Calling and Election Required

Our discussion around the remnant of Israel will continue, first, I need to get this out.

We were having a discussion in Sunday school class last week about Alma chapter 13. The discussion came around to entering into "the rest" of the Lord. We discussed D&C 84: 23-25 and the difficulty Moses had in getting his people to accept the presence of the Lord in order that they might enter into his rest. A brief discussion about "calling and election" followed. It was suggested that Joseph Smith had as much difficulty getting the latter day Saints to accept the higher principles as Moses did with his people. Though Moses and Joseph Smith both "sought diligently" to sanctify their people that they might behold the face of God, both failed. I made the comment that this was regrettable since making your calling and election sure may be required for exaltation. The words had no sooner parted my lips than the class expert from the back of the room shouted "WHERE DOES IT SAY THHHHAAAAATTTTT?" It was a good time for silence. We moved on.

I have thought a lot about the answer to the question posed by the pundit. In order that my children, my family and dear friends may have the answer for themselves, I have compiled a number of teachings of Joseph Smith as well as statements from scripture that all indicate to me the indispensability of making your calling and election sure, thereby entering into the rest of the Lord, while in this life. There are many witnesses of the more sure word of prophecy living among us. Peter, Joseph Smith, and other prophets and angels have given us what we need to find and know this magnificent truth. It remains true and central to the redemption of Gods children. 

My children - make your calling and election sure! Never rest until you receive the more sure word of prophecy and the associated promises from Him to you. Learn these words. Keep them close. Abide by them. Never forget or be led away.

Calling and Election Required for Exaltation:

John 17: 3

"And this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent."

Joseph Smith:

"Though they might hear the voice of God and know that Jesus was the Son of God, this would be no evidence that their election and calling was made sure, that they had part with Christ, and were joint heir with him."

"1st Key: Knowledge is the power of salvation.  2nd Key: Make your calling and election sure. 3rd Key: It is one thing to be on the mount and hear the excellent voice, etc., etc., and another to hear the voice declare to you, you have a part and lot in that Kingdom."  (HC 5: 403)

2Peter 1:

10 Wherefore the rather, brethren, give diligence to make your calling and election sure: for if ye do these things, ye shall never fall:

11 For so an entrance shall be ministered unto you abundantly into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.

12 Wherefore I will not be negligent to put you always in remembrance of these things, though ye know them, and be established in the present truth.

13 Yea, I think it meet, as long as I am in this tabernacle, to stir you up by putting you in remembrance;

19 We have also a more sure word of prophecy; whereunto ye do well that ye take heed, as unto a light that shineth in a dark place, until the day dawn, and the day star arise in your hearts:

Joseph Smith:

"He (Peter) is emphatic upon this subject-after adding all this virtue, knowledge, &c., "Make your calling and election sure."...through the knowledge of Him who hath called him. There could not anything be given, pertaining to life and godliness, without knowledge."

"Then I would exhort you to go on and continue to call upon God until you make your calling and election sure for yourselves, by obtaining this more sure word of prophecy, and wait patiently for the promise until you obtain it, etc." (HC 5:389)

"Now, there is some grand secret here, and keys to unlock the subject. Notwithstanding the apostle (Peter) exhorts them to add to their faith, virtue, knowledge, temperance, etc., yet he exhorts them to make their calling and election sure. And though they had heard an audible voice from heaven bearing testimony that Jesus was the Son of God, yet he says we have a more sure word of prophecy, whereunto ye do well that ye take heed as unto a light shining in a dark place. Now, wherein could they have a more sure word of prophecy than to hear the voice of God saying, This is my beloved Son.

Now for the secret and grand key. Though they might hear the voice of God and know that Jesus was the Son of God, this would be no evidence that their election and calling was made sure, that they had part with Christ, and were joint heir with him. They then would want that more sure word of prophecy, that they were sealed in the heavens and had the promise of eternal life in the kingdom of God. Then, having this promise sealed unto them, it was an anchor to the soul, sure and steadfast. Though the thunders might roll and lightnings flash, and earthquakes bellow, and war gather thick around, yet this hope and knowledge would support the soul in every hour of trial, trouble and tribulation. Then knowledge through our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ is the grand key that unlocks the glories and mysteries of the kingdom of heaven."  (DHC Section Six 1843-44, p.298)

D&C 131: 

5 (May 17th, 1843.) 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.

6 It is impossible for a man to be saved in ignorance.

D&C 132:

21 Verily, verily, I say unto you, except ye abide my law ye cannot attain to this glory.

22 For strait is the gate, and narrow the way that leadeth unto the exaltation and continuation of the lives, and few there be that find it, because ye receive me not in the world neither do ye know me.

23 But if ye receive me in the world, then shall ye know me, and shall receive your exaltation; that where I am ye shall be also.

24 This is eternal lives—to know the only wise and true God, and Jesus Christ, whom he hath sent. I am he. Receive ye, therefore, my law.

"You must either seek and find Him while here, or remain in this Telestial state worlds without end. His invitation is extended.  He will open the gate." Denver Snuffer