by intentionally not going with me past a certain point. Now this is not to say that good spirits are not permitted to go into the cave- after all the whole mutual group went into that cave and I am sure they had their guardian angels to help them. But what I am saying is that it sure did feel like all of the sudden I had no help from the ministering angels after a certain spot of entering the cave which caused me to immediately leave the darkness.

After a weekend of thought and prayer I am more convinced in the divinity of actual light- whether it be from a match or flashlight or from the sun. I am convinced that that little nightlight in not only my room but also my sons room wards off evil spirits because they do not like the light of any kind. The greater the darkness and chaos of things- thew more evilness you will encounter.

Am I just making excuses for being chickenof the dark or am I really on to something?

Baptism required for the Telestial Kingdom

2006-06-01T12:48:00.000-06:00

In the church we teach that baptism is required for the Celestial Kingdom. This is of coarse a true statement. But what is least understood is what baptism actually achieves.

Baptism in the Lord's eyes is a necessary step in ones salvation. By following in strict compliance to the laws of heaven baptism allows the sinner to be washed clean through the atonement. Through this ordinance man becomes reborn again back into spiritual life as he was dead in sin before (spiritually dead). He also gets the claim on being called a son or daughter of god instead of a child of Satan as he was called when he was a sinner. Without the baptism though, one cannot be forgiven of his own personal spiritual fall. If one chooses to remain in this fallen state up until the last great day of judgement after the millenium he must and will be cast off into outer darkness with satan becoming a son of perdition.

Baptism is the gateway into Heaven. In heaven there exists varrying degrees of glory depending on ones own perserverence and obedience to gospel laws. The first of these laws are faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, repentance , baptism for the remission of sins and the gift of the Holy Ghost. Beyond these laws which I define as basic "Telestial level" there are gradual higher laws clear up through celestial laws of which include the law of consecration.

In order for man to even partake of salvation (being saved from both physical and spiritual death) he must believe in Christ, repent and be baptised and recieve the gift of the holy ghost. Once man has entered this path, whether here or in the spirit world he is on the path of eternal life. If man chooses not to enter the path he will of coarse still be on the path which leads to the eternal death (second death). Eternal life will come to all those who have believed and have met the minimum "telestial law" requirement of which includes baptism to wash away ones filthiness. Eternal life however does not mean "exaltation" as is commonly thought and taught.

To sum things up- If baptism is not required for the two lower glorious kingdoms, then how does one get cleansed from his filthy state? And moreso- How does one escape being cast off and yet not be born again as this scripture satates?-

5 And the Lord said unto me: Marvel not that all mankind, yea, men and women, all nations, kindreds, tongues and people, must be born again; yea, born of God, changed from their carnal and fallen state, to a state of righteousness, being redeemed of God, becoming his sons and daughters;
26 And thus they become new creatures; and unless they do this, they can in nowise inherit the kingdom of God.
27 I say unto you, unless this be the case, they must be cast off; and this I know, because I was like to be cast off.
(Book of Mormon Mosiah 27:25 - 27)

Opposition, Where does Satan fit in?

2006-05-24T12:39:00.000-06:00

It is an often misunderstanding of what exactly Satan's role is in the grand scheme of things. Many have debated whether or not we need a Satan in order to grow and mature. In 2 Nephi chapter 2 it speaks of there needing to be an opposition. The question arises here on exactly what is meant by the word "opposition".

According to the scriptures, opposition is not a word that is used very much. Because we call Satan the opposition or adversary we imagine to ourselves that Satan must be part of God's plan to advance and exalt mankind. The truth of the word however explains that the word "opposition" exists because we have 2 things. they are-
1. Agency
2. Laws

Because agency and laws both exist we have opposition. Remember that even wickedness could of never of been brought to pass in premortality by Lucifer if opposition did not exist. And what was that opposition that cause Lucifer to fall?- It was because there was a commandment given to recieve the light (knowledge) and agency on order to accept it or refuse it. Because Satan chose not to recieve the light at some point because of his free will, he fell under the law of opposition. This law stated that there were both consequences for right and wrong decisions.

There is also another interesting point to bring up. The plan brought forth by God was intact and in place before Lucifer became Satan. The plan did however have laws of opposition in place. One of these laws had 2 separate trees in the garden. One was the tree of life and the other was the tree of knowledge of good and eveil. Neither tree was evil because they were both in the presence of God. They did however oppose each other because they both had consequences that would lead man down opposing paths because of the natural tendencies of the flesh. There are also other eternal laws of opposition- they stand in place to try mankind. Some of these are lightness and darkness, hot and cold, sweet and bitter, pain and joy, etc..

The main key to understanding this states that - "because opposition exists, both evilnenss and righteousness can come to pass" Opposition is not a word that describes what evilness or righteousness is however. So to say that Satan is the "opposition" can lead one to believe that Satan has to be part of God's plan, when in fact the plan allowed all of God's children the chance to grow and become exalted without the need of Satan. God does however allow Satan to exist and tempt man because he cannot destroy Satan's agency to do so, nor destroy man's agency to choose between the both.

So will opposition ever be abolished or destroyed? No it will not nor cannot be. Opposition is an eternal law.

The Three Kingdoms of Progression

2006-05-10T12:37:00.000-06:00

It has often been said that the two lower kingdoms are not kingdoms of progression but are in an eternal state of damnation. This doctrine is of course one of the many tools Satan uses to destroy hope for the salvation of mankind. Along with these many "doctrines of men" the teachings that are put forward always lack scriptural support. Because they lack the "rock" they of course are built upon the sandy foundation that Christ spoke of and warned against. And yet they have crept into manuals and classrooms often leading many to think that heaven must truly consist of just the Celestial Kingdom. And Satan is laughing the whole time. Maybe it is time for change!

In the Temple we are taught that all three kingdoms require covenants to laws and obedience. The principle cause of course is for progression. We are also taught that before one can live a higher law like the Celestial or Terrestrial he must first be able to live the lower law of the Telestial Kingdom. Based on this "rock" foundation the gospel is beautiful and allows even the vilest of sinners the chance to accept the atonement and progress throughout the eternities and come to enjoy all of the blessings that God has reserved for those who choose to obey his laws.

I like to think of the different glories as different levels of progress rather than final eternal states. Everyone always brings up the words of it being the "final judgement" though. Those two words actually never appear together in the scriptures and in fact is left completely open. There is a great last day of judgement however spoken of, but, it is just that- a day when all will be judged and rewarded to their level of progress they are to at that point. If the earth can progress through different states from Telestial to Celestial then so can man!

Did Christ Suffer a Spiritual Death?

2006-04-05T12:47:00.000-06:00

Always a topic of debate in my ward is whether or not Christ suffered a spiritual death in order to atone for our sins. Even according to the "Gospel Principles" manual it alludes that he did when Christ was on the cross. But because our doctrine manuals do not come right out and say it one way or the other, the endless debates continue.

I personally believe that Christ was exempt from spiritual death because of his sinless ways. Just merely being out of the physical presence of God does not mean one is spiritually dead. To be banished from his presence and influences though suggests spiritual death, something Christ never had to encounter.

Look at this key verse, it is John 16:32

Behold, the hour cometh, yea, is now come, that ye shall be scattered, every man to his own, and shall leave me alone: and yet I am not alone, because the Father is with me.

In this passage Christ fortells his apostles of his hour of trial and that everyone would leave him except for God the Father. The Father never left Christ, even upon the cross. The famed key phrase " My God, My God, why hast thou forsaken me" is a translation that does not neccesarily mean that the father left him alone. In fact, the phrase can be interpreted to mean- "My God, My God, For this cause was I spared", meaning that he had fulfilled his destiny.

To suggest that Christ suffered spiritual death on the cross seams to bring up to many questions like- If Christ spiritually died, how did he come back into spiritual life on his own? I believe that the teaching of spiritual death needs quite a bit more clarification in order for us to truly understand the saviors role and why us sinners need his atonement to bring us back into spritual life.

Sex Immorality: The Devils Trap

2006-03-26T21:33:00.000-07:00

We live in a society now where sex immorality is very unclear. Despite the prophets many warnings, many are held in captivity not knowing how to define sex immorality. These definitions range from unlawful plural marriage to acts of homosexual relationships. Judges are afraid to speak their convictions in fear of powerful lawyer groups & lobbyists with deep pockets. States like Nevada allow whore houses, where taxes from fornication and adultery acts pave the way for new school houses to be built for our children. Fornication and adultery and other gross sins of Homosexuality are paraded before our eyes continually, while slowly the devil ingrains upon our thoughts that these are beautiful acts, and that we should feel free to try all of them without any consequences. The slogan of Las Vegas of what happens here stays here is the type of everlasting chains of darkness that the city has fallen prey to. There are good people that live there though and I do not outright condemn it.

The problem is that we are being hammered so much with outside forces of subtleness to change our views of the sacredness of marriage that we make a mockery of God by even allowing same sex marriage to be brought before congress to debate. And why such movements? The devil has been awfully busy! The one true principle of our eternal existance is the knowledge of family values and it's eternal weight. Satan knows this also and will tempt man in any way to destroy and stop that relationship. The sad part is that even gay women can get pregnant and have children through lawful means. And so the family continues under a false banner with children being raised in settings that are not conducive to happiness. Gay parents will never be sealed to their children as their eternal parents. The same goes with children born in plural relationships that are not authorized by the law of man and the law of God. The reason these situations of child rearing under such strange relatioships are so deplorable is because of the eternal ramifications. Satan knows this but he has very craftily labeled his immorality push as "natural".

How should we treat these changes in our favorite vacation spots and in our schools and communities? We should shun them and warn our neighbors that the allowance in this country of such willful disobedience will bring the catastrophic destruction prophesied by ancient prophets. There are warnings by God for disobedience, but are we watching? Do we not see the signs?

I say make a stand. Stand up for family values. Don't let the world overcome your sons and daughters. Teach them that sex immorality is a most gross and abominable sin before God. Teach them that no good comes eternally from breaking the Lords commandments. And if they fall victim themselves, support them and pray for them to change and feel the saviors awesome power and love, BUT, do not support their lifestyle as something good for the sake of the relationship- it will only lead to false happiness and a delayed redemption.

Jaredite-Mayan Connection

2006-03-22T12:41:00.000-07:00

When discussing BoM lands and geography, the lands are almost always limited and made to fit with ones ideals. F.A.R.M.S. has made this committment, iregardless of what Church leaders have to say on the subject. I personally think it is better to not limit the geography to fit within an ideal but rather to keep an open mind on the topic.

I personally think that there is more of a connection between the Mayan ruins and artifacts and the Jaredite civilization rather than with the Nephite-Lamanite civilization. The main reason being the vastness and greatness of the Mayan civilization. In it's prime, the Myan civilization rivaled if not surpassed any other civilization on the earth for it's day. Leading NASA scientists are now saying that the Yucatan penninsula served more as a metropolis center rather than an agriculture center. They also state that the Yucatan shows signs from it's past that it was deforested at some point.

The Jaredites were the larger of the two BoM civilizations. They also built many spacious buildings and cities while carrying out this desire of Kingship and conquering attitude which shows up well in the Mayan heiroglyphs tattooed all over their vast empire in the carved limestone. They also had a writing that was more peculiar than one would suspect from an Egyptian-Hebrew upbringing like the later Nephites. The amount of ruins that cover roughly an area 300 x 700 miles tells the tale of literally thousands of cities that were mostly trade centers for regions far more distant.

The Olmec-Mayan connection is that they used similar writing styles and the same numerical calendar system. I would suggest that the Olmecs are Jaredites and that through interbreeding over the coarse of hundereds of years and self anniahalation, their culture changed along with facial features.

I further believe that the Nephite-Lamanite civilization was more on the South American continent, up until their migrations northward several hundered years later. I believe that the cities that the northern Nephites built which were made by concrete and timbers were the Pueblo groups found all over the southwest. The migrating Nephites were not an idolterous group and therefor would not need spacious temples and buildings like the Mayans built with. The cliff dwellers that used a form of concrete and timbers to build fit the migrating nephites to perfection.

One of the scientific evidences for aging cultures (if you believe the dates of coarse) has Mayan cities and temples in their most southern areas of central America being built hundereds of years before the Nephites even set sail. I would argue that although carbon dating has it's serious errors, LDS archaelogists look past certain numbers when it does not fit their ideal. Remember- The Jaredites never built cities in the main geographical location as where the Nephites first landed and built!

Electric Guitars in Heaven

2006-03-19T17:48:00.000-07:00

The subject of music selection always gets to be an issue where I work. Some want classical while some want rock. From the many dissputations, has arose the debate on what really classifies heavenly music.

From those discussions I have coined the phrase at work that "it will not be pleasent to some to find out that the electric guitar is played in heaven". All of this talk is usually on the funny and mellow side to help cut through the debate. On a more serious side I do wonder if there will be things like the electric guitars and big drum sets in heaven? I tend to think that when played in harmony, all instruments are God inspired.

I went to a baptist church one back in high school and was pleasently surprized when I saw two talented youth incorporate an electric guitar and drum set into the hymn. The music I believe was wonderful and beautiful- very uplifting. I also hear rock songs from the 80's (I love the Cars by the way) that inspire me in a very spiritual way. Not to take away from the sacrament hymns though, I do enjoy them. I sometimes think we think that church music is all there is that is uplifting because of the bad rap rock music gets. I remember my Dad wanting to pursue a law suit towards Pink Floyd's "The Wall" album because of my bad grades in school- (from the song "We don't need no education") The sad truth of the matter is I went to a predominently LDS area school where I was laughed at and made fun of and rock music away from the school is what kept me going.- The Pink Floyd song by the way was directed at communist style forced education in Germany circa WW2.

I have grown to love all kinds of music and think that a lot of it truly is God inspired. Do we judge too quickly sometimes what heaven will be like according to our own criteria verses equality? Some church music to me is boring and chaotic, while some of it isn't. The same goes for all kinds of music I believe. Just because the electric guitars get going doesn't mean it's satanic!

What do you think?

Can Matter Convert into Energy?

2006-03-18T11:22:00.000-07:00

A few years ago I got interested in Einsteins work on his theory of relativity. Amongst this topic was the theory of matter converting over into energy and vice-versa. This really got me to thinking. I am no sciemtist by the way, but I like to think that I think like one. Anyway, I ended up making a very long set of diagrams and pictures showing some basic flaws with all of the usual diagrams that are used to support the theory of relativity. One of these deals with matter converting into energy. In equation form everything looks good, except for the basic definition of what matter and energy really are.

I came to the conclusion that it is impossible for matter to convert into energy just as it is impossible to convert energy into matter. It is a classic paradox! The reason being, according to my own study and understanding, that matter is energy! When one describes energy he says it is nothing more than one mass in relation to another- it is all relative. There are no invisible energy waves composed of nothing. Along with this theory of mine also states that from my own postulation, nothing can increase or decrease in weight with it's relation to the second object it is being measured against. It can only be directed more or less towards something. When it is directed at something it might appear to weigh more in one direction but in all reality it weighs the same because it weighs less in exact proportion in the opposite field of it's directed power. How does this relate with relativity? check out the experiment-

Two boys are traveling on a flatbed train car traveling 50 mph heading north, one on each end. They are playing catch with each other with a baseball. They each are throwing 50 mph. There are two bystanders in this experiment labeled B (the guy standing still watching the train zoom by), and bystander C (the guy traveling at 50 mph in his car traveling south on a highway next to the train). The two guys on the train recognize that they are each throwing at 50 mph to each other, and it feels like it. To bystander B, the two boys playing catch looks totally different- in one direction the ball actually travels at 100 mph, while in the opposite direction the boy is throwing at 0 mph. To bystander C, the ball is thrown in one direction at 150 mph, while in the opposite direction it is thrown at -50 mph. From this experiment we can know if each bystander were to interfare with the thrown balls on the train, that each apposit direction of directed force would cancel itself out and one could know that the ball gained no weight (north direction speed + south direction speed divided by the two sequences representing masses 3 dimensional field= the amount of weight inflicted to move such object). This experiment can be applied on all objects approaching the speed of light.

Therefore we can assume that even if the speeds experimented with were increased towrds light velocity levels, the equation I made to represent a masses 3 dimensional weight, it will be shown that weight does not change according to gaining or losing matter, but actually stays the same and that only it's directive power changes within its different perspective of relative objects. Because this factual experiment we can also conlude that from bytander B's perspective, when the ball was thrown at 0 mph from his perspective it dropped straight down until it was caught. But because the ball is just evening out it's actual energy in a 3 dimensional field, bystander B can conclude that although the train is moving at 50 mph, that fact does not change the weight of the ball relative to himself.

Thought experiments like this keep me up in the night and I get kind of loony to other people. Am I crazy, or does it make sense?

Noah's Ark was how big?

2006-03-13T21:37:00.000-07:00

One of the most troubling things for man to believe in was just how big Noah's ark really was. Mainstream scientists have discarded the story told in Genesis as either fact coupled with fiction, or just outrightly rejected it as if it were just another allegory tale. The study of evolution and uniformatarianism outright rejects the story of the large Ark and great flood based on their own interpretation of the evidence.

I thought it would be interesting to compare a few things with the Ark. The basic measurements of it are- 450 feet long by 75 feet wide by 45 feet tall.

Overall volume= 1,518,750 cubic feet
How many full size cadillacs could of fit in the ark= 4,200
How many sheep could of fit in the ark= 57,000
If you were to cover the outside of the ark in AC plywood, how many 4'x 8' sheets would it take= 3,585

The ark would have been a modern marvel by todays standards. The ship would have obviously took many many years to build and complete, even with a small army of builders. The question that troubles believers of a localized flood is obvious.- Why such large ship for a relatively small flood? To believers of a global flood it becomes more believable. The ark would have had to have been a massive storage vessel in order to save that much life. I always ask this question to the localized believers- How did a boat that size end up at an elevation 8,000 feet above sea level (elevation of valleys surrounding ararat)?

The question is not whether God could do it, but rather, will man believe it?

The Damned

2006-03-11T07:30:00.000-07:00

What does it mean to be damned? The church's own supplemental bible dictionary explains that the damned are-

"As used in the KJV this word has a wider meaning than is at once apparent from modern usage. Damnation is the opposite of salvation, and exists in varying degrees. All who do not obtain the fulness of celestial exaltation will to some degree be limited in their progress and privileges, and hence be damned to that extent."

The first part of the definition that states that it is the opposite of salvation is right on line in my book. The part that says that those who do not receive celestial exaltation will be limited and damned is not in accordance with the scriptures in mu opinion. The definition in the entire christian community always relates damned and damnation to hell. Is their view of the word and it's meaning correct? Yes! Absolutely! In this post we will look at a few scriptures that identify the true meaning of the word. I will show that the meaning of damned/ damnation always refers to the condemned in Hell. The first scripture I use sets up all of the rest, it is Mosiah 16:11-

"11 If they be good, to the resurrection of endless life and happiness; and if they be evil, to the resurrection of endless damnation, being delivered up to the devil, who hath subjected them, which is damnation—"

The very definition of damnation according to this verse is to be delivered up to the devil. Because the devil does not reside in heaven we can conclude that damnation only occurs in hell. The next verse is found in Mark 16:16 it reads-

"16 He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be "damned.

The key to this verse is the word "saved". Who is saved? And saved from what? The inhabitants of the future glorious are those who are saved. These include all three kingdoms of Glory. The souls who are redeemed through Christ will be saved from the second death. These two statements are very much misunderstood. The next verses state my position. They are D&C 76:41-43. These read-

"41 That he came into the world, even Jesus, to be crucified for the world, and to bear the sins of the world, and to sanctify the world, and to cleanse it from all unrighteousness;
42 That through him all might be saved whom the Father had put into his power and made by him;
43 Who glorifies the Father, and saves all the works of his hands, except those sons of perdition who deny the Son after the Father has revealed him."

These scriptures state that Christ will save all those who are washed clean through him, these include the three kingdoms of glory. Because all will be made known who Christ is in perfect clarity, it is true that those who refuse Christ will be the sons of perdition. The interesting part abot these scriptures is the use of the word "saved". Saved is the opposite of "damned". If one were saved into a lower kingdom, how could he also be damned there? He can't! It is impossible to be saved and damned at the same time. Our next scripture looks at one similar to the ones just mentioned. They are from the articles of faith #3-4, they read-

"3 We believe that through the Atonement of Christ, all mankind may be saved, by obedience to the laws and ordinances of the Gospel.
4 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."

Notice the same usage of through Christ mankind may be saved. Being saved only comes from obedience to the laws and ordinances of the gospel. The point of bringing up the last two sets of scripture references is to give you the idea of what the word "saved" means. The next few verses will show the "saved or damned" dichotomy of the gospel. I will only give the reference to them to keep it short. they are-

Mark 16:16, 2 Nephi 9:23-24, 3 Nephi 11:33-34, Mormon 9:23, Ether 4:18, D&C 42:60, D&C 49:5, D&C 68:9, D&C 112:29, Moses 5:15

The wording is clear- You are either saved or you are damned. Damnation does not occur in one of the many mansions of the father in his kingdom. Next time you hear the phrase that those who do not receive celestial exaltation will be damned, stand up and correct the doctrine. Damnation is only reserved for the wicked in hell. There are many other verses on the subject but I will just leave it here for you to pick over.

Creation of Man

2006-03-08T23:37:00.000-07:00

There are many posts out there in reference to man's position in the creation and the role (if any at all) that evolution has played in producing a suitable body for Adam's spirit to dwell in. In this post I want to float an idea, that if true, might settle the case of the creation contraversey.

The current theory of evolution has man either descending from apes or related by a common ancestor to them further back in the evolutionary tree. There is also on the table the theory that God created man in his image and that there is no relation whatsoever with the ape.

I would like to bring up another current theory that is maybe not so well known, but, could change the way that we view everything in science as a whole. This theory states that man was the first living thing on the face of the earth and that all animals came afterward. This all happening on the seventh day and not the previous six. This theory has some interesting scriptures to go along with it for your viewing satisfaction- Let's get started. The first scripture is kind of the foundational scripture to this theory, it is D&C 77:12 it reads-

"12 Q. What are we to understand by the sounding of the trumpets, mentioned in the 8th chapter of Revelation?
A. We are to understand that as God made the world in six days, and on the seventh day he finished his work, and sanctified it, and also formed man out of the dust of the earth, even so, in the beginning of the seventh thousand years will the Lord God sanctify the earth, and complete the salvation of man, and judge all things, and shall redeem all things, except that which he hath not put into his power, when he shall have sealed all things, unto the end of all things; and the sounding of the trumpets of the seven angels are the preparing and finishing of his work, in the beginning of the seventh thousand years—the preparing of the way before the time of his coming."

The key to this scripture is the pattern the Lord uses. He states that he created the earth in six days, then on the seventh day he sanctified it (set it apart for a holy or divine purpose), and then formed man from the dust of the earth (put Adam's spirit in his body). He then explains that in the beginning of the seventh thousand years he will according to the pattern- sanctify the earth again and then complete that which was started. It appears that because of this pattern of using the seventh day/ seventh thousand year that there is no typogrphical error. Therefore the theory of man's seventh day advent on the earth instead of the sixth is born. Let us look at the next verse, it is Moses 3:5-6, it reads-

"5 And every plant of the field before it was in the earth, and every herb of the field before it grew. For I, the Lord God, created all things, of which I have spoken, spiritually, before they were naturally upon the face of the earth. For I, the Lord God, had not caused it to rain upon the face of the earth. And I, the Lord God, had created all the children of men; and not yet a man to till the ground; for in heaven created I them; and there was not yet flesh upon the earth, neither in the water, neither in the air;
6 But I, the Lord God, spake, and there went up a mist from the earth, and watered the whole face of the ground."

There are 2 interesting notes here, the first is that God had not watered the ground yet and we are on the seventh day! In verse six, God finally waters the earth. This comes after the sixth day and after the earth has been sanctified. The purpose of the earth being sanctified is so that the earth can bring forth that which is holy- MAN! The second point of interest is the explaination of there not yet being flesh in the air, land, or water. God is speaking of "flesh" in the sense of having a physical body instead of "flesh" in the sense of "mortality". The reason I believe this is because of the next few verses we will look at. They are Moses 3:7-8

"7 And I, the Lord God, formed man from the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living soul, the first flesh upon the earth, the first man also; nevertheless, all things were before created; but spiritually were they created and made according to my word.
8 And I, the Lord God, planted a garden eastward in aEden, and there I put the man whom I had formed."

These verses explain what the meaning of "flesh" is. It is referring to having a physical body- the kind of fleshy body that God himself has. We know that God has a body of "flesh" and bones. We also know that in this context of the word "flesh" that it is not referring to "mortality". Also note here that Adam is the "first flesh" upon the earth- the first creation of God to receive a physical body. Note also he is the first man also. This helps support the theory. Let's look at one last set of verses. they are Moses 3:18-19, they read-

"18 And I, the Lord God, said unto mine Only Begotten, that it was not good that the man should be alone; wherefore, I will make an help meet for him.
19 And out of the ground I, the Lord God, formed every beast of the field, and every fowl of the air; and commanded that they should come unto Adam, to see what he would call them; and they were also living souls; for I, God, breathed into them the breath of life, and commanded that whatsoever Adam called every living creature, that should be the name thereof."

The note of interest here is that we are on the seventh day and that God tailks with Christ and says that it is not good that man is "alone". He then forms all living animals and of coarse Eve. Notes of interest are- "every beast", "every fowl", "called every living creature".

So to get back to the original quest of this post- If this theory pans out into gold, Man was here before our friends the apes.

What do you think?

What is Salvation?

2006-03-06T22:54:00.000-07:00

Is salvation earned? is it a gift? is it a reward? The gospel refers to salvation as the greatest gift of God to man. D&C section 6:13 reads-

"13 If thou wilt do good, yea, and hold out faithful to the end, thou shalt be saved in the kingdom of God, which is the greatest of all the gifts of God; for there is no gift greater than the gift of salvation."

Salvation is the end result of Moses 1:39, it reads-

"39 For behold, this is my work and my glory—to bring to pass the immortality and eternal life of man."

Salvation by very definition is to live eternally in one of the prepared mansions in heaven with an immortal body and spiritually alive to righteousness. The gift of salvation is made possible through the Atonement. Those who reach heaven must do so through the blood of Christ. Eternal life which comes to all those found on the right hand of God, is given as a gift to those who have hearkened unto their Saviors call to repent. Alma 11:40 reads-

"40 And he shall come into the world to redeem his people; and he shall take upon him the transgressions of those who believe on his name; and these are they that shall have eternal life, and salvation cometh to none else."

So who recievs this greatest gift of Salvation unto Eternal Life? Only the truly repentant. Man is given a space to repent, this space in time given him begins at the point of his personal accountability and stretches out through death until the final resurrection. The Atonement allows all sinners who come to Christ the opportunity to be cleansed of their filthy state through his blood. Through the process of repentance and baptism man becomes born again. All men must become born again or be cast off into outer darkness.

Salvation unto eternal life will come to all men except the sons of perdition. They through their own willful disobedience have forfeited their claim of this great gift. The gospel and it's teachings saves people into one of the three kingdoms depending on their own obedience and diligence to the principles and ordinances of the gospel.

Salvation is given to all who have been washed clean through the waters of baptism. For sinners, baptism is the gateway to salvation unto eternal life and only those who are saved in one of the three kingdoms will enjoy these great blessings.

Do Telestial heirs recieve salvation unto Eternal Life though? Yes. It seems contrary to the gospel, but it is true that the atonement can cleanse anyone of any sin except an unpardonable one. Telestial heirs will eventually repent and will accept the baptism done in their behalf. Once they are cleansed, they too are on that path in which Eternal Life is granted. Salvation is not something that we earn on our own. Nor is it something that we ourselves through our own personal suffering in hell can earn. Through our good works we qualify for the gift of salvation that allows us to receive a reward in heaven.

Our place in a mansion in heaven is our reward only through the greatest of all gifts-

Salvation Unto Eternal Life

Evolution and Noah's Flood

2006-03-05T22:35:00.000-07:00

There seems to be quite an issue in the world about evolution and it's war against Christianity. On one side you have the evolution believing, God dismissing class and on the other you have the creation believing, God including class. So where and how does Noah's flood fit into all of this?

The evolution believing institutions number one problem to deal with is the old testament book of Genesis, especially Noah's dealings with the events surrounding and including the global flood. You see, if evolution is correct, then the Genesis & PoGP accounts cannot have any historical validity. Just as on the other hand- if the accounts in the scriptures that relate the flood are true, then evolution loses it's only leg to stand on.

The purpose of the NCSE (National Center for Science Education) is to make sure that the apparent historical content of the scriptures gets a bad enough rap from leading scientists so that you and I, the common unlearned man, start thinking that the accounts are mythical like some great greek astrological tale. They fight not to keep evolution in schools so much as they fight to keep any ideas that have a relation to the scriptural account out of the publics eyes. It is a clout of disguise that has the same views and ideals as the ACLU to destroy religious and constitutional freedom. I call it educated mind control- they want no room for the possibilty of ideas other than their own!

The theory of evolution relies solely on the fossil record (geologic column) for it's substance. The geologic column containing fossils is nothing more than flood laid sediments- millions upom millions of animals getting buried in a sedimentary watery catastrophe. Evolution claims that each layer represents millions of years and that each succesive layer is created when a shallow sea deposits more sediment and then millions of more years. The problem with this theory is that in the case of the Grand Canyon where you can see the greatness of this geologic column, you have many many layers that would require a vast period of time between each one and then an advancing sea and more sediment to create the next layer. Where did all of this new sediment come from? And why are the succesive layers so parallel over hundereds of millions of years?

Noah's flood was a grand catastrophe. An actual historical event. Anywhere in the world we see the testimony of that destruction in the hills, valleys, & mountains. It is God's way of telling us that even as the old world was completely destroyed by water, he will destroy our world now with fire. 2 peter 3:3-7 is a warning for our day-

3 Knowing this first, that there shall come in the last days scoffers, walking after their own lusts,
4 And saying, Where is the promise of his coming? for since the fathers fell asleep, all things continue as they were from the beginning of the creation.
5 For this they willingly are ignorant of, that by the word of God the heavens were of old, and the earth standing out of the water and in the water:
6 Whereby the world that then was, being overflowed with water, perished:
7 But the heavens and the earth, which are now, by the same word are kept in store, reserved unto fire against the day of judgment and perdition of ungodly men.

The latter day scoffers are the unbelievers, including- organizations like the ACLU & the NCSE. As in verse 5 it states they are willingly ignorant that the old testament world was destroyed by the flood, even so, they also are ignorant that Christ will come again to destroy the world this time with fire.

So where do we as LDS stand? I leave you with a good talk by Donald W Parry

Telestial Marriage

2006-03-01T18:38:00.000-07:00

In this post I would like to examine temple marriage a little bit. We know so little about the eternities and a lot of our doctrine therefor hinges upon what we might believe to be the truth and what we just do not figure on. It is interesting how we as members of the church sometimes group words- I will explain.

In the church we call temple marriage "Celestial Marriage" even though the scriptures makes no note of that word grouping. I think it should just be called "Eternal Marriage" because logically it makes more sense. It is interesting that when we go through the temple and are married and sealed for all eternity, that we are not living a Celestial law to enable that marriage to exist.

So, is marriage recognized by God outside of the Celestial Kingdom? The scriptures makes no note of it one way or the other. The phrase "separately and singly" is a word grouping that tends to get labeled to the lower kingdoms even though God is really only referring to those who do not desire an eternal companionship. I believe that God does recognize eternal marriage outside of the Celestial kingdom. We learn through the Lord's university (the temple) that the law of chastity with our spouse is a Telestial law. Now why would it be a Telestial law if marriage could not possibly exist there?

And even more to the point- If marriage exists and is recognized outside of the Celestial Kingdom, then it would be fair to also state that the family sealings also exists in the lower kingdoms, wouldn't it?

The Paradox of Eternal Life

2006-02-20T23:27:00.000-07:00

As members of the church, we should be aware of the times when the teachings do not ryme with the scriptures. All too often it is the anti-mormon lierature that brings this out. Troubling questions often leave us incapable of answering and can hurt ones faith. In this post I will begin to reveal a great mystery that has come about- What is Eternal Life , and how is it gained?

The Church publications have cornered themselves with what seems to be a classic paradox. In the "True To The Faith" reference manual they state that you can recieve Eternal Life one of two ways. You can be born into the world and then if you do not live to be 8 years old you are automatically a partaker of Eternal Life. This is in reference to Mosiah 15:25

"And little children also have eternal life."

The second way to obtain this Eternal Life according to the article is only through marriage in the temple. Now comes the paradox- a child has Eternal Life without marriage and- marriage is the only way to obtain Eternal Life. Here lies the problem, a contradiction of terms. So where is the issue then? It lies in the very definition of Eternal Life.

In order for us to know correct principles of the gospel, our leaders and their publications should be carefully gone through so that they harmonize with the scriptures. If there are unclear doctrines, then by all means, clear up the issues. But this also is the problem, nobody within the church sees it as a problem.

In order to clear up the the problem with this definition, we have to trace back where it might of started. I recently was in a discussion with my good friend and neighbor on this subject and we parted somewhat separate in our views. He got back to me some time later and gave me a book to read. It was called "Doctrines of Salvation Vol. 2" Sermons and writings of Joseph fielding Smith, compiled by Bruce R. McConkie. Through reading it I noticed the tendancy to equate Eternal Life and Exaltation together. I also noticed the tendancy to define Eternal Life with the very type of life God is living now.

It is easy to put Exaltation together with the very type of life God lives, this is a no-brainer, but, is it the definition of Eternal Life? In order to understand what Eternal Life is one should study what it means to have the opposite. The opposite of this term is, of coarse,- "Eternal Death" To use the same criteria to define it though gets very confusing, such as- ....The kind or type of death God dies...or in simpler terms-

If Eternal Life= Gods Life then it stands to reason that Eternal Death= Gods Death.

But this makes no sense whatsoever. To truly understand the meaning of Eternal Life all one must do is put one key word in place, and then everything makes sense. And what is that word? It is the word "spiritual". We know that all men will be resurrected. But not all men will be spiritually alive. Instead, some will receive spiritual death. So, to get back to that key word, let's insert the magic word.

Eternal spiritual Life, & Eternal spiritual Death

See what it does? it adds the clarification needed to destroy the paradox and bring harmony to the scriptures. let's look at a few examples with this new understanding. The first is John 3:15

"That whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have eternal life."

To perish is to suffer the Eternal Death, just as the opposite is Eternal Life. Let's look at another, it is Romans 6:23

"For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord."

Once again you have spiritual death or spiritual life. Let's look at one more, it is 2 Nephi 2:27

"Wherefore, men are free according to the flesh; and all things are given them which are expedient unto man. And they are free to choose liberty and eternal life, through the great Mediator of all men, or to choose captivity and death, according to the captivity and power of the devil; for he seeketh that all men might be miserable like unto himself."

The scriptures are clear, marriage is not a requirement for Eternal Life. It is however a requirement for Exaltation. But then we are talking two different terms. We should see this for what it is- an honest to goodness error, and correct the doctrine and come back in line with the scriptures. No one gets injured, nothing has to be changed in the scriptures. But the question remains-

Will the Church leaders make a change when we are already in the ninth inning, down by one point and up to bat?

The Vengeance of Eternal Fire

2006-02-19T22:56:00.000-07:00

It has been said that according to D&C 76:105, that "the vengeance of eternal fire" is the fire of hell- one that isn't quenched. But what is the real meaning. I believe that this vengeance of fire is a literal fire that will precede the second coming and not some type of mental or spiritual torment that is experienced in hell. The link of this term is Jude 1:7

" Even as Sodom and Gomorrha, and the cities about them in like manner, giving themselves over to fornication, and going after strange flesh, are set forth for an example, suffering the vengeance of eternal fire."

The Cities of Sodom and Gomorrha were burned with "the vengeance of eternal fire". This was a literal fire. Let's also look at Genesis 19:24

"Then the LORD rained upon Sodom and upon Gomorrah brimstone and fire from the LORD out of heaven;"

This fire that burned these cities in ancient times were a literal fire. Let's look now at the vengeance to be poured out before Christ comes. Let's look at D&C 97:26

"But if she observe not to do whatsoever I have commanded her, I will visit her according to all her works, with sore affliction, with pestilence, with plague, with sword, with vengeance, with devouring fire."

It seems to make clear that the wrath of God will be poured out amongst the wicked and that the crowning event will be this great devouring fire out of Heaven. Let's look at one more verse. It is D&C 85:3

" It is contrary to the will and commandment of God that those who receive not their inheritance by consecration, agreeable to his law, which he has given, that he may tithe his people, to prepare them against the day of vengeance and burning, should have their names enrolled with the people of God."

It would appear that the direct interpretation of D&C 76:105 would be that this"vengeance of eternal fire" is not the fire of Hell so to speak, but an actual literal fire that will sweep the earth to destroy the wicked. After God's vengeance of fire and brimstone destroys their wickedness from off the face of the earth, The Lord God will shut them up in the prison he has prepared.

Does Mormon doctrine need clarifying?

2006-02-19T19:06:00.000-07:00

There are many questionable doctrines in the LDS church. This is my first post on this blog and I want to hit the ground running. Many of the terms taught in the church can be deceptive and misleading and sometimes just plain wrong. Does the church need to modify the way they explain the plan of salvation? Or modify their view of Heaven? Or is it already laid out plain and clear?

The plan of salvation according to LDS standards incorporates many different views. It can mean anything from being physically saved to exaltation. The one most prominent in the manuals and doctrines of the church point in the direction of exaltation. We learn that we need to be saved from Satan and his grasp through obedience to the gospel- hence, the plan of salvation. But then we use that criteria of salvation to then explain that we are part of this elite group that will be saved through this plan while many others in the world will not enjoy those blessings- Ever. I think that this plan as we have interpreted it needs some serious help. Salvation is the same for everyone, and there will truly be few indeed that do not abide by it's laws in the end!

And what about our view of Heaven, it seems that it is no different, we think that as an elite group of followers of Christ that we will obtain the Kingdom of God in Heaven while most others will be saved into some other Kingdom. Yes it is True that Celestial beings will reside in his kingdom, but, so will all other Terrestrial and Telestial beings. There are both "rulers" and "servants" within God's Kingdom. So why do we think as a whole church that the Kingdom of God is "only" for the Celestial inhabitants? It probably stems from the years of persecution from the mobs in early latter day saint history. It is hard for people being driven and persecuted to see them as one day asking for forgiveness. Remember Christ's words on the cross- "...forgive them for they know not what they do..."

Until we as a church as a whole start to really understand the plan of salvation and who it is for and exactly who will be in heaven in God's kingdom, we will probably continue to see ourselves as some elite group of followers while overlooking the true meaning of just "who" are of great worth in the sight of God.