Topic: Signs of the true
church
Throughout the
scriptures, we see evidence of how Jesus Christ organized His church during His
earthly ministry with a specific structure or organization and with specific
doctrines. We also read of the prophecies made by Jesus and His Apostles
concerning an apostasy from truth and a restoration of truth. Below you will
find the organizational structure, specific doctrines and other evidences and
prophecies listed. If Jesus set up His church with these organizational
structures and doctrines and if His church had continued through the centuries
until our day, would there not be a church today set up with this same
organizational structure and the same doctrines that Jesus established during
His earthly ministry?
Apostles and
Prophets
Doctrine and
Covenants 20:1-4; 21:1 > Luke 6:13-16 > 3 Nephi 12:1-2 > 4 Nephi 1:14
> The Acts 1:20-26 > Doctrine and Covenants 118:6 > Doctrine and
Covenants 107:23, 33, 35 > 1 Corinthians 12:28 > Amos 3:7 > 1 Nephi
22:2 > Doctrine and Covenants 1:14, 37-38
From the very
beginning of time, Prophets have walked the earth. Adam was the first. Since
Adam, we know of many: Noah, Abraham, Moses, Joshua, Elijah, Isaiah, Jeremiah,
Ezekiel, Peter and many others. We have their words, teachings, council, and so
forth recorded throughout the Old and New Testaments. In the Book of Mormon, we
have Lehi, Nephi, Jacob, Alma, Mormon, Moroni and many others. In our day, the
last days, the fullness of times, we read in the Doctrine and Covenants section
20 verses 1 through 4 and section 21 verse 1 of the Prophet, Joseph Smith.
Since Joseph Smith, we have had others, such as Brigham Young. At this present time,
in 2014, we have Thomas S. Monson.
In the book of Luke
chapter 6 verses 13 through 16, we read of the account where Jesus called from
among His disciples twelve Apostles. We see the same thing happen in the Book
of Mormon in 3 Nephi chapter 12 verses 1 and 2. These twelve, we learn, are to
minister to the people and be their servants. To them was given power to
baptize, thus we see that they were given special power, which set them apart
from the general populace of believers; not only this, but the people were
commanded to give heed to their word and if they did they would be blessed. These
blessings were to be made available to all people in all generations of time. In
4 Nephi chapter 1 verse 14 we read that when the Apostles died, others were
called to take their place. The same thing happened in the New Testament. In Acts
chapter 1 verses 20 through 26, we read how Matthias was called to fill the
position left vacant by Judas, who betrayed Jesus and afterwards took his own
life. In the Doctrine and Covenants section 118 verse 6, we see how in our day,
vacancies in the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles were filled by other worthy
brethren according to the will of God. The blessing of having Apostles and
Prophets upon the earth is not only for a select few, but for all the world, if
they will only hearken.
What is an Apostle and
what is His assignment or calling? In the Doctrine and Covenants section 107
verses 23, 33, and 35, we learn that an Apostle is a special witness of Jesus
Christ and that His witness is unto all the world. We learn that the Apostles
officiate in the name of Jesus Christ under the direction of the Presidency of
the Church, which includes the Prophet. They are to build up the church
throughout the world. The Twelve Apostles hold the keys of missionary work
throughout the world. We spoke of keys in a previous Scripture Train, “Seal,
Bind and Bound”. Remember, that those who hold the keys of the priesthood are
those who have the authority to direct the work of the priesthood. Apostles,
therefore, have the authority to direct and regulate the work of the church
throughout the world.
From these verses
of scripture, we see how the Lord set up the church to be governed by Apostles
and Prophets; it is reemphasized in 1 Corinthians chapter 12 verse 28 and Amos
chapter 3 verse 7. These Apostles and Prophets were set in place to govern the
affairs of the Church, to reveal unto the Church the will of the Lord. Certainly,
if the Lord has a message of instruction for His children, even all the peoples
of the world, who is He going to deliver that message through? His Prophet, of
course! There must be one designated to receive these messages. If not there
would be terrible confusion; for one person could rise up and say, “This is the
Word of the Lord”, and another may rise up saying the same thing; if this were
to occur whom would we believe? Who truly speaks for the Lord and in the name
of the Lord? 1 Nephi chapter 22 verse 2, teaches us that the Word of the Lord
comes by the Spirit of God, to His prophet. The Doctrine and Covenants section
1 verses 14, 37 and 38 teaches that when a servant of God speaks, it is the
same as if God is speaking and those who do not give heed to the prophets of
God, who are His servants, who speak in the name of God, will be cut off.
In this Scripture
Train, we have learned that Jesus Christ set up a church headed by Apostles and
Prophets. These Apostles and Prophets were replaced as there became vacancies.
It is through these Apostles and Prophets that God directs His kingdom here
upon the earth and passes instruction, council and His commandments to us, His
children. This is the first sign of the true church of Jesus Christ; it must be
lead by Apostles and Prophets, they must speak in the name of Lord and have the
authority to direct His work upon the earth.
The Essentialness
of Baptism
Romans 10:8-9,
11> John 3:1-6 > Mark 1:4 > Matthew 3:13-17 > 2 Nephi 31:5-12, 17
> Doctrine and Covenants 13:1 > Matthew 28:19-20
I spent my career
in the United States Air Force. As part of my duty, every three weeks I “sat”,
for one week at a time, on Nuclear Alert; ready to go to war at a moment’s
notice if so directed. Quite often and as occasion would permit, I found myself
having discussions on the topic of religion with fellow aviators. In one of our
discussions, we discussed whether or not baptism was essential for us to enter
the kingdom of God. A friend, who was an associate Pastor in a local church,
finally said to me that after all his studies of the Bible that he had
determined that baptism was not an essential requirement to enter the kingdom
of God. He based his decision on a single verse of scripture found in Romans
chapter 10 verses 8 and 9, which states, that if I shall confess with my mouth
the Lord Jesus and shall believe in my heart that God has raised Him from the
dead, then I will be saved. Somehow or another, many Christians, after reading
this verse, seem to think that all is required for salvation in the kingdom of
God is a simple confession of belief. Pushed aside are all the teachings of
Jesus and His Apostles that make up the entire New Testament. Even in the very
next verse, Paul teaches that our belief will turn our hearts to righteousness.
We have discussed in many of these Scripture Trains what the Lord expects of
us. We cannot allow a single scripture to trump all other teachings throughout
the New Testament on this important subject of baptism. They all work together
to teach the important doctrines of Christ.
In just a few
verses of scripture, we can determine that Baptism is indeed essential. First,
let’s examine Christ’s own teaching on the subject to Nicodemus. In John
chapter 3 verses 1 through 6, Christ teaches that except a man, first, be born
again he will not be able to see or recognize the kingdom of God. Then, He goes
on to say that except a man be born of water and of the Spirit he cannot enter
into the kingdom of God. In order for a man to even recognize the kingdom of
God when it is presented or taught to him, he must undergo some degree of
spiritual rebirth. I believe that this spiritual rebirth occurs when the Holy
Ghost visits him and testifies to him of the truthfulness of what is being
taught. When the Holy Ghost does this, the man recognizes or sees the kingdom
of God in what is being taught. At this point, the man has a choice to make; he
can either accept or reject what he sees. If he accepts, then he will be
baptized, or born of the water. Through this ordinance, he enters the kingdom
of God on earth, or The Church of Jesus Christ. Obviously, when a man is
baptized he does not immediately leave the earth and return to the presence of
God in His kingdom, no, not at all, but rather he enters the kingdom of God on
earth, or His church. Thus we learn that one of the purposes of baptism is to
pass through the gateway into the kingdom of God.
A second purpose
for baptism is for the remission of sins. In the book of Mark chapter 1 verse 4
we see that John the Baptist went forth baptizing the people for the remission
of sins, thus assisting in preparing a people for the coming of Jesus Christ.
So, from the scriptures we learn that baptism serves two purposes: 1. Entrance
into the kingdom of God and 2, the remission of sins.
In Matthew chapter
3 verses 13 through 17, we read that Jesus, Himself, was baptized, why?
Certainly not to have His sins remitted, for He was perfect, the only perfect
mortal being to ever walk the earth. So obviously, He had to be baptized to
enter the kingdom of God, just like the rest of us. In 2 Nephi chapter 31
verses 5 through 12 and 17, we learn a little more on the subject. In verse 5,
we learn that He needed to be baptized to fulfill all righteousness. Then in
verse 6, we also learn that He was baptized to set an example for us. We see
that He also humbled Himself before the Father and submitted Himself to the
Father’s will, just as we are to do. He was perfectly obedient to all the
Father’s commandments. After He was baptized, the Holy Ghost descended upon
Him; this shows us that in order to have this precious gift, we must also be baptized.
Verse 9 then defines baptism as the strait path and the narrow gate by which we
all must enter. The commandment then goes forth to follow the Savior’s example;
we are commanded to repent and be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ. Additionally,
in verse 17, we see in Nephi’s summation that repentance and baptism is the
gate by which we are to enter and then our sins are remitted as we receive the
gift of the Holy Ghost.
One more note on
baptism. In Doctrine and Covenants section 13 verse 1, we learn that when
Joseph Smith received the authority to baptize he was taught that baptism is
done by immersion. This only makes sense. Why would John take Jesus down into
the water, just to pour or sprinkle some water on his head? Remember the
scriptures state that after Jesus was baptized He went up straightway out of
the water suggesting to us that first he went down into the water. Finally, in
Matthew chapter 28 verses 19 and 20, Jesus commands His apostles to go out into
the world to teach all nations and to baptize all who would believe in Him. Is
baptism essential to our salvation? Yes, indeed it is and the performance of
this ordinance is a sign of the true Church of Jesus Christ.
The Gift of the
Holy Ghost
The Acts 2:37-38
> The Acts 5:32 > The Acts 19:1-6 > John 20:22 > 1 Nephi 10:17-19
> Matthew 3:11 > Matthew 28:19-20 > The Acts 9:17-18
In the book of Acts
chapter 2 verses 37 and 38, Christ’s chief Apostle, Peter, answered a question
put to him by a host of devout men of Israel and of every nation. The question
found in verse 37 was, “Men and brethren, what shall we do?” Peter answered,
“Repent, and be baptized, every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the
remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.” From this
answer, we come to three logical conclusions about the Holy Ghost. First, the Holy Ghost is a gift, see The Acts
chapter 5 verse 32. Second, it is only available to those who are baptized. Third,
the gift of Holy Ghost must be received by the recipient.
Addressing the
first and third logical conclusions: In
Acts chapter 19 verses 1 through 6, we read how Paul came across certain
disciples and asked them if they had received the Holy Ghost and asked them
unto whose baptism were they baptized unto. They exclaimed that they had never
heard of the Holy Ghost and that they were baptized unto John’s baptism. We
then learn that Paul had to baptize them again unto Christ. It was not until
then that Paul laid his hands upon them and commanded them to receive the gift
of the Holy Ghost. Because of their worthiness, the Holy Ghost immediately came
upon them and they experienced two spiritual gifts, speaking in tongues and
prophecy. It is important to note, that it was not until they were baptized and
received the Holy Ghost that they experienced the gifts of the Spirit.
Additionally, when
Christ was about to ascend to heaven, we read of the account when the gift of
the Holy Ghost was made available to His disciples. In John chapter 20 verse
22, we read that Jesus commanded them saying, “Receive ye the Holy Ghost”. From
this scripture and the others we have studied, it becomes very apparent that
the gift of the Holy Ghost is a gift that must be received; this may sound
strange to some, but never the less, it is true. The Holy Ghost is only
available to those who are worthy to enjoy His companionship. The first step in
this worthiness process, as we have already discussed, is baptism. In the Book
of Mormon, we read specifically how we receive this marvelous gift. Nephi
teaches us in 1 Nephi chapter 10 verses 17 through 19 that we receive Him by
diligently seeking Him through our faith on Jesus Christ. This faith was
demonstrated through our acceptance of Him as our Savior, repentance of our
sins and our being baptized. As we continue worthy, the Holy Ghost will be our
constant companion.
Addressing the second
logical conclusion, Peter would not command the multitude of men to repent and
be baptized if he were not required of the Lord to do so. We know this is a
commandment of the Lord for John the Baptist spoke of it in the book of Matthew
chapter 3 verse 11 as well as the Lord to Peter and the others in chapter 28
verses 19 and 20. Truly, the command to repent and be baptized is taught
throughout the New Testament, the Book of Mormon and the Doctrine and
Covenants. It is not a doctrine of the gospel of Jesus Christ that can be
simply passed over. In Acts chapter 9 verses 17 and 18, we read how Saul was
sent to Ananias so that he could first be baptized and then receive the gift of
the Holy Ghost.
From these verses
of scripture, we learn that possessing the Gift of the Holy Ghost is a sign of
the true Church of Jesus Christ.
Priesthood
Authority
Hebrews 5:1, 4 >
Exodus 28:1 > Hebrews 5:5, 6, 10 > Hebrews 7 > Doctrine and Covenants
107:1-4 > Numbers 27:18-23 > Mark 3:13-15 > John 15:16 > 2 Nephi
5:26 > Mosiah 23:16-17 > Doctrine and Covenants 84:19-22
A question that I
have often asked people who I have taught the gospel to is, “Where do the
officers of the many churches, the Priests, the Pastors, the Ministers and so
on, where do they receive their authority from? “Who gave them the authority to
preach the gospel of Jesus Christ and to administer the ordinances thereof?” It
is obvious to me, and I think it should be obvious to anyone who has thought
this through, that the authority to preach and administer the ordinances of the
gospel of Jesus Christ should come from Jesus Christ. Now, it would not be
possible for Christ, Himself, to ordain every minister of the gospel Himself,
so there must be those whom He has authorized to confer authority unto those
whom He has selected. In the few verses that follow, I will show that from the
very beginning, this authority, or what we call the Priesthood, has been handed
down from generation to generation by those authorized to do so and given to
those who were chosen by God, whose priesthood it is, and who alone can
authorize its bestowal upon men.
Let’s begin in Hebrews chapter 5 verse 1. The
Apostle Paul teaches us in this verse that every High Priest, thus every
priesthood holder, is “Taken from among men”. In other words, he is selected
from among his peers and ordained. Then down in verse 4 he teaches that, “No
man taketh this honor unto himself, but he that is called of God as was Aaron.”
Right away we learn that no one can simply up and choose that he wants to be a
Priest or a Preacher or a Minister of the Gospel as if he were choosing it as a
career such as a doctor or a lawyer. Paul specifically states that no one can
take this honor unto himself, no one! Rather he must be called of God as He
called Aaron, the brother of Moses. Turning to Exodus chapter 28 verse 1, we
can read how this happened. The Lord speaking to Moses, His chosen prophet,
said, “Take thou unto thee Aaron thy brother, and his sons with him, from among
the children of Israel, that he may minister unto me in the priests office.”
Moses was commanded of God to take Aaron and his sons from among the children
of Israel and ordain them priests to minister the things of God among the
people. Also note, Jehovah, Himself, did not ordain these men, rather He
commissioned Moses to. In Hebrews chapter 5 verse 5, we learn that even Jesus
Christ did not take upon Himself this honor, but rather it was given to Him by
His Father.
In verses 6 and 10,
we need to point out that Paul teaches that Christ was ordained after the order
of Melchizedek. Very simply, Melchizedek, was a great High Priest, who lived in
the days of Abraham. Because he was such a great High Priest and brought such
great honor to his priesthood, this priesthood became known as the Melchizedek
Priesthood; for this reason, Paul says that Christ was ordained after the order
of Melchizedek. More can be read about this in Hebrews chapter 7 and Doctrine
and Covenants section 107 verses 1 through 4. The important thing to remember
is that even Jesus Christ was called of God and ordained unto His special
calling.
Let us now examine
how this mode of calling men and conferring the priesthood upon them has been
employed throughout time. In the book of Numbers chapter 27 verses 18 through
23, we read how Moses was commanded by God to take Joshua from among the people
and lay his hands upon him, the method approved by God, and give him his
charge, or in other words, ordain him
before all the congregation of the children of Israel. In Mark chapter 3
verses 13 through 15, we read how Christ followed this same mode when He called
and ordained His Twelve Apostles. You will note that in verse 14 it
specifically states, “That he might send them forth to preach.” We can
logically assume from this statement, that no one was authorized to preach His
gospel until Christ so authorized them through a specific call and ordination.
We also learn that through this priesthood, which was conferred upon them, that
they then had power to, “Heal sicknesses, and to cast out devils”. These
teachings are reinforced in John chapter 15 verse 16, where Christ states, “Ye
have not chosen me, but I have chosen you”. In other words, I do not choose to
minister Christ’s gospel, or minister in His church, rather He chooses me.
Then, after He chooses me, He will cause someone to issue that call to me and
ordain me unto that ministry as we saw with Moses, Aaron and Joshua. We see
this same pattern followed in the Book of Mormon. In 2 Nephi chapter 5 verse
26, Nephi consecrates, or ordains, Jacob and Joseph to be priests and teachers
over his people.
Let’s examine a few
verses in the Doctrine and Covenants to help us grasp a greater appreciation of
the purpose of the priesthood. In section 84 verses 19 through 22, we learn
that it is the through the power and authority of the priesthood that the
gospel is administered and it is through the ordinances of the gospel that the
power of godliness is manifest. The ordinances of the gospel, such as baptism,
are essential to our salvation, thus the power of God unto our salvation is
manifest through these saving ordinances administered through His priesthood
authority. The keys of the priesthood as mentioned here in these verses will be
the topic of our next Scripture Train.
From these verses
of scripture, we learn that the true Church of Jesus Christ must possess power
and authority from God, through Jesus Christ, to men upon the earth.
Priesthood Keys
Doctrine and
Covenants 84:19 > Matthew 16:19 > Matthew 17:1-8 > Matthew 18:18 >
Doctrine and Covenants 7:7 > Mark 3:14-15 > Doctrine and Covenants
107:18-20 > Doctrine and Covenants 124:92-93 > Revelation 3:7 >
Malachi 4:4-5 > Doctrine and Covenants 110:11-16
In this Scripture
Train, I will begin our discussion with the verse of scripture we finished with
in the Scripture Train entitled, “Priesthood Authority: Doctrine and Covenants
section 84 verse 19. In verse 19, the Lord teaches us that the Melchizedek
Priesthood holds certain keys. What are the keys of the priesthood? In Matthew
chapter 16 verse 19, the Lord, Jesus Christ, says to Peter, His chief Apostle,
“I will give unto thee the keys of the kingdom of heaven”; okay, so Peter will
be given keys, what function do these keys perform? The Lord goes onto say,
“Whatsoever thou shalt bind on earth shall be bound in heaven.” From what the
Lord says Peter is going to have the authority to not only bind things on
earth, but also in heaven. In the following chapter, chapter 17 verses 1
through 8, we read the account of these keys being passed on to Peter.
Appearing to Peter and the others who were there with him, were Moses and
Elias, although not mentioned, there could have been others. We know that Elias
is the Greek form of the Hebrew name Elijah. So Elijah and Moses visited Peter
during this transfiguration. Also remember, that neither Elijah nor Moses had
yet tasted of physical death, both had been translated, or taken up to heaven
without dying. For what purpose would these ancient prophets visit Peter and
others during this transfiguration? Both of these prophets held priesthood keys
by which they had the power and the authority to minister priesthood ordinances
while they lived upon the earth. Moses gathered the children of Israel out of
Egypt and restored them to their land of promise. Among other great works,
Elijah bound or sealed the heavens that no rain fell for three and a half
years. We must assume, then, this appearing was to confer upon Peter these keys,
which they held. Since both of them were
still in their mortal bodies, they could lay hands on the head of Peter and
confer upon him these priesthood keys. Finally, in Matthew chapter 18 verse 18,
and Doctrine and Covenants section 7 verse 7, we read that indeed, Peter had
been given these keys as the Lord had promised.
Previous to the
keys of the priesthood being conferred upon Peter, Peter and others had been
ordained Apostles as recorded in Mark chapter 3 verses 14 and 15. From this we
learn that bearing the priesthood and holding keys of that priesthood are two
separate and distinct things; why else would Christ confer the priesthood upon
them and then later the keys of that priesthood? Holding the priesthood and
holding the keys of the priesthood are indeed two distinct things. In the
Doctrine and Covenants section 107 verses 18 through 20 we learn that in the
priesthood there is both power and authority. I may hold the proper priesthood office
to lay hands on the head of an individual and confer upon him the priesthood,
but I may not have been given the authority to do so. This may be viewed as
permission. I do not have the authority or the permission to confer the
priesthood until someone who holds the keys of that priesthood authorizes me to
use the power of the priesthood, which I bear. This establishes control and
maintains order in the ranks of the priesthood. I simply cannot go around
ordaining individuals to the priesthood; I must receive the proper
authorization from someone who can grant that authority. Later in the Doctrine
and Covenants section 124 verses 92 and 93 we read the account of Hyrum Smith’s
ordination of Patriarch to the church; in his ordination, he was given the
keys, thus the authority, to bestow special Patriarchal blessings upon members
of the church. He had both power and authority.
In the Bible there
is one other verse of scripture where keys are mentioned. In Revelation chapter
3 verse 7, we see mentioned the key of David. Mentioned with this key in the
same verse is the authority to open and no man shut or to shut and no man open.
This sounds very similar to the promise given by Christ to Peter, where he
would seal on earth and in heaven; thus no man could break that seal.
In the book of
Malachi chapter 4 verses 5 and 6, although the word key is not mentioned, we
find the promise of the Lord that He would send Elijah back to the earth and he
would, “Turn the heart of the fathers to the children, and the heart of the
children to their fathers”. This is the key of Family History and Temple Work.
This is another key that Elijah restored to the earth. When did this occur? We
find the answer in the Doctrine and Covenants section 110 verses 11 through 16.
First, Moses appeared and committed the keys of the gathering of Israel, the
very work he accomplished while he lived upon the earth. Second, Elias
appeared; note, this is not the same Elias who we know as Elijah. Elias
committed the keys of the dispensation of the gospel of Abraham. Third, we come
to Elijah, whose returning was foretold by the Lord in Malachi; he committed
the keys which he had held while he lived upon the earth. In the final verse,
the Lord instructs Joseph Smith that he now holds the keys of this
dispensation; hence possessing the keys of the priesthood and thus being able
to put priesthood power into action to bless the lives of the sons and
daughters of God, is a sign of the True Church.
Temple Ordinances
2 Samuel 7:5-6,
12-13 > 1 Kings 5:3-6, 10, 13, 17-18 > 1 Kings 6:11-14 > 1 Kings
8:27-29 > Habakkuk 2:20 > Malachi 3:1 > 2 Nephi 5:16 > Doctrine and
Covenants 84:5 > Jacob 1:17 > Doctrine and Covenants 110:7 > Exodus
40:34-38 > Doctrine and Covenants 138: 54 > 2 Chronicles 4:2-4 >
Doctrine and Covenants 124:40 > Doctrine and Covenants 88:119 > 2
Chronicles 7:16 > Exodus 39:30
The temple is
literally the house of the Lord. In 2 Samuel chapter 7 verse 2, King David sat
pondering in his house of cedar and as he looked out over the tabernacle, which
housed the Ark of the Covenant, he commented to Nathan the prophet, “See now, I
dwell in an house of cedar, but the ark of God dwelleth within curtains.” In
chapter 7 verses 5 and 6, the Lord comes to Nathan the prophet and tells him, “Shalt
thou build me an house for me to dwell in? …I have not dwelt in any house since
the time that I brought up the children of Israel out of Egypt, even to this
day, but have walked in a tent and in a tabernacle.” Then in verses 12 and 13
the Lord says, “He shall build an house for my name…” Important points to
recognize here is that 1. David recognized that the Lord did not have a house
to dwell in; mankind dwelt in better dwellings than the Lord, 2. The Lord did
not want David to build Him a house. Obviously, the Lord is rather particular
about some things, 3. The Lord did want a house to dwell in, but as we learn
later in the Old Testament, it must be done in His way, just as the tabernacle
was built after His instructions, 4. The Lord appointed Solomon, David’s son,
to build the house. If you or I were to build a house to the Lord, would we not
want to do it after the manner of His liking? Would we not want to offer Him
the very best we could do?
In 1 Kings chapter
5 verses 3 through 6, 10, 13, and 17 through 18, we see how King Solomon sought
out the finest materials and the best craftsman in order to build the House of
the Lord. Then in chapter 6 verses 11 through 14, not only do we see that King
Solomon finished the temple, but the Lord said, “I will dwell among the
children of Israel.” In these verses, we learn two great truths about the temple.
First, it is the House of the Lord and second, He will dwell among His people
in the temple. Knowing these truths, King Solomon sought out the best materials
and craftsman and required the labor of the people who would enjoy the
blessings of having the Lord in their midst.
In 1 Kings chapter
8 verses 27 through 29, we read a portion of the account of King Solomon’s
dedicatory prayer, dedicating the temple to the name of the Lord. Obviously,
King Solomon felt that the temple’s size was very inadequate, for all the
creations of heaven and earth were God’s, so why could this tiny temple ever be
considered adequate for the magnificence of God? Yet God had commanded the
building of the temple; it is good to know that God is not selfish, He does not
require that which is beyond our means. Why does God require that we build temples
upon the earth unto His name? In the book of Habakkuk chapter 2 verse 20 and
Malachi chapter 3 verse 1, we see the first answer to this question. Habakkuk
says the Lord is in His holy temple and Malachi teaches that the Lord will come
to His temple. From this we learn that when the Lord comes to visit this earth,
He will come to His temple (if there is a temple to come to).
In the Book of
Mormon the Nephites also built temples to the name of God. In 2 Nephi chapter 5
verse 16, Nephi says that he did construct a temple after the manner of the
temple of Solomon. Then in Doctrine and Covenants section 84 verse 5, we read
that the Lord told the prophet Joseph Smith that, “An house shall be built unto
the Lord”. From this pattern we can plainly see that temple building has been a
sign of God’s people throughout most of history.
Up to this point, we
have established that temple building is required and accomplished among the
people of the Lord. One of the purposes for having a temple upon the earth is
so that the Lord will have a place where to dwell. Are there other purposes? In
Jacob chapter 1 verse 17, we learn that the temple is a place of instruction.
Jacob says, “I taught them in the temple”. In Doctrine and Covenants section
110 verse 7, we learn that God will mercifully manifest Himself to His people
in the temple. We saw this in the days of Moses after the tabernacle was
completed as recorded in Exodus chapter 40 verses 34 through 38. Are there
more? Yes! In Doctrine and Covenants section 138 verse 54, we learn that
ordinances are to be performed in the temple, including ordinances for the
dead. We learn a little more about the performing of ordinances in the temple
in 2 Chronicles chapter 4 verses 2 through 4. During the construction of king
Solomon’s temple, a font, which would contain water, was constructed. The font
rested upon the backs of 12 oxen, three faced each of the four cardinal
directions. Obviously, this font of water served an important purpose, could it
have been used for baptisms? Still more! In Doctrine and Covenants section 124 verse
40, we learn that the temple is a house of revelation. Here the Lord states
that in the temple He would reveal His ordinances. Section 88 of the Doctrine
and Covenants in verse 119, we learn a little more of the purposes of the
temple. In this verse, we learn that the temple is to be a house of prayer, a
house of fasting, a house of faith, a house of learning, a house of glory, a
house of order and finally, a house of God.
Many Saints will
attend the temple with specific purposes in mind. They will go seeking
revelation and inspiration concerning personal or family matters. They will go
seeking the same for church matters in their various duties and assignments.
They go to find peace from the world. In the temple, Saints can enjoy a close
association with the Spirit of God that they may not be able to find elsewhere;
after all, it is the House of God. We
are reminded of this in 2 Chronicles chapter 7 verse 16 and in Exodus chapter
39 verse 30. The temple is sanctified for the use of the Lord’s people; it has
been set apart and made holy for His important work, the salvation of His
children, both the living and the dead. Thus Temple building and the worship
therein is a sign of the true church of Jesus Christ.
Baptism for the
Dead
John 3:1-5 >
Luke 23:42-43 > John 20:11-17 > Doctrine and Covenants 138:1-37 > 1
Corinthians 15:29 > Doctrine and Covenants 124:29-30 > Doctrine and
Covenants 127:5-Doctrine and Covenants 128
In a previous
Scripture Train, we established the fact that baptism is essential for our
salvation. With this being the case, we must ask ourselves a question: How many
millions of earth’s residents, or God’s children, have lived out their lives
without being baptized? Another question: Do we believe God is just? If we do
believe God is a just God, and I do, would He be required, according to
justice, to provide a way for every person who ever lived upon the earth to have
the opportunity to receive the Gospel of Jesus Christ? If your answer is yes,
and mine is, then would everyone who ever lived upon the earth also need to
receive the ordinance of baptism if they are to have any hope of entering the
kingdom of God. Let me remind you of Christ’s conversation with Nicodemus in
John chapter 3 verses 1 through 5, “Except a man be born of water and of the
Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God.” Again, I ask the question: Do
we believe God is just? I believe that we agree that He is. Then as a just God,
He must have prepared a way for all His children, everyone who has ever lived
upon the earth, to hear the Gospel of Jesus Christ and receive the ordinance of
baptism. So how does it all work? How do those who died without these
opportunities receive them? This is the purpose of this Scripture Train.
Certainly, God
would not condemn His children to hell simply because they did not have an
opportunity to hear the gospel and receive baptism. Even in our very modern
society, there are people upon the earth who live in very remote and
unreachable places, North Korea being a great example. God has provided a way
for these people to obtain their salvation.
Jesus opens our
eyes to something very interesting first when He is speaking to one of the two
thieves who are beside him while hanging on the cross and the second is when He
appears to Mary after His resurrection. In Luke chapter 23 verses 42 and 43,
Jesus tells one of the thieves, “Today shalt thou be with me in paradise.” Then
in John chapter 20 verses 11 through 17, during His short visit with Mary, He
says, “Touch me not; for I am not yet ascended to my Father:” From these two
excerpts of scripture, we can learn that while Christ was dead, He was not with
His Father in Heaven, but was in Paradise. Later, in the New Testament, Peter
casts further understanding on Jesus whereabouts and what He was doing in
between His death and resurrection. In 1 Peter chapter 3 verses 18 and 19, and
chapter 4 verses 5 and 6, Peter teaches us that Christ, while in the Spirit,
preached the gospel among the dead in order that He might judge all men justly,
saying, “That they might be judged according to men in the flesh, but live
according to God in the spirit.” A clarification of this interesting doctrine
was given by the Lord to President Joseph F. Smith and is found in the Doctrine
and Covenants section 138 verses 1 through 37. From these profound doctrines we
learn: 1. God is just, 2. Christ, while a disembodied Spirit, visited Spirit
Paradise and organized His faithful followers, so that they could then go
amongst the spirits of the wicked and take the gospel to them and offer them
the same opportunity that the living have, that of accepting or rejecting the
gospel message; 3. In between death and resurrection, our spirits will either
go to a Spirit Paradise, or a Spirit Prison, 4. We do not return to God at the
time of death.
Now, what about the
second part of our question? We’ve learned that all mankind will have an
opportunity to hear the gospel; what about the saving ordinances? The New
Testament touches upon the answer; in 1 Corinthians chapter 15 verse 29, Paul
in his letter to the Corinthians makes a point about the resurrection and
baptism, he asks them saying, “Else what shall they do which are baptized for
the dead, if the dead rise not at all? Why are they then baptized for the
dead?” Obviously, at that time, this saving ordinance of baptism was being
performed in behalf of the dead. If the spirits of the dead in paradise can be
organized by our Savior to take the gospel to the spirits of the dead in
prison, can He not also prepare a way for them to be baptized? Certainly! In
the Doctrine and Covenants section 124 verse 29 and 30, the Lord states, “A
baptismal font there is not upon the earth, that they, my saints, may be
baptized for those who are dead”. It was further revealed to the Prophet Joseph
Smith that these baptisms were to be conducted in a house built to His name, in
other words, a temple. As the prophet Joseph Smith received additional
revelation concerning this matter of salvation, he taught the Saints as
recorded in section 127 verse 5 through section 128.
It is evident from
these verses that God intends His Saints to make the atonement of Jesus Christ
available to those who have passed on before and become, in effect, saviors to
them. Those who have died cannot do this work for themselves; we must do it for
them. Jesus Christ brought to pass the great atonement for all mankind. When we
do this work for the dead, we work with Christ unto the salvation of all.
Let us now examine
the remainder of section 127 and the entire 128th section of the
Doctrine and Covenants. Joseph Smith teaches that we should record these
baptisms that they may also be recorded in heaven. He reminds the Saints that
whatsoever is bound on earth will also be bound in heaven. This reminds us of a
previous Scripture Train entitled “Seal, Bind, Bound”. In section 128, the
prophet reemphasizes the need to have a recorder present that all the work for
the dead may be recorded in an orderly and proper fashion. In verse 6, the
prophet brings to our attention the 20th chapter and 12 verse of the
book of Revelation. He reminds us here that, “The dead were judged out of those
things which were written in the books”. Verse 7 explains this in greater
detail. Simply stated, what we record on earth, will be recorded in heaven. At
the center of this discussion is Jesus Christ and the fact that all this is
done because He gave man the authority and the keys to accomplish this great
work. Authority and keys were discussed in previous Scripture Trains. Joseph
Smith reminds us of this when he quotes Matthew chapter 16 verses 18 and 19.
This brings us now to verses 12 and 13 where Joseph reminds us of the purpose,
the symbolism and the need for baptism. As you read and study carefully the
remainder of this beautiful letter written by the hand of Joseph Smith under
the inspiration of the Holy Ghost, you will come to understand more clearly and
in a more beautiful way how important baptism for the dead is and how the
restoration of this vital ordinance fulfills scripture both in the Old and New
Testaments and how this work is vital to both the living and the dead.
Knowing that God is
a just God and that He has provided a way for all mankind to receive the Gospel
and the ordinances of salvation is another sign of the true church.
Sealing Ordinances
Ezekiel 11:20 >
Malachi 3:7 > 2 Corinthians 1:21-22 > Ephesians 1:13; 4:30 > Doctrine
and Covenants 124:40, 41 > Genesis 2:24 > Ecclesiastes 3:14 > Matthew
16:19 > Helaman 10:7 > Doctrine and Covenants 124:124 > Mosiah 5:15
> 2 Peter 1:3, 10, 19 > Doctrine and Covenants 131:5 > Mark 10:9 >
1 Corinthians 11:11 > Doctrine and Covenants 132:19
This topic is a
companion of the Scripture Train entitled, ‘Seal, Bind, Bound’ and is a
continuation of the Scripture Train, ‘Temple Ordinances’.
Ezekiel chapter 11
verse 20 and Malachi chapter 3 verse 7, teach an important principle. God has
given us statutes or commandments to keep and ordinances to perform. In
previous Scripture Trains, we have discussed one such ordinance, even Baptism
and Baptism for the Dead. There are others, but through the ordinances comes a
promise from God, He promises us that if we do the things He commands that we
will be His people and He will be our God. We can be certain that if God says
it, the word is sure.
Among these
ordinances, there are ordinances, which seal or bind men and women in holy
matrimony; these ordinances seal us to God. In 2 Corinthians chapter 1 verses
21 and 22, Paul states that God established, anointed and sealed us in Christ.
He also teaches in Ephesians chapter 1 verses 13 and chapter 4 verse 30 that
they were sealed unto the day of redemption by the Holy Spirit of Promise. Most
assuredly, God has established among His children, ordinances, which seal us to
each other and to Him. There are two things that keep us from being God's
people, 1. Not participating in these ordinances and 2. Our own iniquity and
sin, which make us filthy and being filthy, we cannot enter into His kingdom.
The question then arises, how are we sealed, or how does this sealing take
place?
In the Doctrine and
Covenants section 124 verses 40 and 41, we read of the Lord’s command to build
a house, or a temple, wherein these ordinances, particularly the ordinances to
bind or seal, may be revealed. We can logically conclude from this commandment
that either this knowledge had never been revealed or that it had been lost
from the earth and needed to be restored. It is my belief that both may be the
case that God was both restoring old principles and revealing new principles of
the gospel that had never before been revealed. However, the knowledge of the
sealing ordinances have been known since the days of Adam and Eve where God
taught this principle when He stated as recorded in Genesis chapter 2 verse 24,
“And they shall become one flesh”. Combine this with the principle taught in
Ecclesiastes chapter 3 verse 14, “That whatsoever God doeth, it shall be
forever”; we learn that when a man and woman are married, according to God’s
word, and eventually become one flesh that this union is meant to last forever.
What good does it do a man and woman to become one, to be completely unified if
at death they are divided, torn apart, never to be together again? The earth
and all that we do here would be a waste.
In these last two
paragraphs, we have spoken of two sealings, one where we are sealed unto Christ
and God as Paul taught and then where husband and wife are sealed together in
an eternal companionship. The power to seal was given anciently to Peter and
his companions as recorded in the New Testament, Matthew chapter 16 verse 19,
and to Nephi as recorded in the Book of Mormon, Helaman chapter 10 verse 7. It
was also given in our modern era as recorded in the Doctrine and Covenants
section 124 verse 124. Here we read that Hyrum Smith was not only empowered
with this power to seal on earth and in heaven, but was also sealed unto
eternal life.
Discussing first
the sealing to God and Christ, King Benjamin taught in the book of Mosiah
chapter 5 verse 15 that Christ will seal us unto Himself as we learn to, “Be
steadfast and immovable, always abounding in good works”. He continues saying,
“That you may be brought to heaven, that ye may have everlasting salvation and
eternal life”. Peter, in 2 Peter chapter
1 verse 3 is teaching us that through God and Christ’s divine power, we have
been called to glory and virtue, to life and godliness. Peter continues by
teaching us of the attributes that we must develop in order to be like Christ.
In verse 10, he teaches that we must be diligent in these attributes to “Make
your calling and election sure: for if ye do these things, ye shall never fall:”
If we come to the point in our desires for eternal life and godliness where our
lives consistently exemplify these Christ-like attributes, then our calling and
election will be made sure, thus we will never fall! In other words, we will be
sealed up unto Eternal Life! In verse 19, Peter teaches us of this sealing
ordinance calling it ‘a more sure word of prophecy’. The prophet Joseph Smith
teaches in the Doctrine and Covenants section 131 verse 5, that the more sure
word of prophecy means a man’s knowing that he is sealed up unto Eternal Life.
As we discussed earlier in previous Scripture Trains, discussing salvation and
eternal life, eternal life is not a free gift, but rather it will be rewarded
to us, by the grace of God, after we have proven ourselves faithful to the requirements
set forth by God and Jesus Christ. As we live our lives here on earth, it is
possible, according to the scriptures we have studied, to know that we have
been sealed unto Eternal Life. This knowledge may come to us in the Temple.
The second sealing,
the sealing of husband and wife together in an eternal marriage covenant, is
plainly taught in the scriptures. In Mark chapter 10 verse 9, we read a warning
by the Lord that I believe we all need to give heed to. He says very plainly,
“What therefore God hath joined together, let not man put asunder.” If by the Word,
or power of God, a man and woman are joined together in holy matrimony, can a
man break or tear apart the Word of God, or the power to seal a man and woman
together? No, of course not, to think it possible is ludicrous. The only way a
sealing covenant can be broken is by the action of the sealed, by breaking
their covenants with God. Paul, further emphasizing the eternity of marriage
between man and woman states in 1 Corinthians chapter 11 verse 11, “Neither is
the man without the woman, neither the woman without the man, in the Lord.”As a
man and woman become more Christ-like, or as they draw closer to Christ,
becoming more like Him, they become more unified; they become more ‘one’. Thus,
in Christ, man and woman become one! Through the sealing power of His
priesthood, they have the opportunity to be one forever. Not only are they
sealed together, but they are sealed together to Christ. Thus, we see how these
two sealings we have spoken of work together to bind the family of man to each
other and to Christ. In Doctrine and Covenants section 132 verse 19, this verse
explains in simple form the sealing of man and woman. First, man and woman must
be married by the Word of the Lord, which means according to His law and under
the covenant, which He established. This covenant, as it states here, is called
the new and everlasting covenant. Second, this marriage must be sealed, or in
other words, confirmed or ratified by the Holy Spirit of promise. Third,
someone who is anointed unto this work must perform this sealing ceremony.
Fourth, this person must have received the authority from one who holds the
keys of the priesthood.
Recognition of the
Last Days
Genesis 49:1 >
Job 19:25 > Matthew 23:34-4:1-3 > Joseph Smith-Mathew 24:18-36 >
Daniel 2:31-45 > Doctrine and Covenants 65:2 > Isaiah 2:1-3 > 2 Timothy 3:1-7 > Acts
1:20-26 > 2 Peter 3:3-4 > Jude 1:18 > 3 Nephi 16:7; 3 Nephi 21:1-9,
26-28; 3 Nephi 20:11-13, 21-22, 29-33
From the book of
Genesis to Revelation, we find prophecies of the last days. The prophet Jacob,
grandson of Abraham, gathered his children together, those who would become the
fathers of the 12 tribes of Israel, and said to them, “Gather yourselves
together, that I may tell you that which shall befall you in the last days.”
The entire 49th chapter of Genesis contains the blessing of Jacob to
his children. Job prophecies in Job chapter 19 verse 25, that Christ will stand
upon the earth in the latter day. What are the last days and how do we
recognize them?
In the latter part
of the 23rd chapter of Matthew, Christ, speaking to the Jews
condemned them for their wickedness and then in verses 1 and 2 of chapter 24
Christ left them and departed from the temple and then prophesied to His
disciples concerning the temple. In verse 3, Christ’s disciples asked Jesus saying,
“When shall these things be?” Jesus proceeds to tell them of the destruction of
the temple and of events of the last days so that mankind could recognize the
time. The time sequence in the 24th chapter of Matthew, as currently
recorded, makes it difficult to discern which of the events are of the last
days and which events are those which would soon come upon the Jews. Joseph
Smith rewrote this chapter; it is recorded in the Pearl of Great Price as
“Joseph Smith-Matthew”. It is from this book, beginning in verse 18 that we
will study. You will notice in verse 18 the words, ‘those days’. This is a
signal that we are speaking of the last days. Studying these verses will help
us recognize events that will occur in the last days and we will see that these
events are upon us and will continue into the future.
In order to
recognize that we live in the latter-days, or the last days, we must study the
prophecies of those days. Joseph Smith-Matthew chapter 1 verses 18 through 36,
is an excellent source. Let’s begin with verses 18-19: Great tribulation will
come upon the Jews and the inhabitants of Jerusalem. Verse 20: The days will be
shortened. Does this mean that the days will go by faster, thus making it seem
as though the days are shorter, or does it mean there will be less days prior
to the coming of Christ? This is something to think about. In verses 21-22, we
learn that there will be those arise who claim to be Christ or prophets. In
other words, we will see false Christs and false prophets attempting to deceive
us. In verses 23, 28 and 29, we read of wars and rumors of wars, famines,
pestilence and earthquakes. In verses 25-26 and 36, we read that there will be
those who say that Christ is already come; however, as the sun rises in the
east and shines over all, so shall He come from the east and all shall see Him.
In verse 27, we learn that Christ’s elect shall be gathered from all quarters
of the earth. In verse 30, we learn that iniquity will abound and the love
mankind should have for each other shall grow cold. In verse 31, we learn that
the gospel shall be preached in all the world. In verse 32, we learn that the
prophecies of Daniel will be fulfilled. We will examine Daniel’s prophecies in
the next paragraph. In verse 33, the sun will be darkened, the moon will not
give her light, the stars shall fall from heaven and the powers of heaven will
be shaken. In verse 34-35, we are assured that the Lord’s word will be
fulfilled. These are some of the signs
or prophecies of the last days.
Now let’s examine
the book of Daniel, chapter 2 verses 31 through 45. Here we read of king
Nebuchadnezzar’s dream and the interpretation that Daniel gives of his dream,
which is a prophecy of the last days. The most important of these verses are 44
and 45. In the last days, God will set up a kingdom, which shall never be destroyed;
it will not be left to other people and it will consume all the kingdoms seen
in the dream. We learn that this kingdom will not be man made and will stand
forever. The fact that it will not be man made, or set up without hands, means
that it can only be established by Christ. Of course, it will be established
through man on the earth, but Christ will be the head of this kingdom. Since
this is to occur in the last days, this means that the kingdom that Christ
established in the meridian of time would eventually be rejected, else why
would He need to reestablish it in the last days? And why the reassurance that
it would last forever and not be left to other people? Because this is what
happened to the church He established in the meridian of time. It was rejected
and so what was left was given to others. In the Doctrine and Covenants section
65 verse 2, we read how the Lord states that this prophecy is being fulfilled
by His own word.
Isaiah also
prophecies of the last days; in Isaiah chapter 2 verses 1 through 3, we read
that in the last days that the mountain of the Lord’s house, or a temple, will
be established in the top of the mountains. This temple will be exalted above
the hills and all nations will flow unto it. We learn that many people will
say, “Come ye, and let us go up to the mountain of the Lord, to the house of
the God of Jacob”. He says something very interesting; he says that the law of
the Lord will go forth out of Zion and His word will go forth out of Jerusalem.
This marvelous prophecy tells us that in the last days there will be two
separate locations of which we need to be concerned: The first place is Zion;
the second is Jerusalem. It appears that Zion will be the location of the House
of the Lord, or His temple and that from Zion the law of the Lord will go
forth. Also, many will go to Zion to learn the way of the Lord. Jerusalem will
be the city from which His word will proceed. The Bible, we know, came forth
from the area where Jerusalem now exists; the Book of Mormon also had its
beginnings around Jerusalem. The Doctrine and Covenants, which contains the
Law, came forth from Zion. In the Latter-days, the first temple built was in
Kirtland, Ohio. Converts from within the United States came here as well as
many from Canada and England. The next temple was built in Nauvoo, Illinois.
Many more converts converged upon this Mississippi River City, which grew until
it rivaled Chicago in size. Later, in Salt Lake City, Utah, a new temple was
built. Here all the faithful Saints converged and then went forth and built
many hundreds of communities throughout the west. The Salt Lake temple fits the
prophecy of Isaiah of the House of the Lord being established in the top of the
mountains and all nations flowing unto it. Literally, all nations have come to
Salt Lake to learn the law of the Lord.
In 2 Timothy
chapter 3 verses 1 through 7, we read of what the character of mankind will be
like in the last days. Men and women will be lovers of their own selves, or
selfish, self-centered or self absorbed. They will covet and boast; they will
be proud and blaspheme; they will be disobedient to parents, unthankful, and
unholy. Do we not generally see this in the people of our day? In verse 5, we
read how they will have a form of godliness, but deny the power of God. This
means that mankind will copy the order of the priesthood, but will not have its
power, or will deny that any priesthood is even necessary. We see men and women
in the many churches of the day imitating priesthood authority, even imitating
the performance of ordinances, but they cannot trace their priesthood back to
Christ. Many claim priesthood authority from the Bible! The Bible is unable to
confer priesthood authority upon man after the order we learn from the Bible.
This is plainly taught in Acts chapter 1 verses 20 through 26. Here we see that
Matthias was chosen and ordained to take the place of Judas. Returning to 2
Timothy chapter 3, let’s look at verse 6; our society has become a sex centered
society! Sexual innuendo is everywhere; it permeates comedy, advertising,
movies, television, and most of our reading material. In verse 7, we read
something very interesting, people of our day will be ever learning, but never
come to a knowledge of the truth.
In 2 Peter chapter
3 verses 3 and 4 and Jude chapter 1 verse 18, we learn that in the last days
there will be those who scoff at the faith of the believers asking, “Where is
the promise of his coming?” We also learn that these scoffers will only be
interested in the ungodly lusts of their own hearts!
The final group of
scriptures that help us recognize the last days is from the Book of Mormon: 3
Nephi chapter 16 verse 7; 3 Nephi chapter 21 verses 1 through 9 and 26 through
28 and 3 Nephi chapter 20 verses 11 through
13, 21 and 22, and 29 through 33. The resurrected Lord, while teaching the
Nephites, stated that the Gentiles receiving the gospel would be a sign that
the fulfilling of the covenant that Heavenly Father made with their fathers
will have commenced upon the earth. According to the prophecies we have studied
in this Scripture Train, this final restoration of the house of Israel, will
occur in the last days. These verses teach us that the gospel will first come
to the gentiles and the gentiles will then take the gospel to the remnant of
the house of Israel. The Nephites and Lamanites of the Book of Mormon are a
portion of the remnant spoken of; they will receive the gospel from the Gentiles,
most of whom will be from the Americas. In the final group of verses in chapter
20, we learn that remnants of the house of Israel are scattered throughout the
earth, but they will be gathered in by accepting the gospel of Jesus Christ.
The house of Israel will be reestablished. The remnant of the house of Israel who
live on the American Continent will be established on the American Continent;
this will fulfill the covenant that Heavenly Father made to their forefathers.
It is vital for us
to know that we live in the last days. It is in our day that Christ will come again.
If we do not recognize this fact, then we may not be prepared for Christ when
He comes. The true Church of Jesus Christ will recognize the last days.
Recognition of the
Dispensation of the Fullness of Times
Ephesians 3:2-3,
5-6 > 1 Corinthians 9:16-17 > Ephesians 1:10 > Doctrine and Covenants
27:5-13 > Doctrine and Covenants 110:11-16 > Colossians 1:25-27 >
Matthew 20:16 > Doctrine and Covenants 112:30 > Doctrine and Covenants
128:21
There have been many dispensations of the Gospel throughout
the history of the world. A dispensation is a period of time when the Lord
reveals His Gospel anew to mankind. During a dispensation of the Gospel, the
Lord has at least one authorized servant on the earth who bears the holy
priesthood and the keys. We see this history throughout the scriptures. The
gospel was first dispensed to Adam and Eve after they were expelled from the
Garden. Paul taught in Ephesians chapter 3 verses 2 through 3 and 5 through 6,
that some of the gospel truths that had been dispensed to him had not been
given in ancient times. Paul also speaks of this dispensation of the gospel in
1 Corinthians chapter 9 verses 16 and 17, he says, “A dispensation of the
gospel is committed unto me”. The dispensation of the gospel that was committed
unto Paul was, of course, the gospel that Jesus Christ taught during His
earthly ministry to include the new revelation that came from Heaven to Peter
directing the Gospel to be preached to the Gentiles.
The scriptures also teach
of a time, which would be called, “The Dispensation of the Fullness of Times”, when
all gospel truths that have ever been revealed to man would be revealed anew.
Paul speaks of this time in Ephesians chapter 1 verse 10, where he teaches,
“That in the dispensation of the fullness of times he might gather together in
one all things in Christ”. So apparently, according to Paul, there will be a
time on the earth where all revealed truths will be gathered together in one. The
promise of this prophecy’s fulfillment is found in Doctrine and Covenants section
27 verses 5 through 13. These verses teach that many prophets had priesthood
keys and important assignments given them and all these will be passed on to
Joseph Smith to bring to pass the Dispensation of the Fullness of Times. The
actual fulfillment of this prophecy is found in Doctrine and Covenants section
110 verses 11 through 16. In these verses we read that several prophets who the
Lord dispensed the gospel to in their day came to the prophet Joseph Smith and
committed the keys of their dispensation to him so that all their knowledge,
authority and so forth, might be gathered into one, in Christ. These prophets
were Moses, Elias, and Elijah. Paul also adds in the book of Colossians chapter
1 verses 25 through 27 that this dispensation will come to the Gentiles first.
In fact, if we read the words of Christ on this matter, we learn that this
dispensation, the Dispensation of the Fullness of Times, will come to the
Gentiles first and then to the Jews; we read this in Matthew chapter 20 verse
16. The gospel of Jesus Christ was first preached to the Jews and then by way
of Peter, Paul and other Apostles it went to the Gentiles. In the last days,
according to scripture, it will first be preached to the Gentiles and then to the
Jews.
In fulfillment of
the prophecy of Daniel to king Nebuchadnezzar, as sited in the previous
Scripture Train, in Daniel chapter 2 verses 31 through 45, we read in Doctrine
and Covenants section 112 verse 30 that the priesthood power is given in the last
days and for the last time. Certainly, the restoration of priesthood power
would be an integral part of the dispensation of the gospel in the fullness of
times.
The final verse of
scripture to be examined, which scripture shows that there were many other
prophets from the ancient days who came, is found in Doctrine and Covenants
section 128 verse 21. Here we learn that Adam, Gabriel, Raphael and many
diverse angels came to declare their dispensations, their rights, their keys,
their honors, their majesty and glory and the power of their priesthood. We
learn that it came line upon line, precept upon precept, here a little and
there a little.
This Scripture
Train and the previous one, Recognition of the Last Days, go hand in hand in
fulfilling scriptural prophecy given as long ago as during the days of Adam and
Eve. The last days and the Dispensation of the Fullness of Times are the same.
The final dispensation of the gospel of Jesus Christ was prophesied to come in
the last days and recognition of it is another sign of the true church. That
leads us up to our next Scripture Train, the Restoration of the Gospel.
Restoration of the
Gospel of Jesus Christ
Matthew 17:1-12
> Doctrine and Covenants 77:14 > Doctrine and Covenants 27:6-7 > Luke
1:11-20 > 2 Thessalonians 2:1-3 > 1 Nephi 13:34 > 3 Nephi 16:7, 11
> 1 Nephi 15:13 > 2 Nephi 3:24 > 2 Nephi 25:17 > Isaiah 29:11-14
> Isaiah 11:10-12 > Doctrine and Covenants 113:5-6 > Doctrine and
Doctrine 13 > Doctrine and Doctrine 27:12 > Doctrine and Doctrine 128:20
> Jeremiah 31:31-34 > Daniel 2:35, 44-45 > Ephesians 1:10 > The
Acts 3:19-26 > Revelation 14:6-7 > Ezekiel 37:15-20, 26-28 > 1 Nephi
5:10-16 > Isaiah 2:1-5
Periodically in the
scriptures, we read of an important event that is to happen in the last days. Such
a prophecy is found in Matthew chapter 17 verses 1 through 12. Here an event
was prophesied of by Jesus Christ when He, Peter, James and John descended from
the Mount of Transfiguration. The event of which I am speaking is the
Restoration of Gospel of Jesus Christ in the latter-days. In these verses Matthew
records the Apostles asking the Savior about the prophecies that “Elias must
first come”? Jesus responds by saying, “Elias truly shall first come, and
restore all things.”
The role of Elias
in the Gospel is easily misunderstood; I will attempt to help clarify this role
by sighting the Latter-day Saint Bible Dictionary. Understanding the role of
Elias will help immensely in understanding the prophecies of the Restoration of
the Gospel. The LDS Bible Dictionary teaches
the following concerning Elias as a restorer: The title or spirit of Elias has
been applied to many prophets for specific missions or restorative functions
that they are to fulfill. For example, John the Revelator, as sited in the Doctrine
and Covenants 77:14 was to come and restore all things. Noah or Gabriel and
John the Baptist, as sited in the Doctrine and Covenants 27:6-7 and Luke
1:11-20, came and ministered in the spirit of Elias and fulfilled important
restorative missions. We learn from this that Elias is not a single restorer,
but rather a series of restorers, to include many ancient Prophets and
Apostles. From all their combined work, all things were restored as prophesied
by Jesus Christ.
With this
understanding, let’s refocus on Matthew chapter 17 verses 1 through 12. Jesus
is speaking of an event yet to come; He says, “Elias truly shall first come”.
In the next verse Christ states, “That Elias is come already”. We know that at
least two prophets had just appeared, so there must be an event, yet in the
future, when Elias would come again. As we examine more ancient passages of
scripture, we will learn that there is yet a restoration to come looking at
this event from Christ’s and others perspective.
Many passages in
the New Testament speak of the people turning away from the teachings of
Christ. Particularly in 2 Thessalonians chapter 2 verses 1 through 3; Paul
warns the Saints not to be shaken in mind or troubled in spirit or by word or
letter because there will be a general apostasy or falling away of man from the
truth. So in the future, future from the time our Lord, Jesus Christ, another
restoration would be required.
The Book of Mormon
also speaks of this restoration, more particularly as it will affect the
remnant of the house of Israel currently inhabiting the Western Hemisphere. In
1 Nephi chapter 13 verse 34, Nephi relates that he learned from an angle of God
that after the remnant of his brethren are smitten and scattered by the
Gentiles and after the Gentiles have stumbled due to the plain and precious
parts of the gospel being withheld that the fullness of the gospel will come
unto them, the Gentiles. Jesus Christ, during His ministry to the ancient
inhabitants of the Western Hemisphere, is recorded in 3 Nephi chapter 16 verse
7 and 11 as saying that the fullness of His teachings would come unto the
Gentiles and from the Gentiles to their descendants. In 1 Nephi chapter 15
verse 13, Nephi sees in vision this very prophecy foretold by Jesus Christ. He
sees that in the latter days the gospel will first come unto the Gentiles and
then from the Gentiles to the remnant of his father’s seed. In 2 Nephi chapter
3 verse 24, we learn that this restoration will come through one who is raised
up by God unto this very purpose. This individual will do much good in both
word and deed, being an instrument in the hands of God. In 2 Nephi chapter 25
verse 17, we read how the Lord calls this great restorative work, “A Marvelous
Work and a Wonder”.
The entire
restorative process can be referred to as a “Marvelous Work and a Wonder” as
well as its individual aspects. The first manifestation of this great work can
be discovered in Isaiah chapter 29 verses 11 through 14. Isaiah sees in vision
the coming forth of a book that is sealed. This sealed book cannot be read by
one who is learned, but is delivered to one who is not learned. In verse 14, we
read how the wisdom of the wise shall perish and the understanding of the
prudent shall be hid, meaning that this Marvelous Work and a Wonder will come
forth not by the wise, or the learned, but by the unlearned to whom the book is
delivered. The book spoken of is the Book of Mormon. The second and third
manifestations of this great work can be discovered in Isaiah chapter 11 verses
10 through 12; here we read “In that day”, or the last days, an Ensign will be
raised. This Ensign will be a root of Jesse, or in other words, a descendant of
Jesse. Joseph Smith teaches in Doctrine and Covenants section 113 verses 5 and
6 that this root of Jesse will also be a descendant of Joseph. This individual
will then be a descendant of both Jesse and Joseph. We know this individual to
be Joseph Smith. The third manifestation is the gathering of Israel. Verse 12 of
Isaiah chapter 11 is very clear that the dispersed of Judah will be gathered
out of the four corners of the earth. Around the world, peoples of all nations,
kingdoms and countries are being gathered out of the world by being baptized
into the Kingdom of God, or the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
The work that was begun through Joseph Smith has become an Ensign to the entire
world that all the world can look to, to find the truth. The Book of Mormon is
irrefutable truth of the restoration of the Gospel of Jesus Christ; it is
indeed a Marvelous Work and a Wonder. No man could have done this on his own, Christ is
at the head.
Earlier in this
Scripture Train, I mentioned that John the Baptist came in the Spirit of Elias.
His mission was a critical part of the restoration of the Gospel of Jesus
Christ. He came to Joseph Smith and bestowed upon him the priesthood, the
authority to act in the name of Jesus Christ. Doctrine and Covenants section 13
contains the account of this Marvelous Work and a Wonder. Additional priesthood
authority was restored under the hands of Peter, James and John; Doctrine and
covenants section 27 verse 12 and section 128 verse 20 records this account. For
more information concerning the priesthood, please study the Scripture Trains
entitled Priesthood Authority and Keys of the Priesthood. The Priesthood is
again upon the earth.
Let’s look at some
of the additional scripture that I mentioned that teach of the eventual
restoration of the Gospel of Jesus Christ in the Latter-days. In Jeremiah
chapter 31 verses 31 through 34, we learn that in future days, the Lord will
make a new covenant with His children. It will be a different covenant than
what was made when He led them out of Egypt by the hand of Moses. This new
covenant was restored to the earth by our Savior during His earthly ministry
and then reestablished in the latter days during the restoration of all things.
In Daniel chapter 2 verses 35, 44 and 45, we read how in the latter days, in
the days of the kings foretold by Daniel in the interpretation of king
Nebuchadnezzar’s dream, that the God of heaven shall set up a kingdom, which
will never be destroyed, nor will it
ever be given to another. We also learn that this kingdom is likened to a great
stone, cut out of a mountain without hands and that it will roll forth and fill
the entire earth. These two references,
which I have listed here, are part of this Marvelous Work and a Wonder. Who
else, but God and His Son, Jesus Christ, could bring forth such a mighty work?
Who else could cut out of a mountain or restore His great work of salvation
that would go forth into all the world and fill all nations and consume all
earthly, man made kingdoms, governments, nations? Does this now help us
understand better the prophecy made by Paul as recorded in Ephesians chapter 1
verse 10, where he states that in the dispensation of the fullness of times, he
will gather together in one all things in Christ? This is the Marvelous Work
and a Wonder seen in vision by Isaiah and recorded by him so that we would know
about it and recognize it when we see it.
In the book of Acts
chapter 3 verses 19 through 26, Peter calls a congregation to repentance to
prepare them for the times of refreshing or for the time of the restitution of
all things. He teaches that the heavens must receive Jesus Christ until the
time of the restitution of all things, which time has been spoken of by ALL the
holy prophets since the world began. This is very interesting for it sounds to
me like as I read this passage that Jesus would not again minister on the earth
until this time of restitution. Also, it teaches me that all the prophets knew
of this time of restitution, clear back to Adam; so if we don’t have record of
it, it means that much scripture, much knowledge has been lost. In the book of
Revelation chapter 14 verses 6 and 7, John sees in vision an angel flying
through the midst of heaven, bearing the everlasting gospel to preach to the
inhabitants of the earth. Why would an angel be bearing the gospel to preach to
all the world if the gospel were already on the earth? Obviously, John saw what
Peter taught, that the gospel needed to be restored.
Early in this
Scripture Train I mentioned the Book of Mormon being a part of the restoration.
Ezekiel foresaw two records coming forth to the world, which records would
become one in our hand. In chapter 37 verses 15 through 20 and 26 through 28,
we learn that there would be a stick, or in other words, a record made for both
Judah and for Joseph. Both records would be kept for the house of Israel; they
then will be joined together and become one in our hand. The Bible is the stick
or record of Judah, where is the stick or record of Joseph? In 1 Nephi chapter
5 verses 10 through 16, Lehi learns from what was called the brass plates that
he was a descendant of Joseph and that the brass plates were a record of the
seed of Joseph. The Book of Mormon, then, is the record or the stick of Joseph.
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has brought these records
together and literally made them one in our hand.
Another important
part of the restoration is the building of a Temple, or The House of the Lord.
In Isaiah chapter 2 verses 1 through 5, Isaiah foresees, in a vision of the
last days, the building of a temple. Although Isaiah does not use the word
‘temple’ in these verses, he does use the phrase, ‘The Lord’s House’, which the
temple is. He prophecies that the House of the Lord will be established in the
top of the mountains and will be exalted above the hills and that all nations
will flow unto it. Joseph Smith was commanded by the Lord to build temples. The
first temple of the dispensation of the fullness of times, or the latter days,
was built in Kirtland, Ohio. After the Latter-day Saints abandoned Kirtland the
temple was desecrated. The second temple was later built in Nauvoo, Illinois.
The Saints prospered in Nauvoo, but unfortunately the enemies of the Saints
drove them out and the temple was destroyed by fire and later by Mother Nature.
After the Saints removed to the Salt Lake Valley, several temples were built,
the most famous being the Salt Lake Temple. This temple, built in the Salt Lake
Valley, is literally in the top of the mountains and all nations have flowed
unto it. People from all over the world have come to the Salt Lake valley to
hear the Word of the Lord, to be taught in His ways and to learn to walk in His
paths.
Another sign of the
true church is that the true Church of Jesus Christ had to be restored to the
earth through the ministry of angels.
New Scripture
Isaiah 29:11-14
> 2 Nephi 27:6-26 > Ezekiel 37:15-20 > 1 Nephi 3:3 > 2 Nephi 3:4
> 1 Nephi 5:10-16 > 2 Nephi 3:3-12 > 1 Nephi 13:34-42 > 2 Nephi
28:29 - 2 Nephi 29 > 3 Nephi 16:4-6 > Mormon 5:12-15 > Mormon 6:6 >
Mormon 8:13-18, 26 > Joseph Smith History 1:30-34, 43-54, 59, 62-67, 75 >
Doctrine and Covenants 9:2 > Doctrine and Covenants 93:18 > Doctrine and
Covenants 124:41 > Doctrine and Covenants 1:37-38 > Doctrine and
Covenants 68:4 > Articles of Faith 1:9
The Lord revealed
to Isaiah much knowledge concerning the last days. Among the revelations he
received, the one recorded in Isaiah chapter 29 verses 11 through 14, which
speaks specifically of our day, will be of particular interest. The Lord reveals
to Isaiah His intention to bring forth, in the latter-days, a sealed book. He
also informs Isaiah that the work that will be brought to pass in the
latter-days will be a Marvelous Work, even a Wonder! As we study these verses
in Isaiah 29, we will also study similar passages as found in 2 Nephi chapter
27 verses 6 through 26. These verses in 2 Nephi are the translation of Isaiah
from the Brass Plates, the set of scripture that Lehi and his family carried
into the wilderness when God commanded them to leave Jerusalem.
In this paragraph,
we will simultaneously examine the Isaiah verses along with the Book of Mormon Isaiah
verses. In Isaiah, we read about a sealed book that will come forth; the book
is subsequently delivered to an educated man; however, he says he cannot read
the book because it is sealed. The book is then delivered to an uneducated man
who claims he cannot read it because of his lack of education; this phrase
suggests that he could have read it if he were more educated. The Book of
Mormon account of this same revelation, sheds more light on this sealed book
and informs us that the sealed book was written by men who have long since died.
We learn that even though the scriptures call it a sealed book, only a portion of
it is sealed; this would correlate well with what the uneducated man said about
not being able to read it. The scripture
states that it contains a revelation from God from the beginning of time to the
end of time. As we study these verses we learn the following: 1. The book will
be kept from the wicked because of the sealed portion, 2. The book will be
delivered to a man and he will deliver the words of the book to another, 3. The
sealed words will not be delivered, 4. All the sealed words in the book will
remain sealed by the power of God, 5. A day will come when the sealed portion
of the book will be made widely known, 6. No one will see the actual book
expect those to whom the Lord commands, 7. Those who view the actual book will
bear testimony that they have seen the book and that the book is true, 8. By the
power of God the unsealed words of the book will come forth, 9. Those who
reject the words of the book will be condemned. Now backing up in time, to when
the book is first delivered, the following will occur as according to the
prophecy of Isaiah, 10. The Lord will command the man who is in possession of
the book to take the words to another and ask him to read them, 11. He will ask
for the book, 12. When he learns that it is sealed, he will then claim he
cannot read the book for it is sealed, 13. The book and words of the book are
then returned to the uneducated person who claims he is unlearned, 14. The Lord
will then command the unlearned to read the words, the Lord says He is able to
bring about His own work, 15. The Lord commands the uneducated man not to touch
the sealed portion, 16. God teaches the man that after he has read them and
obtained the proper witnesses, that the book will be hid up or returned to the
care of the Lord, 17. God then teaches this man that He is a God of miracles;
He is the same yesterday, today and forever. He works among men according to
their faith. In the final couple of verses, similar to the ones in Isaiah, we
see how they fit into this prophecy, 18. We learn that mankind draws near to
God and honors Him in speech, but their hearts are removed far from Him and any
reverence of Him is taught by the precepts of men, 19. God will proceed to do a
marvelous work among men, so marvelous that the wisdom of the wise will perish,
in other words their wisdom is not wisdom at all. The understanding of the
prudent will be worthless. All of men’s wisdom and prudence fails in the shadow
of God’s wisdom and prudence.
What, then, do we
learn from this revelation of God to Isaiah? A book will come forth out of the
ground, written by men who have slumbered in death and it will come forth to an
uneducated man. The uneducated man will copy a portion of the words and those
words will be taken to an educated man. He will demand the book, but the book
will not be delivered to him. The uneducated man will be commanded to read, or
in other words to translate it, but to show it to no one except to a few
witnesses. Those witnesses will then testify to its truth. The original book
will be returned to the care and keeping of God. I believe it goes without
question that any word or book that comes from God should be considered
scripture. Why would God reveal to Isaiah that scripture would come forth in
the latter-days? And why would additional scripture need to come forth? In the latter-days,
when this book comes forth, the fullness of the Gospel of Jesus Christ will not
be upon the earth. The Lord teaches us that there would be neither wise nor
prudent among us and that men’s hearts would be far removed from Him and that
their teachings are the precepts of man. We see here, in Isaiah, that God is
teaching us that there needs to be a restoration of truth and it is going to
begin with a book!
Isaiah and Nephi
are not the only prophets to testify of the coming forth of new books of
scripture. Ezekiel also prophesies of multiple books of scripture. We have
touched on these verses in past Scripture Trains. In Ezekiel chapter 37 verses
15 through 20, the Lord commands saying, “Take thee one stick, and write upon
it, for Judah, and for the children of Israel”; a stick were wooden writing
tablets, they were common in Babylon in Ezekiel’s day. These wooden writing
tablets were covered with a thin layer of wax so they could be written upon.
The Lord continues, “Then take another stick, and write upon it, For Joseph,
the stick of Ephraim”. As you can plainly tell, two records were to be kept,
one to be kept by the house of Judah and one for the house of Joseph. Obviously,
the stick or record of Judah, or the Jews, has come to us as the Holy Bible. So
where is the second stick, or the record of Joseph?
Early in the Book
of Mormon we read the account of Lehi, a prophet among the Jews, obtaining a
record recorded on plates of brass. In 1 Nephi chapter 3 verse 3, Lehi taught
that a man named Laban had a record of the Jews and that it was on plates of
brass. Lehi sent his sons after this record and after some difficulty they
finally did obtain it and they turned it over to their father. After Lehi was
given the record, he searched it and we learn in 2 Nephi chapter 3 verse 4 that
Lehi was a descendant of Joseph who was carried away captive into Egypt and
that God had made great covenants with Joseph concerning his seed. We also
learn, as recorded in 1 Nephi chapter 5 verses 10 through 16 the following
about this record: 1. They contained the five books of Moses, 2. They gave an
account of the creation and of Adam and Eve, 3. It is a record of the Jews, 4.
It was kept current up to the present time of Lehi, 5. A genealogy was kept
upon it, which gave Lehi knowledge that not only was he a descendant of Joseph,
but so was Laban, he who had the record previous to Lehi obtaining them. So,
descendants of Joseph had kept this record. Could this be the stick or record
of Joseph? These two records, the record of Judah and the record of Joseph were
kept by different descendants of Jacob, but they kept a similar record, a
record of the Jews; at least this is true up to the current time of Lehi. As
far as we know, after Lehi obtained the Plates of Brass they were never
recorded on again.
In 2 Nephi chapter
3 verses 3 through 12, we learn additional information concerning the Plates of
Brass and what they contain concerning the House of Joseph; 1. Among Joseph’s
descendants, a righteous branch of the house of Israel would be raised up, it
would not be the branch from which the Messiah would come, but it would be
another branch, 2. They would be broken off, or separated from their brethren,
3. A seer would be raised up and he would be a choice seer unto Joseph’s
descendants, 4. This seer would do a great work for Joseph’s descendants, 5.
The Lord’s word would go forth from this seer unto the descendants of Joseph
who will have already received the Word via one record, 6. Both descendants of
Judah and Joseph shall write records, which will go forth among the descendants
of Joseph, 7. These two records will grow together into one testimony to
confound false doctrines, lay down contentions and establish peace among the
descendants of Joseph, 8. This last record will teach the descendants of Joseph
about their fathers and teach them of God’s covenants.
Turn back the pages
of the Book of Mormon to 1 Nephi chapter 13 verses 34 through 42. In these
verses, we learn more about this second record, which will come unto the seed
of Lehi, the descendants of Joseph: 1. This record will come by the power of
God, 2. It will contain the gospel of Jesus Christ, 3. The record will be plain
and precious, 4. The record will be hid up and will come forth first unto the
Gentiles, 5. Verse 39 teaches that other records, beside this record of Joseph
will come forth by the power of God, 6. These additional records, beside the
Holy Bible, will serve to convince all people that the record of the Holy Bible
is true, 7. These last records will establish the truths of the Holy Bible, 8.
These last records will reveal the plain and precious things that were taken
away from the Bible, 9. They will testify that Jesus Christ is the Son of God,
the Eternal Father and that He is the Savior of the world, 10. These final
records will be established in one.
Because the Lord
loves all His children, He works with all of us. Many of the children of Israel
have been scattered throughout the world and have recorded His Word wherever
they are. God wants to bring these records out of darkness and into the light
so that all may have them in their possession. I repeat, God loves you; He
loves all His children. He has made it possible for all His sacred teachings to
be shared among all His children. Because He has done this for us, He also
gives us a warning about how we treat these sacred records; this is found in 2
Nephi chapter 28 verse 29 through 2 Nephi chapter 29. God pronounces a woe upon
those who reject an additional portion of His word simply because they already
have an initial portion. He curses those who put their trust in man and not in
God. In the first verse of chapter 29,
we learn by God’s own Word that these records and the work that they bring
forth is The Marvelous Work spoken of by ancient prophets. These records to
come forth will assist in recovering the lost Children of Israel; they will go
forth into all the world! God teaches that many Gentiles shall say, “A Bible! A
Bible! We have got a Bible, and there cannot be any more Bible.” Says who? Not
God! Nowhere, in all of scripture, does it teach that God’s world would be
limited to the stick of Judah, or the record of Judah, but just the opposite.
The Bible is very clear that there would be more than one record. God says that
the man who says, “We have got a Bible , and we need no more Bible” is a fool! Then He reminds the
man that you only have one record and that is from the Jews, how about all His
other children? “Know ye not that there are more nations than one?” Why do you
murmur or complain that you might receive more of God’s word? Do you not love
God’s word? Do you not love God? Is not God able to bring forth to all His
children all His words? All of God’s children will have each other’s records!
Who are you to tell God what He can and cannot do?
In 3 Nephi chapter
16 verses 4 through 6 Christ commands His disciples to write the words that He
has given them. Why write them if they are not to go forth to the world? He
wants all of us to know Him and to believe in Him. He will gather all who will
be gathered.
Now, using
additional scriptures other than what I have already sighted, I will sum up for
you the important points to remember: Mormon chapter 5 verses 12 through 15, 1.
All of God’s words will come forth in His appointed time, 2. The purpose of His
word is to persuade all mankind that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of the living
God, 3. In the last days the word will proceed forth from the Gentiles unto all
nations. In Mormon chapter 6 verse 6, we learn that the Lord protects and
watches over His Word so that it might go forth unto all the world. In Mormon
chapter 8 verses 13 through 18 and 26, we learn: 1. Mormon hid up the record of
the Book of Mormon, 2. The gold the record is written on is of no worth, 3. The
record is of great worth, 4. God has control over the record, 5. It will be
brought forth by one who does it for God’s glory and for the benefit of God’s
covenant people, 6. He who brings it to light will be blessed, 7. It will be
brought forth by the power of God, 8. He who condemns the record will be in
danger of hell, 9. One must accept the record on faith; you cannot command God
or anyone else to show it to you.
At this time we
will examine Joseph Smith’s account of the coming forth of the Book of Mormon.
We will also compare his account with the accounts we have already discussed
found in Isaiah and 2 Nephi, the first two groups of scripture in this
Scripture Train. Joseph’s record is found in the Pearl of Great Price, Joseph
Smith History chapter 1 verses 30 through 34, 43 through 54, 59, 62 through 67
and 75. The verses up to verses 62 through 67 and 75 give Joseph’s account of
the coming of the angel Moroni and how Joseph was eventually given permission
to obtain the record. Verses 62 through 66 compare very interestingly to Isaiah
and 2 Nephi. We learn that Joseph had made a copy of many of the characters as
found on the gold plates. Martin Harris, Joseph’s associate, took the characters
to a professor named Charles Anthon. Please read the account, you will find it
most interesting.
In the Doctrine and
Covenants section 9 verse 2, we learn that the Lord has other records for
Joseph Smith to translate. This goes along very well with what we just learned
in the Book of Mormon. In section 93 verse 18, the Lord teaches us that
someday, as we are faithful, we will have the full record of John, the author
of the Gospel of John. Interestingly, the Lord still has knowledge for us as we
learn in section 124 verse 41. In sections 1 verse 37 and 38 and in section 68
verse 4, we learn two important principles when it comes to scripture. First,
all the Lord’s words will be fulfilled, whether it comes from Himself
personally, or from His servants. The second truth we learn is that whenever
the Lord’s servants speak as directed by the Holy Ghost it is scripture; it is
the mind and will of the Lord and will be profitable for our salvation.
Finally, in the Articles of Faith chapter 1 verse 9, we learn another very
important principle and that is God still reveals His will to us today. There
is a continual flow of new scripture.
So, what have we
learned in this Scripture Train? The Holy Bible teaches that prophets record
the Word of the Lord as it is revealed to them. We learn that the Holy Bible
speaks of multiple books of scripture and that more would come in the last
days. We learn that the Book of Mormon is part of the Marvelous Work and a
Wonder spoken of by Isaiah. The Book of Mormon teaches of more records that
will come in the last days; these records include the Doctrine and Covenants,
the Pearl of Great Price and the word spoken by His prophet servants as they
are moved upon by the Holy Ghost.
A continuous flow
of New Scripture is a sign of the True Church of Jesus Christ!
The Gathering of
Israel
Deuteronomy 30:1-5
> 2 Nephi 25:14-17 > Psalms 107:1-3 > Isaiah 54:7 > Isaiah 5:26
> 2 Nephi 29:1 > Isaiah 11:10-12 > Isaiah 43:6-7 > Isaiah 51:9-11
> Jeremiah 31:10 > Ezekiel 34:11-16 > 1 Nephi 10:14 > Alma 16:17
> Doctrine and Covenants 29:7 > 1 Nephi 19:15-16 > 1 Nephi 22:25 >
Articles of Faith 1:10
The history of the
Children of Israel is stormy, to say the least. Through their prophet, Moses,
Israel was promised great blessings if they stayed true to the covenants they
entered into with God. At the same time, they were promised destruction if they
broke their covenants and turned from the Lord. The blessings and the curses
promised by God can be read and studied in the book of Deuteronomy chapters 28
through 30. In this Scripture Train, we will concentrate only on chapter 30
verses 1 through 5. However, the blessings promised to ancient Israel were
marvelous and wonderful and are worth studying. These blessings are still
available to those who enter into the appropriate covenants with God.
We would not be
studying the gathering of the Children of Israel if the promise of their
destruction and scattering had not come to pass as a result of their fall into
wickedness. Prior to the advent of Jesus Christ, a portion of scattered Israel was
gathered back to their homeland to prepare for the coming of the Messiah, Jesus
Christ. After the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, Israel, due to their
wickedness, was again scattered among the nations of the earth. The promise of
the latter-day gathering of Israel that we will study in this Scripture Train is
from all prior scatterings. It begins with the promise in Deuteronomy chapter 5
verse 3 where Israel is promised to be gathered if eventually they are
scattered.
The Book of Mormon
also testifies of and teaches of the eventual gathering of scattered Israel;
the Book of Mormon people, themselves, were among the scattered of Israel. In 2
Nephi chapter 25 verses 14 through 17, we learn that Nephi testified of the
gathering of Israel in the latter-days in conjunction with the Marvelous Work
and a Wonder that God would bring to pass as we addressed in the Scripture
Train titled, “New Scripture”.
Moses and Nephi prophesied
of the gathering of Israel; the Psalmist also proclaims Israel’s eventual
gathering in the 107th Psalm verses 1 through 3. Not to be left out,
Isaiah also prophesies of Israel’s gathering in his writings as recorded in
chapter 54 verse 7. From what we read throughout the Old Testament, it is very
evident that the Children of Israel were scattered and thus a gathering is in
order.
So how is the
gathering to be accomplished? How will the Children of Israel be gathered and
to where will they gather? We learn in scripture, Isaiah chapter 5 verse 26 and
chapter 11 verses 10 through 12 and 2 Nephi chapter 29 verse 1, that the Lord,
when He sets forth to recover His people, will raise up an Ensign to all the
nations of the earth and will call unto them from a faraway place. This Ensign
will be raised by someone who is a descendant of Jesse; this descendant will
stand for an ensign and the Gentiles will seek after him. Not only will the
Gentiles seek after him, but also the scattered remnants of Israel and Judah.
In later prophecies
of the gathering, Isaiah proclaims in chapter 43 verses 6 and 7 that it will
not simply be any Israelite descendant, but rather those who are called by the
Lord’s name who will be gathered. So this is not simply a group of Israelites
desiring to gather back in the homeland, but rather those who have come to know
Jesus Christ as their Savior. Isaiah sheds further light on this when in chapter
51 verse 11, he exclaims that those who will be gathered will be, “The redeemed
of the Lord”. Jeremiah also testifies of this important fact. In Jeremiah
chapter 31 verse 10, Jeremiah teaches that those who hear the Word of the Lord,
or the sheep of His flock who dwell among the nations and the isles of the sea,
are those who are called to gather. In Ezekiel chapter 34 verses 11 through 16,
we learn some additional information on those who will be gathered. Those who
are gathered will be sought out and searched for as a shepherd seeks out his
sheep among the various flocks! Once again, we see that this gathering is not a
simple group of Israelites desiring to return to the homeland, but rather those
who are gathered have been sought out, searched for and found.
So, who are those
who have been sought for, searched out, called by His name and who are
redeemed? In 1 Nephi chapter 10 verse 14, we begin to learn the answer. As I
have taught in Scripture Trains previous to this one, the Gentiles will receive
the gospel of Jesus Christ. The Gentiles will then take the gospel to the world
and search for and seek out the scattered remnants of Israel. When someone is
found or those who, “Come to the knowledge of the true Messiah, their Lord and
their Redeemer,” they are grafted into the House of Israel. So, how is a person
grafted into the House of Israel? Alma chapter 16 verse 17 teaches this; he
teaches that when an individual receives the word with joy, he is like a branch
grafted into the true vine, meaning Jesus Christ, and enters into the rest of
God. Obviously, as we have studied in previous Scripture Trains, he is baptized
into the fold of Christ and receives the Gift of the Holy Ghost. Through the
process of baptism and receiving the gift of the Holy Ghost, they take upon
themselves the name of Jesus Christ, by covenant, and are redeemed of Him.
Hence, all the prophecies set forth by the Lord have been met: They have been
sought out and searched for, called to in the name of Christ and redeemed. They
are gathered into the fold of God. From this, we learn, that those who
are the elect of God, hear His voice as taught in Doctrine and Covenants
section 29 verse 7.
In 1 Nephi chapter
19 verses 15 and 16, a little more light is added to our previous discovered
knowledge of the gathering. An individual who is ready to be gathered into the
fold of God, no longer turns his heart against Jesus Christ, as did the
Children of Israel in ancient days. In 1 Nephi chapter 22 verse 25, we learn
that Christ will number His people and they will become one fold under one
shepherd; therefore we learn that there must be a distinct organization to
which people will become a member of when they are baptized and confirmed. In
this organization, new members will find pasture and will be fed the nourishing
Word of God. This organization is, of course, The Church of Jesus Christ of
Latter-day Saints, the only true church of Christ upon the earth, the only
church who believes in, as our Article of Faith # 10 states, “We believe in the
literal gathering of Israel and in the restoration of the Ten Tribes”! The
gathering is a scriptural fact and an ongoing reality; it is a sign of the true
church and the restoration of the gospel of Jesus Christ.
Sacrament of the
Lord’s Supper
John 6:48-58 >
Matthew 26:26-28 > 1 Corinthians 11:23-26 > 3 Nephi 18:1-12 > 3 Nephi
20:8-9 > The Acts 2:41-42 > The Acts 20:7 > 3 Nephi 26:13 > Moroni
6:6 > Moroni 4 & 5 > Doctrine and Covenants 20:75-79
The term
‘Sacrament’ is used differently among different religious groups. A Sacrament
can be termed as any Christian rite, ordinance or ritual such as baptism or
marriage. A Sacrament can also be viewed as anything sacred. In the Church of
Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, the term ‘Sacrament’ is used nearly
exclusively to describe the partaking of the bread and water, symbolizing the
flesh and blood of Christ. Many Christian denominations have, in some form or
another, a Sacrament where they partake of emblems of the body and blood of
Christ to fulfill the commandment of Christ to remember Him. The partaking of
emblems in remembrance of the body and blood of Christ is a sign of the true
church of Jesus Christ; however, just because some do regard this ordinance
does not mean they are the true church of Jesus Christ; they must possess all
the other elements of the Church as established by Christ, as well. In this
Scripture Train, we will examine the purpose and intent of the Sacrament as
instituted by Christ prior to His crucifixion.
In the book of John
chapter 6 verses 48 through 58 and Matthew chapter 26 verses 26 through 28, we
read the teachings of Jesus Christ concerning the eating of His flesh and the
drinking of His blood and the institution of the ordinance of the Sacrament. As
we examine these verses, we will learn what it all means and why He did this.
First, Jesus
proclaimed Himself as the “Bread of Life”. Just as physical bread, or food, is
necessary for physical life, Jesus proclaims that He is necessary for spiritual
life. In other words, as we eat bread, or food, every day we will be satisfied
and nourished physically. On the same note, if we do the things Jesus commands
us to do every day to remember Him, such as pray and study the scriptures, then
we will be fed spiritually and have eternal life in Him. Second, Jesus,
claiming to be the living bread stated that we must eat His flesh and drink His
blood in order to have eternal life. This, of course, is not literal, but
figurative. We understand this to be so from the reading in Matthew. Here at
the close of His ministry, He breaks bread, blesses it and commands His
Apostles to eat. Then He takes a cup of wine and blesses it and commands the
Apostles to drink. As He does this, He teaches these men that the bread
represents His body and the wine His blood. They do not literally partake of
His flesh and blood, but rather partake of emblems or symbols of His flesh and
blood. In 1 Corinthians chapter 11 verses 23 through 26, we have this doctrine
reinforced, plus we learn that by doing so we pledge that we will remember Him;
we remember His body by partaking of the bread and His blood by drinking of the
wine. In 3 Nephi chapter 18 verses 1 through 12, this same doctrine is
reinforced by Christ during His visit to the Nephites. In these verses we learn
some additional important points, 1. As we partake of the emblems of His flesh
and blood, we are filled, meaning filled with the Spirit of God, 2. Only those
ordained unto this ordinance can administer it. This is an important facet to
acknowledge! We see in this example from scripture that Christ, Himself first administered
the Sacrament and then only those whom He authorized, 3. The Sacrament is to be
ministered to those who are members of His church, those who have been baptized
in His name. This is important to recognize for the partaking of the Sacrament
renews the covenants we make at baptism, 4. This ordinance is to be observed
when they meet together, 5. This ordinance is performed that we might remember
His body and His blood. As we partake, we do so as a testimony to the Father
that we do remember our Savior, Jesus Christ, 6. As we do this, we are promised
that we will always have the Spirit to be with us, 7. We learn that those who
have repented and been baptized in the name of Jesus Christ should partake of
the Sacrament; it is through the ordinance of baptism that we take upon
ourselves His name, 8. Finally, we learn that by partaking of the Sacrament we
covenant to always keep His commandments. Again, we are renewing our covenants
and commitments.
A little further in
3 Nephi chapter 20 verses 8 and 9, we see that the Saints felt great joy and
gladness as they partook of the Sacrament, knowing that by doing so they should
never hunger or thirst after righteousness, but should be filled with the Holy
Ghost; this caused them to glorify their Savior, Jesus Christ.
In the following
references, we see that partaking of the Sacrament was something that the
Saints were to do regularly: In The Acts chapter 2 verses 41 and 42, after they
were baptized, they continued steadfastly…in breaking bread. In The Acts
chapter 20 verse7, the disciples gathered weekly, on the first day of the week,
to break bread. In 3 Nephi chapter 26 verse 13, when Jesus administered to His
disciples, He broke bread with them. Finally, in Moroni chapter 6 verse 6, we
see that the Saints met often to partake of the Sacrament in remembrance of
Jesus. By worthily partaking of the Sacrament regularly, we will seldom hunger
or thirst after righteousness, but will always be filled with the Holy Ghost
and thus often experience the joy of glorifying our Savior.
The last thing I
desire to do is to review the prayers that are offered when the Sacrament is
prepared for the Saints to partake. The prayers are found in two places, in
Moroni chapters 4 and 5 and in the Doctrine and Covenants section 20 verses 75
through 79. First, the official blessing the sacrament calls upon God in the
name of Jesus Christ. Second, he asks God to bless and sanctify the bread; in
other words, to bless and set it apart as sacred for those who will partake of
it. Third, those who will partake are to do so in remembrance of the body of
Jesus Christ. We remember the pain, the incomprehensible pain, that He suffered
while in Gethsemane and upon the cross.
Fourth, those who partake, witness unto the Father that they are willing
to take upon them the name of Jesus Christ. Fifth, those who partake promise to
always remember Him. Sixth, those who partake promise to keep the commandments
the Father gives them. The promise of the Father to His Saints is that they
will always have His Spirit to be with them. The blessing of the wine is not
the same! In this prayer, we first promise to remember the blood of Jesus Christ.
We remember that it was by the shedding of His blood in the Garden of
Gethsemane that made it possible for us to repent. In the Garden, Christ took
upon Himself the sins of the world. Thus, if we repent of our sins, Christ’s
atoning blood will wash away our sins, we will be cleansed from them, and we
will stand clean before God. Second, we witness to God that we DO remember Him.
The final phrase is the same as the prayer upon the bread; we are promised that
we will always have the Spirit of God with us.
The partaking of the emblems of the flesh and blood of Christ
is a sign of the true church if the following conditions are present: 1. The
emblems of the body and blood of Christ must be administered by one who is
officially authorized, they must hold the priesthood of God, 2. The emblems are
administered to those who have repented, been baptized and through baptism made
special covenants, and then confirmed a member of the Church and received the
Gift of the Holy Ghost, 3. Partakers must partake worthily, 4. A renewal of
covenants occurs as one partakes. These are signs of the true church.
God and Man’s Covenant
Relationship
Genesis 1:28-29;
2:16-17 > Genesis 6:18; 9:8-16 > Genesis 12:2-3, 7; 13:14-16; 17:1-16,
21-27 > Abraham 2:8-11 > Genesis 25:19-23, 29-34 > Genesis 26:1-5 >
Genesis 27:1-40 > Genesis 28:1-5, 10-15 > Genesis 32:24-28 > Genesis
35:9-15 > Genesis 46:1-4 > Genesis 48:1-20 > Genesis 49:1-27 > Exodus
6:1-8 > 1 Nephi 17:40 > Exodus 19:5-6 > Deuteronomy 14:2 > Hebrews
8:6-13 > Hebrews 12:24 > Hebrews 13:20-21 > Jeremiah 31:31-34 >
Exodus 31:13, 16 > Numbers 25:10-13 > Isaiah 24:5 > Isaiah 55:3 >
Ezekiel 37:26-28 > Doctrine and Covenants 22:1 > Doctrine and Covenants
45:8-9 > Doctrine and Covenants 66:2 > Jeremiah 50:4-5
From the very
beginning of time, God has established a covenant relationship with His
children. He began with Adam as recorded in Genesis chapters 1 and 2; God
commanded Adam saying he could eat from every fruit bearing tree of the garden
except the fruit of the Tree of Knowledge of Good and Evil. He told Adam that
if he partook of this tree he would die. The covenant, as it is recorded here,
is implied; God covenanted with Adam that he would live forever if he did not
eat of the fruit of the Tree of Knowledge of Good and Evil. In Genesis chapters
6 and 9, God promises Noah that He would establish, “My covenant” with him. In
Genesis chapters 12, 13 and 17 and in the 2nd chapter of the Book of
Abraham in The Pearl of Great Price, we read of the covenant He made with
Abraham. In Genesis chapters 25-28, 32, 35, 46, 48 and 49, we read how the
covenant God made with Abraham was passed on down to his son, Isaac, then his
grandson, Jacob and then to the children of Jacob, whose name was changed to
Israel. As we read these passages of scripture, it becomes obvious that the
covenant God made with Abraham was to be an everlasting covenant passed down
from father to son for all time. The purpose of this Scripture Train is not to
discuss the covenants, but simply show how God establishes covenants with His
people; He did so in the past and He has reestablished these covenants with us
today.
In the Book of
Exodus chapter 6 verses 1 through 8, we see that the covenant established with
Abraham was still known in the days of Moses. The Book of Mormon acknowledges
this covenant in 1 Nephi chapter 17 verse 40, saying that God covenanted with
Abraham, Isaac and Jacob and that He remembered the covenant with Moses. The
Lord continued to make covenants with the Children of Israel as we see in
Exodus chapter 19 verses 5 and 6. They are reminded again of the covenant in
Deuteronomy chapter 14 verse 2.
Throughout the
remainder of the Old Testament, we read how well the Children of Israel kept or
did not keep their covenants. Often, as we read in Psalms and in Isaiah, the
Children of Israel were reminded of their covenants. We read
how they prospered when they kept their covenants and how they were punished
when they did not; for this we know that they were eventually
destroyed as a nation.
In the
New Testament, in the book of Hebrews chapters 8 and 12, Paul teaches that when
Christ came to earth He established, “A better covenant” and is the mediator of this “New
Covenant”. In fact, Paul states in Hebrews chapter 13 verses 20 and 21, that
this covenant that Christ established is an everlasting covenant. This was in
fulfillment of a prophecy recorded by Jeremiah in chapter 31 verses 31 through
34, where Jesus states, “I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel”. We
also read in Exodus chapter 31 verses 13 and 16 that the covenant was termed a
“Perpetual Covenant”. In Numbers chapter 25 verses 10 through 13, we read that
the covenant is also associated with the term “Everlasting”, particularly in
regards to the priesthood. In Isaiah chapters 24 and 55 and Ezekiel 37, we also
find the term “Everlasting”. From these simple statements, it becomes very
clear that the covenants, which Jesus establishes with His people, are meant to
be everlasting and to perpetuate through all time. I believe that the term
everlasting has two significant meanings: 1. When an individual enters into a
covenant with Jesus that covenant is to be everlasting in nature. Jesus will
never break it; it will last throughout all eternity, 2. These covenants were
meant to always be on the earth, to be available to mankind in all generations,
thus they are everlasting throughout the duration of the earth, or until the
end of time when Jesus has finished His work.
From the days of
Adam to the days of Moses, there existed between God and man, God’s first
covenant. From the days of Moses to the days of Christ, there existed God’s
second covenant, which we call the Law of Moses. From the day of Christ until
the great falling away, the great apostasy, there was on the earth again, God’s
first covenant. In the last days, the Dispensation of the Fullness of Times, or
when the restoration of all things would occur, God’s first covenant is
restored once again to the earth. The Lord, Himself, so states in Doctrine and
Covenants section 22 verse 1, that all old covenants have been done away and
now He is establishing a new and everlasting covenant, which was from the
beginning. The New and Everlasting Covenant is not new to the world, rather it
is new to us in our generation, new to the last days, new to the dispensation
of the fullness of times. You may even say that the name of the covenant is,
“The New and Everlasting Covenant”. Thinking of it in this manner helps us
understand the scriptures better when they speak of the New Covenant, or the New
and Everlasting covenant.
To finish up let us
examine 3 more references that will lend further understanding: Doctrine and
Covenants section 45 verses 8 and 9 state that through covenants, particularly
through the Everlasting Covenant, we have power to obtain eternal life.
Covenants are given as a light to the world, a standard to the people of the
Lord. In Doctrine and Covenants section 66 verse 2, we learn that the New and
Everlasting Covenant is the gospel of Jesus Christ! If this is the case and we
know it is, then indeed, it has been from the days of Adam; it was given to
Noah and to Abraham; Christ established His gospel, His covenant when He lived
upon the earth. In Jeremiah chapter 50 verses 4 and 5, we learn that, “In those
days”, meaning the Last Days, and “In that time”, meaning the Dispensation of
the Fullness of Times, that the children of Israel and Judah will come to Zion
to seek their God and to seek the New and Everlasting Covenant, by which they
will be joined to Him and will not be forgotten.
A Covenant
relationship between God and man is a sign of the True Church!
