"Let Your Light So Shine Before Men..." (Matthew 5:16)

David A. Bednar's series of short videos about the light of Christ has inspired me to address the topic of the light of Christ at a deeper level. All of us, I believe are guilty of looking at another individual and judging them on how we perceive them. My dear reader, I exhort you to remember "man looketh upon the outward appearance, but the Lord looketh on the heart" (1 Samuel 16:7). We are all His beloved sons and daughters. As such each of us has traces of the divine, a spark of deity that, when cultivated and nurtured, has the potential to burst into flame and consume all that is rebellious and un-Christlike within us. This spark can cause our seed of faith to blossom and bloom into a beautiful flower of certainty that will root us in the Gospel and attach us firmly to Him. Yet what is this "spark"? How do we recognize it? And how do we cultivate it into a power of such caliber, that it can change the world?

There are a plethora of referees to light in the Bible. From Christ being a light to guide our feet (Psalm 119:105) to prophecies of Christ which compare Him to "the light of the morning" (2 Samuel 23). Yet the light that I wish to speak of is similar to what Paul talks about in 2 Corinthians 4:6 when he writes "For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ." Yet this light comes before we believe in Christ. Every man who has, lived, does live, and will yet live upon this Earth and any other Earths God has created has been instilled with the light of Christ. The world would call it a conscious. The little voice inside your head that each of us wrestles with when attempting to make what we view as life changing decisions. Perhaps the best place to look for an explanation of this kind of light is not found int he Bible at all but rather, in the pages of The Book of Mormon.

This particular definition of light comes at a time when the people of the American continent (Lamenites and Nephites) are extremely wicked. They are destroying one another without mercy. Mormon, the father of Moroni and editor of the book of Mormon writes in an epistle to his son "for so exceedingly do they anger that it seemeth me that they have no fear of death; and they have lost their love, one towards another; and they thirst after blood and revenge continually." (Moroni 9:5). Yet he admonishes his son "And now, my beloved son, notwithstanding their hardness, let us labor diligently" (Moroni 9:6). Despite the wickedness of the people Mormon, and in turn Moroni, were determined to try and call the people to repentance, to guide them to a remembrance of their God and a realization of their own wickedness. And just like Mormon did to his son I pray for your my dear reader that as the world departs more and more from the path of righteousness and the ways of God, "may Christ lift thee up, and may his sufferings and death, and the showing of his body unto our fathers, and his mercy and long-suffering, and the hope of his glory and of eternal life, rest in your mind forever" (Moroni 9:25)

As a result of all this wickedness Moroni writes somewhat of the things of God, thinking that he should have already been destroyed by the Lamenites considering the sore battles that have previously ensued. Yet he lives for a purpose he knows not. From this context comes the explanation of the light that is the center of this post, even the light of our Lord and Redeemer. "For behold, the Spirit [or light] of Christ is given to every man, that he may know good from evil;" (Moroni 7:16). Let's ponder upon this verse for a moment shall we. If God is our Father (which I boldly submit that He is) and he loves each of us as His child, would He not instill in each of us a personal compass that can guide us back tot he right path when we stray and ultimately lead us back to Him? If the goal of the Plan of Happiness is to have every soul return to Him why would he save some and not others? I submit to you that through this light, even the light of Christ, we come to understand the ways of God, our paths can be lit before us as we come to a knowledge of His Gospel and the truth He has revealed in these, the Latter Days.

Even some Latter Days Saints confuse the light of Christ with the Holy Ghost, which is the third member of the Godhead and confirmed upon you after baptism. So what exactly are the differences? We must fully understand the first, before we can understand the second.  In  verses of scriptures the light of Christ is explained as “the Spirit [which] giveth light to every man that cometh into the world” (D&C 84:46) “the light which is in all things, which giveth life to all things, which is the law by which all things are governed” (D&C 88:13; “the Spirit of Jesus Christ” (D&C 84:45), “the Spirit of the Lord” (2 Cor. 3:18;), “the Spirit of truth” (D&C 93:26), “the light of truth” (D&C 88:6), “the Spirit of God” (D&C 46:17), and “the Holy Spirit” (D&C 45:57). President Boyd K. Packer, President of the Twelve Apostles in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints has said: "Conscience affirms the reality of the Spirit of Christ in man. It affirms, as well, the reality of good and evil, of justice, mercy, honor, courage, faith, love, and virtue, as well as the necessary opposites—hatred, greed, brutality, jealousy (see 2 Ne. 2:11, 16). Such values, though physically intangible, respond to laws with cause-and-effect relationships as certain as any resulting from physical laws (see Gal. 6:7–9). The Spirit of Christ can be likened unto a “guardian angel” for every person..."

Yet what is this light of Christ meant to help us do? We previously discussed in Moroni how it is meant to help individuals determine right from wrong. This concept affirms the idea of agency, a foundational pillar of God's plan for each and every one of us. I have discussed with you the idea of a pre-existance, that we lived with God as spirits before we came to Earth. How everyone that is now upon the Earth chose to come here and follow the plan that our Eternal Father in Heaven laid out for us. Nephi affirms this idea of choice "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” (2 Ne. 2:27). Yet we are admonished to “quench not the Spirit” (1 Thes. 5:19). Thus we can see that “[all] are instructed sufficiently that they know good from evil” (2 Ne. 2:5) I think every one understands this idea. When you first do some thing you feel to be wrong or against your moral standards it is difficult correct? You feel like everyone knows what you have done and the guilt can some times be unbearable. Yet when you do it a second, a third and even a fourth time unpunished it becomes easier, potential consequences do not appear quiet so ominous, the light of Christ, your conscious, becomes quieter and quieter until it is stifled completely and you cease to hear its guiding voice and recognizing His directing light.

As I have previously said, he Light of Christ existed in us before we came to this Earth. D&C 93:23 says "Ye were also in the beginning with the Father; that which is Spirit, even the Spirit of truth" This light will be with us every moment that we live and will not perish when the mortal part of us has turned to dust. It is ever there. Every man, woman, and child that has ever existed and will ever exist upon this Earth- everyone, no matter where they live or what they believe or what they do—has within them the imperishable light of Christ. In this respect, all men are created equally. The light of Christ in everyone is a testimony that God is no respecter of persons (D&C 1:35). He treats everyone equally for we are all His children and He loves us all the same.

Now for the Holy Ghost. It is important to know that the Holy Spirit can work through this light of Christ. It must be conferred upon us after baptism and we must receive it. If we do not heed the promptings the Holy Ghost will not strive with us. The Holy Ghost works through the Light of Christ to witness to us that some thing we hear or learn about is true. Paul wrote to the Corinthians that “God hath revealed them unto us by his Spirit: for the Spirit searcheth all things, yea, the deep things of God." (1 Corinthians 2:10). President Joseph Fielding Smith spoke of the teachings of the Holy Ghost and of the Spirit of Christ: “Every man can receive a manifestation of the Holy Ghost, even when he is out of the Church, if he is earnestly seeking for the light and for the truth. The Holy Ghost will come and give the man the testimony he is seeking, and then withdraw; and the man does not have a claim upon another visit or constant visits and manifestations from him. He may have the constant guidance of that other Spirit, the Spirit of Christ.”

My dear reader. You have the spirit of Christ. If you have been baptized and confirmed by the proper authority you also have the continual companionship of the Holy Ghost. There are so many beautiful promises in the scriptures about the companionship of the Holy Ghost. Christ told his disciples in Jerusalem before he ascended into heave:  “the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you” (John 14:26). I testify to you that this is true. You were once taught of the things that I write about on this blog. If you prayerfully read the Book of Mormon, which is the word of God, with a desire to act upon the revelation you will receive the Lord will manifest the truth of these things unto you (see Moroni 10:3-5). Learn from the feet of the missionaries. Come to know the truths of the Gospel of Jesus Christ, cultivate this light of Christ through heeding the impressions you experience and walking in righteousness before the Lord. Let His light shine through you and may He bless you, until you read again.

Be Not Drunk With Wine... But Be Filled With The Spirit" (Ephesians 5:18)

Perhaps one of the most distinguishing features of Mormons is their abstinence from wine and other strong drinks. Critics of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints often use the story of Christ turning water into wine in discussions about the health habits of latter Day Saints. The common argument: "Jesus drank wine... so why don't you (or the cases of investigators: I)?" They accuse Latter Day Saints of claiming that their God is a God of change. Yet no really looks hard enough because if they did I sincerely feel that it would make a lot of sense to a lot of people, especially to those who are familiar with the scriptures and the ways of our eternal Father in heaven. To sum it up, there are numerous reasons why members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints don't partake of such things as alcohol, tea (except herbal), and coffee. However, there are two main points I would like to discuss in this post. One, the common reason, Latter Day Saints do it because the Lord has commanded it; and another, not so common reason, because the Lord desires to separate His people from the rest of the world. 

However, before I jump into the two reasons I have submitted for your consideration I wish to outline the heath, formally known as the Word of Wisdom, of the Mormon Church. It can be found in the Doctrine and Covenants in Section 89; in these verses can be found numerous health guidelines. I do not intend to outline all of them but let’s discuss a few.

All grain is ordained for the use of man and of beasts, to be the staff of life, not only for man but for the beasts of the field, and the fowls of heaven, and all wild animals that run or creep on the earth; (verse 14)

Here is discussed the importance of grains. We were all taught as children about the food pyramid. We were all taught that out of everything we ate what we should partake most frequently of included breads and grains. In this verse the Lord has admonished the same thing of his Saints. To make grains a staple part of their diet.

And again, tobacco is not for the body, neither for the belly, and is not good for man, but is an herb for bruises and all sick cattle, to be used with judgment and skill.

About forty years ago or, before everyone learned how bad it was for you, every one smoked except for a minority, that minority consisted in large part of Latter Day Saints. Joseph Smith had received this revelation from the Lord long before things like lung cancer and other problems were known to be caused by partaking of tobacco containing substances. The Lord is all knowing and He desires to protect all of His children, including the Saints, from the harmful things of this world, but spiritual and temporal. This admonishment is evidence of His desire. Science has proved that this suggestion is not unfounded, why should we not heed the words of God? (Verse 8)

That inasmuch as any man drinketh wine or strong drink among you, behold it is not good, neither meet in the sight of your Father… And, again, strong drinks are not for the belly, but for the washing of your bodies… And again, hot drinks are not for the body or belly.”(Verse 5,7,9)

Definitely the most controversial aspect of the latter Day Saint health code, is the admonishment not to drink coffee, tea, or wine. We could spend hours debating back and forth about the positive and negatives aspects of these difference beverages but for Latter Day Saints it really all comes down to the fact that they believe the Lord has commanded it, so they do it.

So let’s discuss that concept, the idea that the Lord has commanded so we do it. A lot of us as individuals like to know why we have to do something. I know I do. But that is not the way of our Father. As I have previously mentioned we are here to be tested. Let us recall the Saviors reminder, “If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me” (Luke 9:23). No one ever said the crosses we would have to carry would be easy. The path that Christ walked was not one of ease and comfort why should it be for us? For a great reward requires a great sacrifice. Now if you will look in your Pearl of Great Price (another book in the scriptural canon of Latter Day Saints) to the Book of Abraham. In this the book the Lord further explains the purpose of such commandments like the Word of Wisdom. “And we will prove them herewith, to see if they will do all things whatsoever the Lord their God shall command them” (Abraham 3:26). The Lord wants to see how we will react when He interacts with us in our lives.

Recall for a moment the story of the ten lepers. Ten lepers came to Christ and desired that He should heal them. In compassion he commanded them, “Go shew yourselves unto the priests.” Luke records “And it came to pass, that, as they went, they were cleansed” (Luke 17:14). When the ten formerly leprous men realized what had occurred then went off rejoicing. Only one returned to thank the Master for what He had done. Yet Christ, being all knowing and in tune with His Father would have known that this would occur. Yet he commanded all of them to do such a thing when He, I’m sure, very well knew that only the one would return to express His gratitude. He even asks the one “Were there not ten cleansed? but where are the nine?” (Luke 17:17) I submit to you that the Lord performed this miracle and then blessed the individuals according to the way they reacted. I do not think we can surprise God but I believe we can affirm to kind of people he knows we are. Why would we not want to prove that we are willing to pick up our crosses and follow after Him? Why would not want to called his sheep?

The second reason, the one that is not as common as the first is the idea that God wishes to make His people holy. The word holy in Hebrew is kodesh, the root “kadash” also means to be separated or divided. In making His holy God wishes to separate them. Consider for a moment the laws of Old Testament Judaism. One of the defining characteristic was the fact that they didn’t eat pork, or anything that God revealed to be defiled or unholy. I ask you: does this commandment have any eternal significance? Other than being a commandment of God was the eating of pork going to kill a Jew or damn them to hell? Not at all, the Lord commandment it because he wanted His chosen people to be different. He wanted them to be Holy. The same explanation can be offered for the word of wisdom. The Lord has commandment Latter Day Saints to not drink not because He will damn them to hell if they do or that a glass every once in a while will cause detrimental problems to their health but because he wants to separate his people and make them holy. In the New Testament the Lord commanded “Therefore come out from among them, and be you separate, says the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you,” (2 Corinthians 6:17). The Lord has used the Word of Wisdom to separate His Saints just as he used a kosher diet to separate the Jews. Question not the Lord for His ways are just and they will guide you to Eternal life.

It is possible that I have helped some of you understand further this concept. Before ending I would like to share one last thing with you, that is, the blessings of doing what the Lord asks. If you will return to section 89 the Lord outlines blessings for sticking to this health code of sorts. He says that if one follows these guidelines they “shall receive health in their navel and marrow to their bones; and shall find wisdom and great treasures of knowledge, even hidden treasures; and shall run and not be weary, and shall walk and not faint. And I, the Lord, give unto them a promise, that the destroying angel shall pass by them, as the children of Israel, and not slay them” (verses 18-21). I testify that even though we cannot understand the ways of God we can be blessed by following all the things that He commands us to do. Our Savior said “f ye were of the world, the world would love his own: but because ye are not of the world, but I have chosen you out of the world, therefore the world hateth you” (John 15:19). Be not of the world my dear readers, glorify him in all that you do. May He bless you until you read again. 

“For God So Loved the World That He Gave His Only Begotten Son…” (John 3:16)

This next lesson is one that is very dear to my heart and soul as a Latter Day Saint and a Christian. We are going to discuss the role that Jesus Christ plays in the theology of Mormonism. He is vital to the plan. His atoning sacrifice is at the center of the intricate and perfect path that will lead us back to Him and help us gain Eternal Life. But first, let me be clear on the Christ that I speak of. There are many who believe that the “Mormon Christ” is different from the “Christian Christ” as a Latter Day Saint I am here to tell you that such a thing could not be further from the truth. I had someone tell me once “Mormons don’t believe that Jesus carried His cross like other Christians do.” Granted had I not been eleven years old I probably would have questioned them further on the matter. As it is, I will tell you what I believe from growing up as a Latter Day Saint in the Mormon Church.

We believe in a Christ that was born in a manger, with no place in which to lay his head. His virgin mother Mary, wrapped him in swaddling cloth and wise men from the East and shepherds visited him. A new star appeared in the sky as angels heralded his entering into the world. The experience of Christ’s birth of those who dwelt in the America’s is very similar to the experience of those in Bethlehem. The Book of Mormon records “And it came to pass also that a new star did appear according to the word… “ (3 Nephi  1:19).  Latter Day Saints believe in the Messiah born in the manger, brought forth by a virgin, the literal son of God.  In his article Dr. Robert J. Matthews, Professor of Ancient Scripture at Brigham Young University we learn, “The Book of Mormon tells us that the person we call Jesus Christ is the God of that whole world, and of all people,  and has been working among all nations to the extent of their willingness and ability, and in accordance with His own timetable.”

Yet even long before his birth, the Savior of the world was prophesied of by prophets of old. Isaiah prophesied that “the Lord himself shall give you a sign; Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel.” (Isaiah 7:14). Jeremiah recorded “Behold the days come, saith the Lord, that I will raise unto David a righteous branch, and a King shall reign and prosper and shall execute judgment and justice in the Earth” (Jeremiah 23:5). The King, was Jesus Christ, the God of the Old Testament. Jehovah, the Only  Begotten Son of the Father.  Just like Biblical prophets, the prophets of the Book of Mormon looked forward to the coming of the Messiah. A prophet by the name of Samual preached to the people of Zarahemla, a city built up by the people of the Americas, “And it shall come to pass that whosoever shall  believe on the Son of God the same shall have everlasting life.”

Perhaps even more beautiful than the prophecies of Christ’s coming into the world is the prophecies of his atonement, the sacrifice that would provide a way for all men to return to our Father in Heaven if they believe on the name of Christ and do all that He has commanded them. Alma prophesied “And he shall go forth suffering pains and afflictions and tempations of every kind and this that the word might be fulfilled which saith He will take upon himself the pains and sicknesses of his people. And he will take upon him death , which bind his people, and he will take upon him their infirmities that his bowels may be filled with mercy, according to the flesh, that he may know according to the flesh how to succor his people according to their infirmities” (Alma 7:11-12). The purpose for the atonement of Jesus Christ, for all his suffering, tribulation, and eventual death was so that he would know how to comfort those who had such experiences. Even on the cross who knew what it felt like to be forasaken by God so he could understand what it felt like to sin, so he could know what it felt like to be completely an utterly alone. He had no place to go that he might better understand the plight of the homeless, he fasted for forty days that he might know to mollify the parched and the famish. He was tortured “stricken for our iniquities and bruised for our transgressions” that he might know how to offer solace to all his suffered, in whatever form that might be.

The question remains: why did this sacrifice need to be made? Why was it necessary for Jesus Christ to kneel beneath the pains of the world and be lifted up upon the cross? One of my favorite verses explains it better than I ever could “And since man had fallen he could not merit anything of himself; but the sufferings and death of Christ atone for [our] sins, through faith and repentance and so forth; and that he breaketh the bands of death, that the grave shall have no victory and that the sting of death should be swallowed up in the hopes of glory” (Alma 22;14). Nephi tells us “Wherefore all mankind were in a lost and fallen state and ever would be save they should rely on this Redeemer” (1 Nephi 10:6). Essentially, without Christ and his sacrifice the Plan of Salvation would be null and void we would be subject unto the devil (see 2 Nephi 9) and never be able to return to the presence of God. All Christian denominations refer to this as the concept of grace and just like any other Christian denomination Latter Day Saints revere this concept as doctrine and the word of God. Without Christ we cannot be saved.

The atonement is real. That it's power is strong enough to overcome all the hardships that we experience in life. No matter who or where we are. No matter what we've done or how far from God we may feel. Christ sacrifice was an infinite and all-encompassing atonement. Whatever past regrets may haunt our minds and weigh down our spirits the sacrifice of the Lamb can heal all wounds, take away all pain, and soothe all sorrows. There is a balm in Gilead and it is the love of a Father in Heaven coupled with the selfless sacrifice of the Lamb. His blood erases any stain, straightens any path, overcomes any weakness that we, as mortals but still beloved children of God, may have, and mends all that is broken. I testify that He lives, the Savior and Redeemer of the world lives. He pleads for our souls before the Father masking our imperfections with the perfect life that He lived. Come unto Him and the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Partake of the fruit of His love and forgiveness, taste of its sweetness and revel in the knowledge that Christ died for you. Had you been the only one for which a debt needed to be paid He would have paid the price because you are beloved, you hold a spark of divinity, and you are capable of becoming like Him. Make a promise to yourself now. If you have experienced the peace of having Christ at the center of your life but have strayed from that of late, return to Him. If you have never experienced it, discover Him. If you are walking in His footsteps faithfully, live for Him. May God bless you and may you all experience the joy of a Christ centered life, until you read again. 

“I Beheld Satan as Lightning Fall From Heaven” (Luke 10:18)

To recap what was previously discussed we have come to the agreement that we are all children of God (see previous post) and that our loving Father in Heaven sent us here to Earth, at our own consent, that we could be tried and tested and eventually become like Him. We touched briefly on how we all chose to come here which is something intend to recap again but in this particular post I want to discuss with you the first phase of the plan of Salvation, the question “where did I come from?” The answer is in a concept very familiar to Latter Day Saints but rather foreign to many other religious groups: that is the concept of a pre-existence.

Many individual’s first question might be to ask: “Well where is the pre-existence talked about in the Bible?” I invite you inquisitive readers to turn to Revelation 12. Here we read “And there was war in heaven: Michael and his angels fought against the dragon; and the dragon fought and his angels. And prevailed not; neither was their place found any more in heaven“ (Revelation 12:7-8). The war in Heaven resulted because of a plan; even the great plan of Happiness. The idea of it was simple. Each of us would go down and get a body; a physical, more body of flesh and blood. We would be tested to see if we would do “all things which the Lord would command” (Abraham 3:25). The Lord decaled that goal of His plan when He said “For behold, this is my work and my glory to bring to pass the immortality and eternal life of man” (Moses 1:39).  Yet there was one who opposed this plan. In our culture today he is known as the devil, Satan, the Father of Lies, and the Prince of Darkness. Yet in the councils of Heaven he was Lucifer, the Son of the Morning. He held a position of authority and power there.

When God the Father presented his plan Lucifer stepped forward offering an alternative. A plan that would assure that each of us would make it back to Heaven, to our Father, and receive Eternal Life. Yet there was a catch. A “it’s-to-good-to-be-true-and-here’s-why” problem. Lucifer wanted to revoke our agency. He wanted to force us to follow God and his commandment. To top it off he wanted the glory to be his. Then Christ, even Jesus came forward saying “Here am I, send me’ (Abraham 3:27) and the glory would be the Fathers. Thus a war broke out in Heaven and many followed after Lucifer and were cast out of Heaven, never to inherit bodies or the joys that would come from living God’s plan.  Christ testifies of this Luke 10:18 when he says “I beheld Satan as lightning fall from Heaven”.  The Lord teaches further of this casting out in the book of Doctrine and Covenants when He says “… the devil was before Adam, for he rebelled against me, saying ‘Give me thine honor, which is my power; and also a third part of the hosts of heaven turn he away from me because of their agency. And they were thrust down and thus came the devil and his angels” (D&C 29:36-37)

Yet since this is, for the most part, strictly Latter Day Saint doctrine, let us take a moment to look at the other book that Latter Day Saints revere as scripture: The Book of Mormon. If you haven’t noticed I have been placing great emphasis on our ability to choose, formally known as free agency. The Book of Mormon has some great verse on this concept. First turn to 2 Nephi. Here Lehi, a prophet of the Book of Mormon,  is imparting his dying words  to his family. He teaches “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” (2 Nephi 2:27). When Satan was cast out of Heaven became miserable and wishes to make us miserable like unto himself. The best way he can do that is to tempt us to mess up so badly that there is no way we can return to the presence of God.  To keep us from the reward that he chose to forego so long ago before Adam and Eve ever existed upon the Earth that we know today.

To summarize, we all existed with our Father in Heaven in a spirit world before this life. Unlike our father we did not have flesh or bone but we desired it. Because of our Father’s love for us he presented a beautiful plan known as the Plan of Happiness. This plan involved us coming down to Earth, being tested and tried to prove our faithfulness, and then returning to live with God again. Yet Satan, then Lucifer, came forward and offered an alternative plan wanting to claim all the glory for himself. He plan was so enticing that many chose to follow him and they, along with him were eventually cast out of heaven and now stand in opposition to all God’s children, hoping to make us miserable like they are. Yet there is one, rather interesting question that arises from all this discussion and it is my closing point for this point. Why don’t we remember all of this?

The answer is a scriptural one. When we passed from our pre-earth life to this one we passed through a veil. In Ecclesiastes 1:11 we are informed of the consequences of this passage: “There is no remembrance of former things, neither shall there be any remembrance of things that are to come with those that shall come after.”  In the scriptures a veil, as in the veil of the temple, often symbolizes a separation from God. This veil separates from all former memories that we have God. That is why we need the Gospel, to remember what we have forgotten and to guide us back to the truth that we once knew. Yet don’t take my word for it. There is a link up above that will take you to a website where you can contact the missionaries. They spend all their time preparing to teach people like you to learn these doctrines. Contact them and build upon the knowledge I have shared with you, hearing from those God has prepared to teach you. Next time we will discuss further of the Plan, talking about the creation and the Fall as viewed by Latter Day Saints and how this all fits into this perfect plan. I pray that you have been sufficiently fed and enlightened by these words of truth. I personally testify that they are true, may God, our Father who loves you with an infinite love, bless you  now and always, until you read again. 

“Before I Formed Thee In the Belly, I Knew Thee” (Jeremiah 1:5)

I have associated recently with an individual who claims that we are not children of God until we accept Christ. As a lifelong member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints I had always taken this knowledge for granted. I assumed that if you believe in God, you believed in your Heavenly Father as well. This associate of mine has made it very clear that such knowledge is not of common nature and thus sprang the inspiration for this most recent post.

                              

As, what some might consider, a biased Latter Day Saint I wholeheartedly assert to you, my dear reader, that you are a beloved child of God. That our Father in Heaven, whether you have accepted His Son or not, is your loving Father. It is the first piece of the Plan of Salvation that I intend to teach over the next few weeks so it is very important that you understand this key element for it is vital in understanding the rest of our Father in Heaven’s plan. Some may ask: “Where is evidence of this concept in the scriptures?” My answer; everywhere.

Aside from the verse in Jeremiah that the title of this post bears I would like you to turn to Ecclesiastes 12:7. The verse says after we die “then shall the dust return to the earth as it was: and the spirit shall return unto God who gave it.” How can we “return” if we never were there to begin with? I submit to you that we were, as God’s children, in His presence. Did not the Father say in Genesis “Let us create man in our image” (Genesis 1:26)? Does a child resemble His parent? Paul writes in Acts “For we are also His offspring” (Acts 17:27). More evidence comes in the book of Romans 8:16 “The spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit that we are the children of God.” If one denies these rather obvious verses how do critics account for the origin of our spirit and the meaning of these verses?

I think the confusion comes in with the concept that appears in Ephesians 1:5 which says “Having predestined us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself according to the good pleasure of his will.” The associate of mine used this scripture to tell me that we only become children of God after we accept Christ. I submit to you this concept. We are children of God, sinner and saint alike we are sons and daughters of a loving Father in Heaven.  The Book of Mormon teaches “Behold, the Lord hath created the earth that it should be inhabited; and he hath created his children that they should possess it” (1 Nephi 17:26). Who lives upon the Earth, not solely individuals who have accepted Christ? Turn back to your Bible for one more moment. The New Testament reads “For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible” (Colossians 1:16). So Christ created our physical bodies under the direction of the Father, which is the visible. Yet our Father in Heaven formed our spirits, which is the invisible. Latter Day Saints also believe that we become spirit children of Christ when we accept Him and are baptized with the proper authority; the Bible teaches that we become “joint heirs with Christ” and that is only through baptism. There is the confusion. Always children of a loving Father and adopted spirit sons of daughters when accept, take His name upon us and are baptized into His Gospel.

So if our all-powerful Father in Heaven is our Father, why in the world are we here? Why did we come to Earth? Honestly that is one of the three great questions I hope to answer in the series of posts that are coming in the next few weeks. 

1) Where did I come from?
2) Why am I here? 
3) Where am I going after I die? 

The second one is going to be the focus of the rest of the post and we will back track in the next post to discuss where we all came from.

The answer is simple: we wanted to be like our Heavenly Father. We saw that He had a body of “flesh and bone” and we desired it more than anything else. We desired to be like Him. Yet our Father, who loved us, would not simply snap His fingers and make it so. Instead he came up with a plan which is what I’m teaching you know and that everyone who has ever lived or will yet live upon the Earth chose to accept.  Abraham 3:25 says “And we will prove them herewith, to see if they will do all thing whatsoever the Lord their God shall command them.”  We are here to show God what we will do because of our love for Him.

Yet Heavenly Father new we would make mistakes that is why he gave His Only Begotten Son “that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life”  (John 3:16).  The atonement is central to our Father in Heaven’s plan. It is the only why we can get back to Him, which was the plan when we left His presence in the First place. He loves us so much my dear reader. More than you or I could ever comprehend. I personally testify that He is our Father. That he watched out for us and beckons us to seek Him. He weeps at our tears and rejoices at our triumphs. “Behold, now are we the son [note: the original Greek reads children or people] of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that when he shall appear, we shall be like Him, for we shall see Him as He is” (1 John 3:2). I pray, my dear reader that wherever on the road you are with God you do everything you can to draw closer to Him. Learn this for yourself by studying His word and talking with missionaries who will show you just how loved and wanted you really are by He who created all things. May He be with you always and until you read again.

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"All These Things Shall Give Thee Experience" (D&C 122:7)

I am changing my tone a little bit for this post. Normally my posts are very intellectual drawing on scriptures and logic to explain doctrinal concept that I see as rather controversial in the world of religion that mingles to often with personal opinion and hostility. Today's post is founded upon an email I sent to a very dear friend some time ago who is now serving a mission for our Lord and Savior (and doing a good job of it too). I pray that you, my dear reader can be uplifted by it just as I pray he was uplifted by it.

I know life can be hard; believe me I know. But I can personally testify that through the grace of our Savior and his atonement,  just as I have, you can once again find the peace that comes from living a life shoulder to shoulder with Him. The experiences of this past year (I can without a doubt say that it has been one of great adversity but also great growth for me) have shown me numerous things that I thought I knew but I guess never fully understood. There are four thoughts that I wish to share with you. Four lessons that I believe will help you get through whatever difficulties you are currently facing and aid you the rest of your life. Just as they have helped me once again refocus my gaze on what really matters.

1. Happiness is a Choice

Its such a simple concept but is so life changing when embraced and fully understood. It is what has gotten me out of the darkness that I've been wandering through for what felt like an eternity. I woke up a recent morning and I made the decision that I wouldn't let past mistakes hurt me any longer. I'm going to be happy. I am blessed in so many ways and it is a disservice to myself to not acknowledge all that He has given me. I am going to serve a mission. Not just a literal, go out into the field and serve, kind of mission. My life is going to be a mission for Him. We cannot be properly receptive to the Holy Ghost when we let darkness and despair dampen our vision of Eternal Life with our loving Heavenly Father. I have learned the hard way how it feels to be far from the Lord and I can testify that it is not a place of happiness or joy. The scriptures tells us "Choose ye this day whom ye will serve" (Joshua 24:15) Choose to serve the Lord my dear readers. That includes choosing to rejoice in this beautiful life he has given us. The Savior suffered to cover all our pains, disappointments, sins, and yes even our broken hearts. The only thing that is truly ours to give is our will, with the debt to Him that we have accumulated, I can think of no better way to repay Him than by living a joyful, service-filled life. I pray you go about your life with the desire to be happy and a yearning to bring others that happiness. Therein embodies that joy of the Celestial Kingdom and a life with our Lord.

2. Be Not Afraid

Fear, such a corrosive emotion. It decays the spirit and imprisons the mind. It can swallow even the faintest gleam of hope if we do not face it and learn to replace it with faith. The scriptures teach us "the Lord did not give us a spirit of doubt or of fear" (2 Timothy 1:7). I loved that scripture when I first read it eight years ago and I love it even more now. What we feel when we look at ourselves and say that we are not good enough... that we are not worth it... that we cannot do it... is not from God but from Satan, the father of all lies. I'm sure all of you know this. But do you know it. Do you believe it with all that you are? Do you truly understand the contrast between the dark, foreboding grip of the adversary and the gentle, inviting embrace of the Spirit? I pray that you do. If not, I implore you to never cease to ask the Lord for His Spirit to be constantly with you. When He leaves, when we allow the troubles of life to turn our gaze away from Him, it is like we are engulfed in a storm from which there is no harbor. Our sails must be ever raised in the name of our God. In the midst of the pelting hail we must turn our gaze heavenward and cry for the Lord's guidance. He will not leave us comfortless. Even when it seems that there is no comfort to be had. We must press on. Christ is the ultimate example. Even though he had every power to stop the pain of the atonement He chose to do His Father's will. I pray that we be just like Him. May we, in the midst of our pain, always look up towards heaven and know that Christ is never far way. As you go forward be not afraid my friend. "Weeping endureth for a night but joy cometh in the morning" (Psalms 30:5). Always remember that no matter how harsh our storms may seem if we do not turn our back on Him, He will never cease to be with us.

3. Love, Even in Loss

 I have never been one to simply lay down and let the adversary have his way with me. Eventually, after all the blows I've taken this past year, I got up. I don't think I got up spiritually until recently but the day we said goodbye, I physically and literally made the choice to pick myself up and go on. I honestly believe that I didn't start becoming my old self again until I started to really love those around me. Previously I selfishly wished that someone would just take my hand and tell me everything was going to be alright. Then, I started noticing the need to take the hands of others and be the comfort that they needed. Have I always done it willingly, no. But gradually, as I've prayed for opportunities the Lord has brought people to me that could use my help and influence. I don't pretend to be the answer to all their problems but I pray that like you are going to be, I can be an instrument in the Lord's hands. Just remember that even when we fail, lose someone or something we love, or feel as if we just can't go on, reach out. Think of the hymn "Because I Have Been Give Much". “Because I have been given much I too must give.” How selfish is it to expect everyone else to give to us when there are so many which need our love and companionship. I pray that as you go about your life you reach out in love. No matter how difficult or monotonous the days may seem, no matter how unsuccessful you may feel, even if you come to regret any of your past decisions never forget to love with all that you have. Have charity my friends, “it never faileth” (1 Corinthians 13:8) and if you are found possessed of it, neither will you.

4. Some Times the Brightest Rainbows Only Come After the Harshest Storms

How merciful the Lord is my friend. It took until a short time ago for me to realize that it was all in my hands. That I could spend my days wallowing in thoughts of what could have been or pick myself up and strive to notice the rainbows. As a child I always loved the spectra of light that represented a wonderful promise from God; a promise that he would never again flood the Earth. I think in many forms, He sends us spiritual rainbows, beautiful reminders that if we will but be obedient and always live for Him that our lives will not always be flooded with adversity and trials. He does not promise that there will never be rain, He simply assures us that we will never be engulfed in a storm that He will not help us through. I think it is absolutely magnificent. Moroni reminds us that the Lord's grace is sufficient for all men (Ether 12:27). I have a firm testimony of this and all I have told you. He lives and He lives to call us back to Him. He did not send us here to fail. He sent us here to live, to learn, to grow, and above all, to succeed. Remember that as you live for Him my friend. Remember it as you teach those whom God has prepared for you. Never forget that the sun always comes with the dawn, that at some point the clouds break to show the sky again. Endure. Endure with faith. Endure with patience. Endure with love. Look for life's rainbows and strive always to stand tall in the storms.

I do not pretend to understand any portion of the ways of the Lord. I am far from perfect and far from making it back to our Father in Heaven. But I have a testimony; a testimony of the power of adversity and trials to help us grow; a testimony of the power of the priesthood and the reality of our Lord. I know He lives. What a comforting concept! What a joyous proclamation. I pray my dear reader that you study the scriptures with diligence for they are the words of God. Pray with sincerity, for the Lord hears and answers your prayers. Serve with charity, have patience in affliction, let virtue garnish your thoughts and actions, accept the Lord's will with humility, strive for godliness, seek wisdom, gain knowledge both of spiritual and secular things, endure with temperance, and above all feed your faith. As you go throughout your life never forget what your trials have taught you. The Lord is always there even when we choose to turn our back on him. He believes in you, He loves you, and He waits for you. I know that the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints is true. I know that Christ lives for He is my rock and my companion. I bear witness of the Holy Ghost and his ability to guide us in all the ways of righteousness. I know that the Book of Mormon is the word of God, feast upon its pages, there is no greater joy then understanding and becoming more like Him. I know that this church is led by a prophet, heed his words and you will face all things in this life with courage and strength. I pray that you accept all things that the Lord places before you and always have the faith to say "thy will be done." I hope you are well. I hope you are noticing the Lord's hand in your life and preparing with real intent to serve with the purpose of bringing salvation to those you will meet. You have been called and chosen. Thrust in your sickle with all your might and reap the rewards of a life deserving of all the Father hath. I leave these things with you in the name of our Lord, our Savior and Redeemer, our God and our King, even Jesus the Christ, Amen.

“For By Grace Are Ye Saved Through Faith” (Ephesians 2:8)

Perhaps one of the most controversial religious issues since the mode for baptism could be the question of whether one is saved by grace or by works. It has been the debate among many denominations for as long as anyone can remember. I have touched on this topic numerous times in posts past but only recently did I decide to dedicate en entire post to this particular issue. First, let me place a disclaimer. Anything and everything I post here is my own opinion and thoughts from the research that I do. I in no way reflect the beliefs of the Church as a whole. The only real way to get answers and understand our doctrines is to study it for yourself by reading the Book of Mormon and talking with missionaries. Now that I’ve made that clear what is my position, as a Latter Day Saint, on the concept of grace and works in regards to the salvation of man?

There are two words in Hebrew that mean grace. The first “khanan” which implies grace or favor granted with the expectation of something in return later. Essentially “I’ll do this for you now but later I expect something in return.” It is give and take. The second and the one that will fit nicely into this discussion is the word “Khesed” which means an eternal gift. Really something that is given without strings attached. However, “khesed” also implies a contractile relationship. Everyone knows that in the signing of a contract there must be giving and taking on both sides. “khesed”, the freely given grace with the underlying tone of a contract is the grace that Paul talks about in his letters to the Ephesians. Yes it is freely given, it is a gift, but it is also given under the pretenses that there is to be give and take on both ends.

Yet there is another evidence of the concept of grace meaning a contractile relationship. When reading the New Testament in Greek you come across the word “pistis” which means “faith” but it also means “a relationship through a contract” Once again the idea is presented that faith is an action word; a word of giving as well as receiving.

But what of works?

For the sake of being on the same page we shall define works for this post as something that you do; an action and something that God cannot do for you. Based off of this concept is it safe to say that merely having faith in Jesus Christ is a work? It is something that we must choose to do; God cannot do it for us.

Critics of the need for works in being saved will say that it is through faith alone that ye are saved. Yet the only time the Bible mentions “faith alone” is in James 2:24 which says “Ye see then how that by works a man is justified, and not by faith only.”

So what does it mean to have faith?

Is faith nothing more than believing and trusting? Searching the scriptures, we see faith also involves assent to God's truth (1 Thessalonians 2:13), obedience to Him (Romans 1:5, 16:26), and it must be working in love (Galatians 5:6).  From these scriptures I think it is safe to assume that having faith is a thing of action. In fact Paul teaches that faith in Christ is a lifelong process; not a one-time experience. In his letter to the Philippians he says “work out your own salvation with fear and trembling” (Philippians 2:12). I do not think this means that we are completely on our own, that salvation depends solely on what we do. Rather, I interpret this verse to refer to the idea that even after we have accepted Christ and developed a faith in Him we must work to strengthen that faith in Him that has redeemed us from a lost and fallen state.

So our faith is constantly growing. It is subject to change. Recall the parable of the sower (Matthew 13:1-23). If one looks at the seeds as faith then it is evident that, in some instances, the seeds are sown but do not take root, are choked by tears, or baked in the sun. Faith is something that must be cultivated and nourished and that, my dear readers, takes action. It takes work.

Christ himself emphasized the need for works in the parable of the sheep and the goats (Matthew 25:31-46). He separates the sheep and the goats according to what they have done. He tells his faithful “For I was in hungered and ye gave me meat; I was thirsty, and ye gave me drink: I was a stranger and ye took me in. Naked and ye clothed me: I was sick and ye visited me: I was in prison and ye came unto me” (25:35-36). Such things require action.   We cannot merely accept Christ and then do nothing. We must live for Him as surely as He died for us.

Many critics of the Church will accuse Latter Day Saints of believing that we can earn our salvation. We do not believe that. As mentioned in a previous post we believe that all are saved through the resurrection. Thus God is a merciful God for everybody will take on immortally. Yet many use the scripture in 2 Nephi 25:23 which states “it is by grace we are saved after all we can do.” Yet what is “all we can do” A wonderful example is found in Alma 24:11 which says “It was all that we could do to repent.” Latter Day Saints believe that you must have faith in Jesus Christ, and then you must repent, be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ with the proper authority, receive the Holy Ghost and continue in righteousness all the rest of your days.

We believe that it is through Christ that you are saved. For without the atonement and the shedding of His blood we could not return to the presence of God. Yet why do Latter Day Saints believe you need works? It was explained briefly in a post on baptism but another great reason in the concept of two deaths. First is a physical death; the separation of the body and the spirit; second, the separation of our spirits from the presence of God which is known as a spiritual death. Physical death is overcome through the resurrection of Christ for as surely as He was resurrected so will we be resurrected to dwell in perfection and immortality forever. 2 Nephi 9 says “And it shall come to pass that when all men shall have passed from the first death into life, insomuch as they have become immortal, they must appear before the judgment-seat of the Holy of Israel; and then cometh the judgment and then must they be judged according to the holy judgment of God” (2 Nephi 9:15). Here is where our works come in. We will be judged according to how we have lived out lives and from there will reside in one of the three degrees that has also been previously mentioned; this assignment to a degree of glory will either separate us from the Father or allow us to dwell in His presence for all eternity.

We stand by what Paul wrote in Philippians 4:13 “I can do all things through Christ which strengthens me” Through Christ we can live lives of righteousness, faith and joy. Through Him we can repent, be baptized and receive the Holy Ghost. Because of our faithfulness to our Redeemer we can prove our love and our gratitude for the gift of His grace by serving others, developing our talents, accepting callings, and growing into men and women of God. It is through faith that we are saved but it is by works that our salvation is justified before God. Now my dear reader, my question to you is this:

How has faith, in conjunction with works brought you closer to your Father in Heaven and your Savior?

God bless you my dear readers, until you read again.