The Kingdom of Heaven "In" You - Part 4

The spirit of the Lord Jesus Christ is "in all, and through all things, the light of truth; Which truth shineth. This is the light of Christ." (D&C 88:6-7) This is the power, and law, by which all things are governed. It gives life to all things.  (D&C 88:13) You could not continue to live from moment to moment if this power was withdrawn. (Mosiah 2:21) You are able to see and think and understand because this light and power is in you. (D&C 88:11)

We have learned that the Holy Spirit is the combined mind of the Father and the Son who received a fullness of the Father's glory. (Lectures on Faith lecture 5 and D&C 93:16) It was revealed to Joseph Smith that: 

"The glory of God is intelligence, or, in other words, light and truth." (D&C 93:36) 

We have already learned that "whatsoever is truth is light, and whatsoever is light is Spirit, even the spirit of Jesus Christ." (D&C 84:45) If the glory of God is light and truth, (intelligence), then the spirit of Jesus Christ that is in you is comprised of the glory of God or in other words, intelligence. We have spent the prior three entries discussing the truths surrounding the Light of Christ. We know it is light, we know it is truth,  (D&C 88:6-13) therefore we know, it is the glory of God, or "intelligence." You, and all things, are permeated by light and truth or in other words, the glory of God.

Now, here is additional truth to which we need to pay particular attention if we are to understand the truth that God is "in" you:

"For man is spirit. The elements are eternal..." (D&C 93:33) "The elements are the tabernacle of God; yea, man is the tabernacle of God, even temples;" (D&C 93:35)

Man, (you,) are "spirit." This statement of truth about you is similar to a statement made in the Lectures on Faith about our Father in Heaven, Lecture 5 speaking about the Father says: "the Father being a personage of spirit, glory, and power, possessing all perfection and fullness..." This statement about our Father has been misunderstood to mean that He is "a" spirit. He is no more "a" spirit than are you "a" spirit. But, like Him you are never the less "spirit."

The elements that now temporarily tabernacle your spirit will some day, because of the redeeming power of the Lord Jesus Christ, become permanent through the power of the resurrection. Then you, like our Father whose spirit is inseparably clothed in flesh and bone (D&C 130:22) will experience a fullness of joy, because it is only through the inseparable connection of your spirit and the elements of your body that you will be able to experience that. (D&C 93:33-34) Great as these truths are, they are not now central to our discussion. 

You are spirit. "(You) were also in the beginning with the Father; that which is Spirit, even the spirit of truth;" (D&C 93:23) "(You) were also in the beginning with God. Intelligence, or the light of truth, was not created or made, neither indeed can be." (D&C 93:29) 

Let's understand what these verses are telling you: (The stuff we covered in the prior three blogs now becomes integral. Hopefully you "got" what was given there. If you feel like you are not understanding, go back and read that stuff again carefully. Then pray to ask The Lord for help under standing. These things must be thought about and pondered deeply.)

1. In the beginning you were with the Father, you were "spirit," even the "spirit of truth." Let's be reminded that: "The spirit of truth is of God. I am the spirit of truth.  and John bore record of me, saying: He received a fulness of truth, yea, even of all truth;" (D&C 93:26) You, (your spirit that is you,) are made of the very same stuff The Lord is made of.

2. In the beginning you were with God. You were intelligence, (which is the glory of God), or the light of truth. This is not a trivial or small thing. Be reminded that: "He that ascended up on high, as also he descended below all things, in that he comprehended all things, that he might be in all and through all things, the light of truth; Which truth shineth. This is the light of Christ" (D&C 88:6-7) Once again, you are shown you are made of the very same stuff by which The Lord controls and governs the entirety of earth and all creation.

I keep repeating this verse toward the end of each of the entries in this series because hopefully with increasing understanding from the Holy Ghost as we traverse through the scriptures, it will take on greater and greater meaning:

"The light shineth in darkness, and the darkness comprehendeth it not; nevertheless, the day shall come when you shall comprehend even God, being quickened in him and by him. Then shall ye know that ye have seen me, that I am, and that I am the true light that is in you, and that you are in me; otherwise ye could not abound." (D&C 88:49-50)

That which you are made of is the very same eternal material God is made of. You literally are a part of Him. He created (organized) you from Himself. What He is made of, and what you are therefore made of, is eternal.  The substance itself was not created or made, neither indeed can be. (D&C 93:29) Joseph Smith taught, "The mind of man - the intelligent part is coequal with God himself." (The Words of Joseph Smith Ehat and Cook page 359)

This is all important because "intelligence cleaveth unto intelligence...truth embraceth truth...light cleaveth unto light" (D&C 88:40) You are naturally drawn to God who is your source, your creator. If you open yourself to Him you will find the common element between you and God, which is intelligence, or in other words light and truth, will draw you together with Him and you will  comprehend Him, being quickened in Him and by Him.

The Kingdom of Heaven "In" You - Part 3

A few more synonyms or equivalencies need to be understood before we can move ahead in our understanding of the great power of God that is in all things. That light, which is the law by which all things are governed, emanates from Him as He sits upon His throne in the bosom of eternity. (D&C 88:13) The light, the power of God, the light of Christ, (D&C 88:7) we have been discussing, fills the immensity of space and is "in," and through, all things.(D&C 88:12-13) Most importantly, it is "in," and through, you. By it, God himself "is in the midst of all things," and yes, that includes you, you are part of "all things."

In the last entry, we learned something about the process by which The Lord Jesus Christ acquired, and controls this magnificent power called The Light of Christ. His acts of ascending up on high, and descending below all things, allowed Him to "comprehend all things, that He might be "in" all and through all things, THE LIGHT OF TRUTH; Which truth shineth. This is the light of Christ."(D&C 88:6-7) Now, not only has the power of God been called "light," and "law," and "power," (D&C 88:13), it is now revealed that it is also called the light of "truth." We don't normally, in our way of reckoning, think of "truth" as being a tangible substance. We more often think of "truth" as being a verified or indisputable fact, proposition, principle, or the like. Interesting, isn't it, that the revelations refer to The light of Christ as "the light of truth." And that, "(this) truth "shineth."" Truth, we are told here, has a substantive quality by which it "shineth." "Truth," then, in the context of it being synonymous with The Spirit of Christ, appears to be substantive. Why?

This verity is further born out by a revelation Joseph Smith recorded in April, 1832.  It was revealed to Joseph:

"For you shall live by every word that proceedeth forth from the mouth of God. For the word of the Lord is truth, and whatsoever is truth is light, and whatsoever is light is Spirit, even the Spirit of Jesus Christ." (D&C 84:44-45)

This revelation makes "truth," and "light," and "spirit" equivalent. Most of us can conceive of light and spirit being able to "shine," these verses may help us understand how it is that truth may also have the ability to "shine." The Lord revealed: "There is no such thing as immaterial matter. All spirit is matter, but it is more fine or pure, and can only be discerned by purer eyes; We cannot see it; but when our bodies are purified we shall see that it is all matter." (D&C 131:7-8) Truth "shineth" because it is light, and light is spirit, and spirit is matter. The Lord said:

"...the words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life." (John 6:63) 

No wonder then, He commands us to "live by every word that proceedeth forth from the mouth of God. For the word of the Lord is truth, and whatsoever is truth is light, and whatsoever is light is Spirit, even the Spirit of Jesus Christ." (D&C 84:44-45)

The Lord declares in another place:

"The Spirit of truth is of God. I am the Spirit of truth..." (D&C 93:26)

All of these wonderful truths amalgamate in the magnificent truth taught by Joseph Smith in the Lectures on Faith:

 "And he (the Lord Jesus) being the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth, and having overcome, received a fulness of the glory of the Father-possessing the same mind with the Father, which mind is the Holy Spirit, that bears record of the Father and the Son, and these three are one, or in other words, these three constitute the great, matchless, governing and supreme power over all things." (Lectures on Faith - Lecture 5)

God is in the midst of you, and all things. (D&C 88:13) The combined mind of the Father and the Son is the Holy Spirit that permeates all of earth and space. It is in all, and through all things. If you have eyes to see and ears to hear, you should have begun by now to see and understand in what way it is that God is "in" you.  

"The light shineth in darkness, and the darkness comprehendeth it not; nevertheless, the day shall come when you shall comprehend even God, being quickened in him and by him. Then shall ye know that ye have seen me, that I am, and that I am the true light that is in you, and that you are in me; otherwise ye could not abound." (D&C 88:49-50)

"I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life." (John 8:12)

"I am the true light that lighteth every man that cometh into the world;" (D&C 93:2)

Just how far then does one need to go to do the will of the Father and receive the Son? (JST John 6:44) How great a distance is required for you to go to "see" the Son? (John 6:40) How far does He need to go to come to you in order that you may receive Him?

The Kingdom of Heaven "In" You - Part 2

The light, the power of God we discussed in the last entry, emanates from its source which is "God who sits upon His throne in the bosom of eternity." (D&C 88:12-13) It fills the entire immensity of space, and is "in," and "through," all things, including you. This light is called the light of Christ. (D&C 88:7) 

By His accomplishments of "ascending up on high," and "descending below all things," The Lord Jesus Christ was given power to comprehend "all things." By so doing, He gained the power, ability, and right, to be the source of "the light of truth" which is in all, and through all things, including you. (D&C 88:6) This is the light of Christ. (D&C 88:7)

What does it mean that The Lord Jesus ascended up on high? In another revelation, the teachings of John (John, the Lord's cousin, who is called, "the baptist") are quoted, he says: 

"I, John, bear record that he (the Lord Jesus) received a fulness of the glory of the Father; And he received all power, both in heaven and on earth, and the glory of the Father was with him, for he dwelt in him." (D&C 93:16-17)

"Ascending up on high" means The Lord received a fullness of the glory of the Father, this included "all power" given to Him both in heaven and on earth. When these things were accomplished, The Lord Jesus and the Father were made one. Hence, The Lord would declare, "I am in the Father, and the Father in me, and the Father and I are one." (D&C 93:3)

Joseph Smith taught: "And he (the Lord Jesus) being the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth, and having overcome, received a fulness of the glory of the Father-possessing the same mind with the Father, which mind is the Holy Spirit, that bears record of the Father and the Son, and these three are one, or in other words, these three constitute the great, matchless, governing and supreme power over all things." (Lectures on Faith - Lecture 5)

It is this very "governing," and supreme "power" (D&C 88:13) over "all things" that is in all and through all things, including you.

In order to be the source of "the light of truth" in all things, it was necessary that The Lord also "descend below all things." This was accomplished by the great condescension of the Son of God coming from celestial realms to a fallen telestial world and there suffering the furthest depths of darkness, wickedness, suffering, and hell. By this, because of that which He experienced and suffered in accomplishing the great atoning sacrifice, He very literally "descended below all things." (3Nephi 11:11 and D&C 19:18)

Having descended below all things, having accomplished the great atoning sacrifice, and by ascending up on high by which He received the fullness of the glory of the Father, The Lord Jesus could declare, "I am the true light that lighteth every man that cometh into the world; And that I am in the Father, and the Father in me, and the Father and I are one—The Father because he gave me of his fulness, and the Son because I was in the world and made flesh my tabernacle, and dwelt among the sons of men." (D&C 93:2-4)

By these things, The Lord Jesus was given "all power" that extends throughout all of the immensity of space.(D&C 88:12) That power, that light, that light of Christ, that Holy Spirit, is in you. By virtue of "it" being in you, "He" is in you as well. Remember, the Holy Spirit IS the combined mind of the Father and the Son. No wonder then, The Lord would declare that it is He "who is in the midst of all things," (D&C 88:13) this includes you. He is "in" you. 

As you ponder all these things, does it begin to mean something more to you when The Lord says; "...the kingdom of heaven is within you"? (Luke 17:21)

"The light shineth in darkness, and the darkness comprehendeth it not; nevertheless, the day shall come when you shall comprehend even God, being quickened in him and by him. Then shall ye know that ye have seen me, that I am, and that I am the true light that is in you, and that you are in me; otherwise ye could not abound." (D&C 88:49-50)

The Kingdom of Heaven "In" You - Part 1

I was up very early this morning, (about 4:45 a.m.) The windows were open to allow in the cool night breeze. I happened to look out an east-facing window, and there, over the mountains to the east, was Orion glowing in the beautiful night sky. His belt and sword were vivid, bright against the inky black pallet of space. Beetlejuice, the mammoth star that makes Orion's right shoulder, and which is said by scientists to already have gone super nova, showed brightly with more of a yellow hew than the rest of the stars in, and around Orion. Gazing heavenward for a moment, filled with the wonder that always accompanies the heavens and their splendor, I was reminded, "any man who hath seen any or the least of these hath seen God moving in his majesty and power." (D&C 88: 47) Because, "their courses are fixed, even the courses of the heavens and the earth, which comprehend the earth and all the planets. And they give light to each other in their times and in their seasons, in their minutes, in their hours, in their days, in their weeks, in their months, in their years—all these are one year with God, but not with man. The earth rolls upon her wings, and the sun giveth his light by day, and the moon giveth her light by night, and the stars also give their light, as they roll upon their wings in their glory, in the midst of the power of God." (D&C 88: 43-45) All of the cosmos is organized and operates "in the midst of the power of God."

The power of God is called "light" earlier in this same revelation: "The light which is in all things, which giveth life to all things, which is the law by which all things are governed, even the power of God who sitteth upon his throne, who is in the bosom of eternity, who is in the midst of all things." (D&C 88: 13) Light, law, and the power of God, are all made equivalent in this revelation. This light, this law, this power, "proceedeth forth from the presence of God" to fill the entire immensity of space. (D&C 88: 12)

This  light, this law, which is the power of God, is "in" all things. (D&C 88: 13) It is this power which gives life to all things. (Moses 6:61) This light is the power and the light of the sun. The sun was made by this power. As was the moon, the stars, and the earth. (D&C 88:7-10) There is nothing in all of existence that is not permeated by this light, this power, this law. "It" is "in" all things on the earth and in the heavens. All things are governed by it.

We ought to pay particular attention to the verity that this light, this law, this power, is "in" all things. (D&C 88:13) This very same verse teaches us that God, "sitteth upon his throne,  who is in the bosom of eternity, "who" is "in" the midst of all things." This revealed truth now moves things from a discussion about an "it," (light, law, power,) to a "who," we are now talking about a person. We learn that God Himself is "in" the midst of "all" things. 

Here, then, is something we ought to deeply ponder that will allow the Holy Spirit of God to teach us much more. It will move us forward and higher in our understanding if we will accept what it teaches, and believe. If this light, this law, this power, is indeed "in" all things throughout heaven and earth as the scripture says, then, is it "in" you? More importantly, if God is "in" the midst of "all things," is He "in" the midst of you? What exactly does that mean?

We are told, "the light which shineth, which giveth you light, is through him who enlighteneth your eyes, which is the same light that quickeneth your understandings;" (D&C 88:11) Now, we have a scriptural connection drawn between this very same light, and law, and power, and you. Not only is there an apparent connection between you and this light, this law, this power, but we are told that it is through "him" that this happens. It would seem to make perfect sense, since (He) is in the midst of all things. And, of course, you are part of  that which is referred to as, "all things." 

What effect does this have on you?  Think for a moment about this: You have this light, this law, this power, all "in" you. Does it have any effect at all on you? You are, after all, an independent person with agency and the ability to choose all kinds of stuff on your own. You are independent aren't you? If "all things" are "governed" by the light, the law, and the power that is "in" you, are you governed by it also? If this light and power are the same which give the sun it's power and its light, then why are you not consumed by it if it is "in" you?

Later in this same revelation, The Lord reveals: "The light shineth in darkness, and the darkness comprehendeth it not; nevertheless, the day shall come when you shall comprehend even God, being quickened in him and by him. Then shall ye know that ye have seen me, that I am, and that I am the true light that is in you, and that you are in me; otherwise ye could not abound." (D&C 88: 49-50)

There is much to know and learn about the light and the power of God which is in you. You must come to understand and know that God is not some far distant galactic being who must come millions of light years to be near you. His Son, who is the source (D&C 88: 5-7) of the light, the law,  and the power for us said: "...the kingdom of God is within you." (Luke 17:21)

If you learned what was intended by the series of blogs just completed called "The" Will of the Father, the series we have just begun with this entry, should  build on that understanding and deepen your knowledge of your relationship with God. By the time we are finished, your understanding of God, and your relationship with Him should open up by the power of His Holy Spirit to allow you to understand why it ought to be the most natural and the most desired thing in your life to receive the Son of God in this world. These things will work the best for you and will change you the most if you will take the time to look at the referenced scriptures and prayerfully consider their deeper meanings. The Holy Ghost can make their true, deeper, more mysterious meanings known to you. (JSH 1:74)

"The" Will of the Father Part 8

When The Lord Jesus speaks, His words are spirit and they are life. (John 6: 63) If we are wise, if we desire "life," we will hear what He says and believe. When He says something, we need not spurn at His words. There is an interesting word, "spurn." Webster's says "spurn" means:

1. to reject with disdain; scorn.
2. to treat with contempt; despise.
3. to kick or trample with the foot.

We need not imagine in our hearts that His words that He has spoken are vain. (3Nephi 29: 3) Spurning at His words will simply result in it eventually overtaking you. (3Nephi 29: 4) There are woes pronounced on any that spurn at the words of The Lord. (3Nephi 29: 4-6)

Lest we spurn at His words, what evidence do we have that these words of The Lord are not in fact vain?

"And this is the will of him that sent me, that every one which seeth the Son, and believeth on him, may have everlasting life: and I will raise him up at the last day." (John 6: 40)

"No man can come unto me, except he doeth the will of my Father who hath sent me. And this is the will of him who hath sent me, that ye receive the Son; for the Father beareth record of him; and he who receiveth the testimony, and doeth the will of him who sent me, I will raise up in the resurrection of the just." (JST John 6: 44)

Evidence and proof of actual fulfillment of the will of the Father in many individual mortal lives is abundant and can be found throughout the scriptural record. Foremost among the examples available to us in our day is the prophet Joseph Smith. Joseph's record says:

"I saw a pillar of light exactly over my head, above the brightness of the sun, which descended gradually until it fell upon me...When the light rested upon me I saw two Personages, whose brightness and glory defy all description, standing above me in the air. One of them spake unto me, calling me by name and said, pointing to the other—This is My Beloved Son. Hear Him!" (JSH 1: 16-17)

Years later, Joseph again received the Son and the specific more sure word of prophecy (D&C 131: 5-6) from the mouth of the Lord by which Joseph's calling and election was made sure. He was told, "For I am the Lord thy God, and will be with thee even unto the end of the world, and through all eternity; for verily I seal upon you your exaltation, and prepare a throne for you in the kingdom of my Father, with Abraham your father." (D&C 132: 49)

Joseph knew exactly what was meant when he counseled on Sunday May 21, 1843 at the Nauvoo temple stand:

"It is one thing to receive knowledge by the voice of God, (this is my beloved Son &c.) & another to know that you yourself will be saved, to have a positive promise of your own Salvation is making your calling and election sure. Viz the voice of Jesus saying my beloved thou shalt have eternal life. Brethren never cease struggling until you get this evidence." (Words of the Prophet Joseph Smith Ehat and Cook page 208)

Joseph could teach this marvelous doctrine with authority and from a position of knowledge because he had received it himself. We should always remember and never forget, Joseph assured us he had received nothing that was not available to every person. Even the least saint, he said, could receive exactly what he himself had received, as soon as they were prepared. (The Words of Joseph Smith Ehat and Cook page 4) 

The prevailing belief among Latter Day Saints that these things can only be had by those holding position and title in the church is a damning belief. That belief constitutes "spurning" at the words of the Lord. Thomas Monson, and Boyd Packer, and every other person, must come by these things in exactly the same way and according to the very same process and laws that you do. (D&C 130: 20) That process, those laws, are the very ones we have discussed in this series of blogs. There are no end runs around the decrees of God. Titles, positions, wealth, power among men, great learning with degrees, hold absolutely no water whatsoever where receiving the Son of God is concerned. These are the things that will pervade the minds and the beliefs of those who think a mere cry of Lord! Lord! coupled with a quick recitation of "many wonderful works" and a few miracles will save them in the Kingdom of God. (Matt. 7: 21-23)

The Old Testament contains numerous accounts of those who fulfilled the will of the Father and received the Son. Our fathers, Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, (who coincidently are now exalted and sitting on thrones in heaven, (D&C 132: 37)) each stood in the presence of God during their mortal life. The respective accounts of each of their encounters with the Son are recorded as follows:

Abraham: (Genesis 22: 26-18)

Isaac: (Genesis 26: 2-4)

Jacob: (Genesis 28: 10-22)

From the New Testament record is the account of Saul of Tarsus who later was named Paul. The account of Saul is one from which we sinners should take great hope. Saul, not unlike his counterparts from the Book of Mormon, the sons of Mosiah and Alma the younger, went about trying to destroy the church of God. (Acts 22: 4-5 and Mosiah 27: 10) If those sons of Mosiah and Alma's son were, as the record says, "the vilest of sinners," (Mosiah 28: 4) then Saul of Tarsus must have been locked in a dead heat with them for the title. Saul himself confessed to The Lord, "Lord, they know that I imprisoned and beat in every synagogue them that believed on thee: And when the blood of thy martyr Stephen was shed, I also was standing by, and consenting unto his death, and kept the raiment of them that slew him." (Acts 22: 19-20) Never the less, from the record of Saul's mortal experience, we have these words spoken by righteous Ananias to Paul, from which we learn how Paul fulfilled the will of the Father and received the Son:

"The God of our fathers hath chosen thee, that thou shouldest know his will, and see that Just One, and shouldest hear the voice of his mouth." (Acts 22: 14)

No account in any of our scripture is more instructive for us regarding fulfillment of the will of the Father that we receive the Son, than the account found in the Book of Mormon describing how the brother of Jared received the Son of God. Besides the account of the prophet Joseph Smith, there is no greater detailed written account of a person receiving the Son than that of the brother of Jared.

Chapters 3, and 4 of the book of Ether should be read and reread by every disciple of Christ who desires to understand how we are to receive the Son. Although the entire account is precious and worth recounting, what we need to know for this discussion can be learned from one verse:

"And when he had said these words, behold, the Lord showed himself unto him, and said: Because thou knowest these things ye are redeemed from the fall; therefore ye are brought back into my presence; therefore I show myself unto you." (Ether 3: 13)

We need not spurn at the words of The Lord. He means what He says. If He says it is the will of the Father that you receive the Son, if He says it is the will of the Father that you "see" the Son, then that is exactly what He means.

If Joseph Smith, Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Saul, the brother of Jared and countless others have received the Son, heard His voice, and stood in His presence, then so can you. His words are spirit and they are life. (John 6: 63) None of His words contain more "life" for you than the words of His testimony (D&C 76: 51 and D&C 131: 5-6 and Rev. 19: 10) from His mouth to your ears that He has redeemed you from the Fall. This is life, this is in fact life eternal. (John 17: 3)

"The" Will of the Father Part 7

The last many entries to this blog have focused on the magnificent truth contained in the verse from the gospel of John that was translated by the prophet Joseph Smith which says:

"And this is the will of Him that sent me, that ye receive the Son..." (JST John 6:44)

A few verses prior to this verse also in the book of John appears this:

"And this is the will of him that sent me, that every one which seeth the Son, and believeth on him, may have everlasting life: and I will raise him up at the last day." (John 6: 40)

Here, instead of using the words "receive the Son," to describe the will of the Father, The Lord says it is the will of the Father that everyone which seeth the Son...may have everlasting life..."

Later in his record John quotes The Lord Jesus saying:

"If a man love me, he will keep my words: and my Father will love him, and we will come unto him, and make our abode with him." (John 14:23)

Joseph Smith clarified the meaning of The Lord's words from this verse when he recorded this, which now appears in the Doctrine and Covenants:

"John 14:23—The appearing of the Father and the Son, in that verse, is a personal appearance; and the idea that the Father and the Son dwell in a man’s heart is an old sectarian notion, and is false." (D&C 130:3)

"Receiving" the Son, (JST John 6:44) "seeing" the Son, (John 6: 40) making your calling and election sure by the more sure word of prophecy, (2Peter 1: 10-11, 19 and D&C 131: 5-6) this is the will of the Father for each and every one of His children. And, He intends that these things happen to you during the period of your mortal probation. (D&C 132: 22-23, and D&C 88: 68, and D&C 76: 117-118) 

Many in our day teach the carnally soothing doctrine that these things are not intended for this life and are only to be received after the day of this life is over. Belief in this precept of men allows for a much easier, much more entertaining, and comfortable cruise through the otherwise difficult days of sacrifice called mortality. Joseph Smith the prophet of the restoration taught that "a religion that does not require the sacrifice of all things will never have power sufficient to develop faith unto life and salvation." (Lectures on Faith Lecture 6: 7) An understanding of the awful magnitude of the meaning of sacrificing "all things" in this life in order that we may do the will of the Father and gain sufficient faith to receive the Son and His promised salvation, has been lost to lesser, false forms of godliness wherein there is no power to save. (JS History 1: 19) 

We are now taught instead, that salvation will come by simply, benignly, staying in the mainstream of the church and following men. If you do this, we are continually assured, there will be plenty of time after you die to receive the higher, more important things. Working out your own salvation with fear and trembling (Phillipians 2:12) it is implied, need only include staying firmly in the mainstream of the church, subserviently, diligently, "following" men. (2Nephi 28: 5-9) The only "trembling" required in this approach, is the shaky trembling that occasions the fervent hand wringing hope that we may find favor with mortal leaders. The "fear" that results is the soul diminishing fear inflicted upon God's children when control, compulsion and dominion are exercised upon them by those who have a little authority "as they suppose." (D&C 121: 37-39) Thus, both fear and trembling under this false form of godliness are misunderstood and misdirected to places where there is no power of salvation whatsoever. As a result, nothing, especially not your own salvation, is "worked out" by this false form of fear and trembling. Never the less, as a result, we are  falsely taught, "chances are, we will all be exalted."

We are reminded that it is only "he that doeth the will of (the Father)" (Matt. 7:21) that will enter into the Kingdom of heaven. And, it is the will of the Father "that you receive the Son." (JST John 6: 44) And, receiving the Son is to be done in this world. (D&C 132: 22-23)

Alma said it this way:

"For behold, this life is the time for men to prepare to meet God; yea, behold the day of this life is the day for men to perform their labors." (Alma 34: 32)

No matter what men and their precepts may teach you about how little can be done in this life, and salvation still be received, do not be deceived! The word of The Lord is clear. Receive Him. Do it in this life. Sacrifice all that you are and all that you have in order to gain the faith necessary unto life and salvation.

"The" Will of the Father Part 6

If one person on the earth has ever received the Son of God in this world (D&C 132: 22-23) in accordance with the will of the Father, (JST John 6: 44) then it must be possible that every person on the earth could do the same thing. God is no respecter of persons. (Acts 10: 34-35)  In order to be just, what God does for one person, must be available in the same way for all persons. Joseph Smith said there was nothing he had received from God that was not available to every single person including the least saint as soon as they were prepared to receive it. Joseph Smith received the Son in this world. His calling and election was made sure by revelation and the more sure word of prophecy. (D&C 132: 49-50) If it is indeed "the will of the Father that you receive the Son," (JST John 6: 44) then the will of the Father was in reality accomplished in Joseph Smith's experience. We have a record of it. If the record of Joseph Smith receiving the Son in this world was all we had available to us, it would be enough to show that it is possible for every person, including you, (perhaps  especially you,) to receive the Son and His promised redemption in like manner. 

The Book of Mormon is called "another" testament of Jesus Christ. We say it contains the "fullness of the gospel" of Jesus Christ. The phrase, "The fullness of the gospel of Jesus Christ," cannot mean everything there is to say or to know about the gospel of the Son of God. This is not the meaning of "the fullness" of the gospel of Jesus Christ. The gospel of Jesus Christ, for every person's individual life, is meant to be a progression of events, ordinances, knowledge, and heavenly gifts, that are designed and intended to result in redemption from the Fall. (3Nephi 27: 13-16) Every person experiences a literal fall by coming to this mortal telestial existence. (Alma 41: 11) The fall separates us from God, and that separation would be permanent but for the atoning sacrifice of The Lord Jesus.  The culminating result of all repentance, faith in The Lord Jesus Christ, baptism, the gift of the Holy Ghost, keeping His commandments, receiving all of the ordinances, and all else we do in the name of the Son of God, is to effect the return of the individual to the presence of the Son, who has the authority, and the right, to offer you "redemption." Hence He is called, among His many titles and names, "The  Redeemer." This is the purpose and meaning of the gospel, it is all about your "redemption." It is redemption from the Fall by the personal pronouncement of the Son of God to you. This is the express purpose for which we were told in the beginning, "we will provide a Savior for (you)... that (you) may be brought forth by the power of the redemption and the resurrection, and come again into our presence, and with us partake of eternal life and exaltation." This is the fullness of the gospel of Jesus Christ. It is at this point, (when you receive the Son in accordance with the will of the Father,) in your progression that you experience a "fullness" of the gospel. It is called the "fullness of the gospel" because this culmination for you is the full purpose for which The Lord Jesus Christ offered Himself a sacrifice for your sins and transgressions. (2Nephi 2: 6-7) He did that for no other reason than that you might have the opportunity to be redeemed from the Fall and be brought back into His presence. This is the fullness of the gospel of Jesus Christ. 

The endowment ceremony in the temple is a depiction of your fall to a telestial world from heavenly beginnings where you enjoyed the presence of God. You are shown through the ceremony, your journey through a lost and fallen world. If you can see it, you are shown your progression through increasing knowledge, and light, and  the progressive stages of the gospel of Jesus Christ until the gospel plan brings you to a point where the will of the Father (JST John 6: 44) is ceremonially depicted by you receiving the Son and conversing with Him through a ceremonial veil. All of this sacred ceremony is designed by God to show you what is intended for you in your actual life. It really is the will of the Father that you really do receive the Son, and  not just in a ceremonial depiction that is intended to teach you about what needs to become reality in your mortal life. What you learn and repeat ceremonially, should teach you what you need to do in the very reality of your life. Every one of Gods' children is intended to come up to, and to enjoy the fullness of the gospel of Jesus Christ for himself/herself as she converses face to face with The Lord through the veil, not ceremonially, but in reality.  Because it is the will of the Father that you receive the Son. (JST John 6: 44) 

Be very sure you understand clearly; the ordinances and the ceremony itself do not have power to save you. If you believe you will be saved by the ceremony itself, you may find yourself claiming to the Lord in that day, that this is one of those "wonderful works" done in His name by which you were expecting to be saved in the Kingdom of heaven. (Matt. 7: 21-23) When in fact, if you do not use what you are taught in the ordinances and ceremony to actually "do the will of the Father" in your mortal life and receive the Son, you may then be invited to depart because He never knew you. (Matt. 7: 21)

The Book of Mormon contains the fullness of the gospel of Jesus Christ because it contains a collection of sacred accounts and records of many of those who have done the will of the Father and received the Son in this world. The precious and sacred Book of Mormon does indeed contain the fullness of the gospel of Jesus Christ. Its narrative record and words show us how the fullness of the Gospel, which is the presence of the Son, and His offered redemption, was received by:

Lehi

Nephi

Jacob

Isaiah

Enos

Alma

Alma the Younger

Lamoni

Lamoni's wife

Benjamin

Nephi

Lehi

Timothy

Jonas

Mathoni

Mathonihah

Kumen

Kumenonhi

Jeremiah

Shemnon

Jonas

Zedekiah

Isaiah

About 2500 unnamed men, women, and children 

Mormon

Moroni

Ether

The brother of Jared

Emer

...And others

If all you had was the record left by Joseph Smith that he has received the Son of God and that the Son has pronounced Joseph's redemption from the Fall, (D&C 132: 49-50) then you could be absolutely sure the same is possible for you. Be of good cheer! We have the matchless Book of Mormon which contains too numerous accounts to mention, like those listed above, of those, like Joseph, who have received the Son and His promised redemption from the Fall. The fullness of the gospel of Jesus Christ is repeated throughout the precious record. The Book of Mormon is given to you in the latter day for the express purpose to show you how to do the will of the Father and receive the Son.

"The" Will of the Father Part 5

"The more sure word of prophecy means a man’s knowing that he is sealed up unto eternal life, by revelation and the spirit of prophecy, through the power of the Holy Priesthood. It is impossible for a man to be saved in ignorance." (D&C 131: 5-6) 

We must have a sure knowledge that we are sealed up to eternal life in order to be saved. Guessing about our eternal standing cannot ever save us. Simple hope, a firm belief, a strong conviction that our "many wonderful works" (Matt. 7: 21-23) will eventually lead to eternal life just is not enough. We may be very active in the church and strictly religious in our lives, we may know the Book of Mormon is true, we may have the witness of the Holy Spirit that Jesus is the Christ, we may follow religious leaders devoutly, we may have done "many wonderful works" in the name of The Lord, (Matt. 7: 21-23) however, if we are ignorant of our own actual standing with respect to our eternal life, it will be impossible for us to be saved. It requires actual and real "knowledge." 

The particular knowledge that is required is not general in its nature. It is specific and can only be received in one way. That is why not everyone that cries Lord! Lord! will enter into the Kingdom of heaven, but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven." (Matt. 7: 21) And, as we understand now, the will of the Father is that you "receive the Son." (JST John 6:44)

Joseph Smith said it this way: 

"knowledge is revelation, hear all ye brethren this grand key; knowledge is the power of God unto salvation...There are two keys, one key knowledge. The other make your calling and election sure. For if you do these things you shall never fall for so an entrance shall be administered unto you abundantly into the the everlasting Kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ...We have also a more sure word of prophecy whereunto give heed until the day star arise in your hearts...it is one thing to receive knowledge by the voice of God, (this is my beloved Son &c.) & another to know that you yourself will be saved, to have a positive promise of your own salvation is making your calling and election sure. viz the voice of Jesus saying my beloved thou shalt have eternal life. Brethren never cease struggling until you get this evidence." (Words of the Prophet Joseph Smith Ehat and Cook page 204-208)

It is the will of the Father that you receive the Son (JST John 6: 44) because The Son has power to redeem you from your lost and fallen condition. As Joseph Smith said, quoting Peter, "so an entrance shall be administered unto you abundantly into the the everlasting Kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ." (2Peter 1: 11) The Lord has the right and the power by virtue of His great sacrifice, to save you. By the pronouncement of His own voice to you, He can promise you eternal life in His Kingdom. This more sure word of prophecy to you comes as the testimony from Jesus to you personally. Revelation and the spirit of prophecy are the only way you can receive this more sure word of prophecy. The "spirit of prophecy," according to John, is the testimony of Jesus. (Rev. 19: 10) When you hear the voice of Jesus, (just as Joseph Smith suggested you should,) say to you "my beloved thou shalt have eternal life," you have then received the spirit of prophecy. In this way, all ignorance of your eternal standing is dispelled. You would then have knowledge, and the impossibility of you being saved in ignorance is eliminated. Your calling and election is then sure because He spoke the words to you that make it sure. Whatever He speaks is law and is absolutely sure. You will have then received the spirit of prophecy which is the testimony of Jesus. (Rev. 19: 10)

This is the more sure word of prophecy. It is the will of the Father that you receive the Son and the promise of eternal life only He can give to you.

"Never cease struggling until you get this evidence." (Joseph Smith)