"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.