Category: Book of Mormon

A Response to “What the Book of Mormon does not teach about salvation”

This is response to a video on You Tube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=madG5N1vpTA&t=2993s, comparing LDS teachings about salvation with those taught by the Book of Mormon. I agree with their conclusions about salvation as taught in the Book of Mormon, which are squarely in conflict with LDS teachings based on interpretations of other scriptures. The point of this essay is to show that if you take the Bible and the D&C for what they actually say instead of the church’s interpretation of what they say, then all the scriptures are consistent and harmonious, and rather than a conflict, they actually shed light on one another.

To see this, you are going to have to invest some time studying the scriptures and some effort in unlearning the false traditions you were taught. I am going to elaborate on this, and point you to some podcasts where some LDS scriptorians explain this in detail.

In Brief

But, if you are not willing to spend the time of the effort, then I would ask you to read the following two paragraphs, then with that in mind read 1 Peter 3, Section 29, Section 76, and Section 88, keeping these thoughts in mind.

In brief, the Book of Mormon teaches that in the final judgment a person either ends up in the Presence of God, or is cast out and endures endless torment. On the other hand, the LDS church has taught for years that in the final judgment a person inherits one of three different degrees of glory, depending on their level of works, or they inherit a kingdom of no glory.

The scriptures, when you read them with a fresh mind, free from the interpretations of men, teach that instead of four branches of decision at the final judgment, the three degrees of glory are three levels of attainment along the way to the Presence of God, through which we must all successively pass.

Where and when do we pass through these successive levels of attainment? The Telestial glory is  typical of the world in which we now live in. The temple endowment teaches this. But what about this: “And thus we saw, in the heavenly vision, the glory of the telestial, which surpasses all understanding; “? (D&C 76:89) Can anybody say that they truly understand everything about this world? The skies? The seas? The land? Our own bodies? Our own minds?

“And the glory of the telestial is one, even as the glory of the stars is one; for as one star differs from another star in glory, even so differs one from another in glory in the telestial world;” (D&C 76:98) The telestial glory is not one. In this world, we have all types of people, all living together, each living the law pertaining to their own particular glory. We have the honorable men of the earth (terrestrial) who were deceived by the craftiness of men (telestial), and those who are honorable, but are not deceived (celestial).

The terrestrial glory describes the earth during the Millennium. The earth will be cleansed and made fit to abide a terrestrial glory and those who are fit to abide this glory or higher will remain while those who can only abide a terrestrial glory will be removed from the planet and sent to another place of lesser glory.

Discussion

This paper and the scriptures answer two of the biggest questions in Mormonism: (1) Is there progression between kingdoms? (2) What are the qualifications for inheriting each kingdom? The answers are, respectively, “yes,” and “the qualifications are clearly spelled out in the scriptures.”

Are there different level of salvation? The Lectures on Faith define a single definition and standard of salvation.

And if we should continue our interrogation, and ask how it is that he is saved? the answer would be – because he is a just and holy being; and if he were anything different from what he is, he would not be saved;

We ask, then, where is the prototype? or where is the saved being? We conclude, as to the answer of this question there will be no dispute among those who believe the Bible, that it is Christ: all will agree in this, that he is the prototype or standard of salvation; or, in other words, that he is a saved being.

For his salvation depends on his being precisely what he is and nothing else; for if it were possible for him to change, in the least degree, so sure he would fail of salvation and lose all his dominion, power, authority and glory, which constitute salvation; for salvation consists in the glory, authority, majesty, power and dominion which Jehovah possesses and in nothing else;

And no being can possess it but himself or one like him.

Thus says John, in his first epistle, third chapter, second and third verses: “Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be; but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him, for we shall see him as he is. And every man that hath this hope in him, purifieth himself, even as he is pure.”

Why purify themselves as he is pure? Because unless they do not they cannot be like him. — Lecture Seventh

If you don’t believe the Lectures on Faith, then how do you explain this?

D&C 76:43 Who glorifies the Father, and saves all the works of his hands, except those sons of perdition who deny the Son after the Father has revealed him.

I remember pondering over this in Sunday School and in religion classes. What does this mean that Jesus saves everybody, except the “Sons of Perdition”? The teachers had to make up some theology on the spot by claiming that there was a difference between “salvation” and “exaltation.” This was done to reconcile Section 132 with all the rest of scripture. Section 132 offers a very unique concept of “exaltation”, which occurs nowhere else in all of scripture. “Exaltation” is not a special level of salvation. “Exaltation” simply means to be lifted up from any lower level to a higher level.

When you climb up a ladder, you must begin at the bottom, and ascend step by step, until you arrive at the top; and so it is with the principles of the Gospel–you must begin with the first, and go on until you learn all the principles of exaltation. But it will be a great while after you have passed through the veil before you will have learned them. It is not all to be comprehended in this world; it will be a great work to learn our salvation and exaltation even beyond the grave. TPJS p. 348

In short, Jacob’s ladder in just like any other ladder. It goes straight up, from where you are now to the highest heaven, passing many levels along the way. It does not reach a certain level, then branch out to various destinations. When Jesus said: “My father’s house as many mansions.” The word “mansions” is mistranslated. The original word meant “dwelling place,” or place where you “abide.” There is no connotation of a permanent residence.

“Eternal” and “Everlasting” are qualities of God

In the Sacrament prayers, we address God as “O God, the Eternal Father.”

We read the following in the scriptures:

And Abraham planted a grove in Beersheba, and called there on the name of the LORD, the everlasting God. Gen 21:33

The eternal God is thy refuge, and underneath are the everlasting arms: and he shall thrust out the enemy from before thee; and shall say, Destroy them. Deut 33:27

For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace. Isa 9:6

Mos 7:35 Behold, I am God; Man of Holiness is my name; Man of Counsel is my name; and Endless and Eternal is my name, also.

People argue that in D&C Section 19, God is changing the definition of “eternal”, when he says:

Nevertheless, it is not written that there shall be no end to this torment, but it is written endless torment. Again, it is written eternal damnation; wherefore it is more express than other scriptures, that it might work upon the hearts of the children of men, altogether for my name’s glory. Wherefore, I will explain unto you this mystery, for it is meet unto you to know even as mine apostles. I speak unto you that are chosen in this thing, even as one, that you may enter into my rest. For, behold, the mystery of godliness, how great is it! For, behold, I am endless, and the punishment which is given from my hand is endless punishment, for Endless is my name. Wherefore — Eternal punishment is God’s punishment.  Endless punishment is God’s punishment. – D&C 19:6-12

D&C 19 clarifies the term “eternal” as the word has been translated in the scriptures. In English “eternal” means “without ending or beginning”, but in Hebrew, the word is “olam”, and in Greek, the word is “eonian”. Those words mean an age, a period of time, a world, a condition of existence, an estate. And in all these cases, there is definitely a beginning and an end.

But, is this idea contrary to the Book of Mormon? Alma says he was racked with “eternal torment” which only lasted until he repented. Alma was speaking of the quality, not the duration of his torment.

My soul hath been redeemed from the gall of bitterness and bonds of iniquity. I was in the darkest abyss; but now I behold the marvelous light of God. My soul was racked with eternal torment; but I am snatched, and my soul is pained no more. (Mosiah 27:29)

But I was racked with eternal torment, for my soul was harrowed up to the greatest degree and racked with all my sins. Yea, I did remember all my sins and iniquities, for which I was tormented with the pains of hell; yea, I saw that I had rebelled against my God, and that I had not kept his holy commandments. Yea, and I had murdered many of his children, or rather led them away unto destruction; yea, and in fine so great had been my iniquities, that the very thought of coming into the presence of my God did rack my soul with inexpressible horror. Oh, thought I, that I could be banished and become extinct both soul and body, that I might not be brought to stand in the presence of my God, to be judged of my deeds. And now, for three days and for three nights was I racked, even with the pains of a damned soul. And it came to pass that as I was thus racked with torment, while I was harrowed up by the memory of my many sins, behold, I remembered also to have heard my father prophesy unto the people concerning the coming of one Jesus Christ, a Son of God, to atone for the sins of the world. Now, as my mind caught hold upon this thought, I cried within my heart: O Jesus, thou Son of God, have mercy on me, who am in the gall of bitterness, and am encircled about by the everlasting chains of death. And now, behold, when I thought this, I could remember my pains no more; yea, I was harrowed up by the memory of my sins no more. (Alma 36:12-19)

I don’t know what Joseph Smith was thinking. He probably had trouble comprehending what the Lord was trying to reveal, but he was really trying to undo centuries of false traditions due to mistranslations of the Bible. Just because you receive revelation doesn’t necessarily you understand what you receive or can easily put it in words. This was probably new to him also.

“Eternal punishment is God’s punishment”, means it’s the kind of punishment ordained by God. And, by the same token “Eternal life is God’s life”, or the kind of life that God lives. We say “eternal life is to know God”, but nobody can truly know God unless he IS God. Then, and only then can you live as God lives.

There is a true doctrine on these points, a doctrine unknown by many and unbelieved by more, a doctrine that is spelled out as specifically and extensively in the revealed word as are any of the other revealed truths. There is no need for uncertainty or misunderstanding. And surely if the Lord reveals a doctrine, we should seek to learn its principles and strive to apply them in our lives. This doctrine is that mortal man, while in the flesh, has it in his power to see the Lord, to stand in His presence, to feel the nail marks in His hands and feet, and to receive from Him such blessings as are reserved for only those who keep all His commandments and who are qualified for that eternal life, which includes being in His presence forever. [Forever means now and always.] Bruce R. McConkie from A New Witness for the Articles of Faith, page 492

Something in King Follett I never caught before

I know the Scriptures; I understand them. I said that no man can commit the unpardonable sin after the dissolution of the body. Why? Because they must commit the unpardonable sin in this world after they receive the Holy Ghost. All will suffer in the eternal world until they obey Christ himself and are exalted. Hence, the salvation of the Savior Jesus Christ was wrought out for all men to triumph over the works of the devil; if the plan did not catch them in one place, it would in another. The devil came to save the world and stood up as a savior. The contention in heaven was that Jesus contended that there would be certain souls that would be condemned and not saved, but the devil said, “I am a savior,” and that he could save them all. As the grand council gave in for Jesus Christ, the lot fell on him. So the devil rose up, rebelled against God, fell, and was thrust down, with all who put up their heads for him.

All sin shall be forgiven, except the sin against the Holy Ghost, for Jesus Christ will save all except the sons of perdition. What must a man do to commit the unpardonable sin? He has got to deny the plan of salvation; he has got to say that the sun does not shine while he sees it with his eyes open; he has got to receive the Holy Ghost, deny Jesus Christ when the heavens are open to him, know God, and then sin against Him. After a man has sinned the sin against the Holy Ghost, there is no repentance for him.

Justice of the Great Lawgiver

But while one portion of the human race is judging and condemning the other without mercy, the Great Parent of the universe looks upon the whole human family with a fatherly care and paternal regard; He views them as His offspring, and without any of those contracted feelings that influence the children of men, causes “His sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust.” He holds the reins of judgment in His hands; He is a wise Lawgiver, and will judge all men, not according to the narrow, contracted notions of men, but, “according to the deeds done in the body whether they be good or evil,” or whether these deeds were done in England, America, Spain, Turkey, or India. He will judge them, “not according to what they have not, but according to what they have,” those who have lived without law, will be judged without law, and those who have a law, will be judged by that law. We need not doubt the wisdom and intelligence of the Great Jehovah; He will award judgment or mercy to all nations according to their several deserts, their means of obtaining intelligence, the laws by which they are governed, the facilities afforded them of obtaining correct information, and His inscrutable designs in relation to the human family; and when the designs of God shall be made manifest, and the curtain of futurity be withdrawn, we shall all of us eventually have to confess that the Judge of all the earth has done right. TPJS p. 218

Jacob’s Ladder

Paul ascended into the third heavens, and he could understand the three principal rounds of Jacob’s ladder–the telestial, the terrestrial, and the celestial glories or kingdoms, where Paul saw and heard things which were not lawful for him to utter. I could explain a hundred fold more than I ever have of the glories of the kingdoms manifested to me in the vision, were I permitted, and were the people prepared to receive them. TPJS p.304

If it is not in harmony with the scriptures, it is not true.

It’s not a gospel of affirmation, neither is it a gospel of individual choice. The gospel is all about becoming like Christ is, through faith, repentance, baptism by water, and baptism by fire and the Holy Ghost. In the end, we are either like Christ and are comfortable in His Presence, or we are not.

Take this passage:

“And in order to obtain the highest, a man must enter into this order of the priesthood [meaning the new and everlasting covenant of marriage];” (D&C 131:2)

1. This was not a revelation. It was an item of instruction.

2. Joseph Smith did not say the bracketed phrase. It was inserted after the fact when this section was added to the D&C in 1876.

3. Two witnesses claimed to hear Joseph Smith say this. The fact is that one of them was not even present.

The notion that we have a choice in where we end up in the judgment is not true. The Telestial glory is the world in which we now live in. The temple endowment teaches this. The Terrestrial glory describes the world during the Millennium. It is a transitional state.

Joseph Smith taught that we go from glory to glory, from exaltation to exaltation. Jacob’s ladder does not lead to multiple destinations. It leads to only one place, but passes THROUGH all the others. “Exaltation” is simply ascending to a higher place. Salvation consists of one thing and one thing only: to be precisely as Christ is. The Lectures on Faith teach this. Latter-day saints should read the lectures like scripture, because they are scripture. There are also “items of instruction”, like Section 131, but unlike Section 131, they were removed because they were considered “items of instruction”.

When you understand this, the following verses are not confusing. We can read them exactly as they stand, without inventing false theology:

D&C 76:43 Who glorifies the Father, and saves ALL the works of his hands, except those sons of perdition who deny the Son after the Father has revealed him.

D&C 76:44 Wherefore, he saves ALL except them–they shall go away into everlasting punishment, which is endless punishment, which is eternal punishment, to reign with the devil and his angels in eternity, where their worm dieth not, and the fire is not quenched, which is their torment–

The lower degrees of glory are interim stops along the way, where every person receives the opportunity to rise as high as he will, and eventually be saved by the principle of mercy, the principle of judgment, or the principle of justice.

D&C 88:35 That which breaketh a law, and abideth not by law, but seeketh to become a law unto itself, and willeth to abide in sin, and altogether abideth in sin, cannot be sanctified by law, neither by mercy, justice, nor judgment. Therefore, they must remain filthy still.

The Gift of Charity – Moroni 7:1-48

I am taking a post from Pure Revelation Book of Mormon Thoughts https://purerevelations.wordpress.com/2019/12/09/the-gift-of-charity-moroni-71-48/, adding some of my own thoughts and reposting. Plain text is the original Book of Mormon Text. Bracketed text is comments by PR or JRC. Important comments are in boldface.

The Gift of Charity – Moroni 7:1-48

Posted on December 9, 2019 by Pure Revelations

1 And now I, Moroni, write a few of the words of my father Mormon, which he spake concerning faith, hope, and charity; for after this manner did he speak unto the people, as he taught them in the synagogue which they had built for the place of worship. [There were few who were willing to worship in the synagogue in the later years of Mormon’s life. This sermon so impressed Moroni that he kept it and was inspired to include it in the final text of the record.]

2 And now I, Mormon, speak unto you, my beloved brethren; and it is by the grace of God the Father, and our Lord Jesus Christ, and his holy will, because of the gift of his calling unto me, that I am permitted to speak unto you [in this manner] at this time.

3 Wherefore, I would speak unto you that are of the church, that are the peaceable followers of Christ [always repenting], and that have obtained a sufficient hope [through baptism] by which ye can enter into the rest of the Lord [the gift of the Holy Ghost], from this time henceforth until ye shall rest with him in heaven.

4 And now my brethren, I judge these things of you because of your peaceable walk with the children of men. [How you conduct yourself with other people.]

5 For I remember the word of God which saith by their works [fruit] ye shall know them; for if their works be good, then they are good also.

6 For behold, God hath said a man being evil cannot do that which is good; for if he offereth a gift, or prayeth unto God, except he shall do it with real intent it profiteth him nothing. [What are the results of an evil man praying to God? Where is the fruit?]

[If we don’t pray with real intent we are being deceitful. Ask what you should pray for and it will be given. Intention is everything. JRC]

7 For behold, it is not counted unto him for righteousness.

8 For behold, if a man being evil giveth a gift [blessing or offering], he doeth it grudgingly [Regretting the act, for his heart is not there, and wonders how it will help him.]; wherefore it is counted unto him the same as if he had retained the gift; wherefore he is counted evil before God. [Evil is a strong word, meaning it is by the power of the Adversary to do his will. Such a person is a hypocrite who pretends to pray to God, but there is no fruit.]

9 And likewise also is it counted evil unto a man, if he shall pray and not with real intent of heart; yea, and it profiteth him nothing, for God receiveth none such.

10 Wherefore, a man being evil cannot do that which is good; neither will he give a good gift. [Mormon’s words encourage each of us to focus upon the results of the acts of one professing to be from God.]

[We all get in this state at one time or another. How do we get back to having real intent? This might seem to be a dilemma, because if we pray in order to have real intent, we are not praying with real intent. A couple of ways to get around this is to just praise God, or just express your gratitude. The Spirit of the Lord teaches a man that he must pray. Indeed, it drives him to pray. The spirit of the enemy teaches a man that he must not pray. So, if you don’t feel like praying, so the above. Also, you don’t just say your prayers. You ENTER into prayer. It’s a whole state of being. JRC]

11 For behold, a bitter fountain cannot bring forth good water; neither can a good fountain bring forth bitter water; wherefore, a man being a servant of the devil cannot follow Christ; and if he follow Christ he cannot be a servant of the devil. [This all makes sense, but how do you judge this in real life? Imagine if your church leader appeared in every way to be righteous: he looks like a saint, he speaks of Jesus, he prays eloquently of the Gospel, he councils kindly, but something is missing. How can you discern they are not of God?]

12 Wherefore, all things which are good cometh of God; and that which is evil cometh of the devil; for the devil is an enemy unto God, and fighteth against him continually, and inviteth and enticeth to sin, and to do that which is evil continually.

Satan is not stupid, even though many would like to think so. How could he fall after knowing the Lord to the degree he did? Satan has chosen the path he walks and knows exactly what he is doing. He knows that the righteous will not follow him at first. They must be seduced, one small sin at a time. Give them a hundred truths, and inject a single lie. Lure them carefully away from the light. Evil is that one lie, enough to canker the heart and lead away. What will that lie be for you? Here, we must judge righteously.

13 But behold, that which is of God inviteth and enticeth to do good continually; wherefore, everything which inviteth and enticeth to do good, and to love God, and to serve him, is inspired of God. [We are told that “every thing” that leads to goodness, to love God, and serve him is inspired of God. What if a person is teaching these good things, but there is a lie injected? We must exercise discernment.]

[John Pontius wrote about the three voices are always talking to us. Satan, God, our own voice. Discern the difference. JRC]

14 Wherefore, take heed, my beloved brethren, that ye do not judge that which is evil to be of God, or that which is good and of God to be of the devil.

One of the slippery slopes of our time is the preacher that sets themselves up as a light as they preach the platitudes of righteousness. Words of truth that the people agree are of God. But, then they demand their followers to look to them for their light, to live by their words, and not to truly know the Lord. The only thing that a servant of God truly preaches is repentance. This includes the why’s, what’s, how’s, and when’s of the process. There should be no question of how to come unto Christ. Mormon is about to explain this in detail.

[D&C 50 Does he teach by the Spirit or some other way? JRC]

15 For behold, my brethren, it is given unto you to judge, that ye may know good from evil; and the way to judge is as plain, that ye may know with a perfect knowledge, as the daylight is from the dark night. [Easy as one, two, three.]

16 For behold, the Spirit of Christ is given to every man, that he may know good from evil; wherefore, I show unto you the way to judge; for every thing which inviteth to do good, and to persuade to believe in Christ, is sent forth by the power and gift of Christ; wherefore ye may know with a perfect knowledge it is of God. [What is it that persuades a person to believe in Christ? Is it the warm hearted stories from the pulpit? Is it the reading of essays by scriptural scholars, or those who have high standing of leadership? No, it is the participation in the “power of the gift of Christ,” which are the gifts of the Spirit.]

[This is a good guide for preparing a talk. Are you persuading people to believe in Christ? I am really feeling the Spirit as I write this. People get carried away reading these posts because the word in the Book of Mormon, and the spirit they carry is so powerful. In fact, you could give a talk in church, expounding on a chapter in the Book of Mormon, using PR’s comments, supplemented with your own ideas to enhance your talk. JRC]

17 But whatsoever thing persuadeth men to do evil, and believe not in Christ, and deny him, and serve not God, then ye may know with a perfect knowledge it is of the devil; for after this manner doth the devil work, for he persuadeth no man to do good, no, not one; neither do his angels; neither do they who subject themselves unto him.

[Is there any other place in scripture where we are promised that our knowledge is perfect, or can be perfect right now, with very little thought of effort on our part? JRC]

The only way to “do good” is to follow the doctrine of Christ and participate in the gifts of the Spirit, which are many and will be touched upon in this chapter and chapter ten.

18 And now, my brethren, seeing that ye know the light by which ye may judge [divide the good from the evil], which light is the light of Christ [The Spirit], see that ye do not judge [choose JRC] wrongfully [without discernment JRC]; for with that same judgment which ye judge ye shall also be judged. [You will follow that which you judge. If you judge evil to be good (which is what evil does), you will choose darkness.]

[To judge is to separate and organize. To discern is to know the standard by which you should judge. JRC]

[It’s not just what the person says. It’s the Spirit that comes along and amplifies or illuminates what he says. The scripture is inviting us to do what God does: divide light from darkness. JRC]

19 Wherefore, I beseech of you, brethren, that ye should search diligently [It is a process and great work to do this.] in the light of Christ that ye may know good from evil; and if ye will lay hold upon every good thing, and condemn it not, ye certainly will be a child of Christ. [As you earnestly seek every good thing, judging between the good and evil, you will find the Lord.]

[This is a place where you not only can judge, you MUST judge. JRC]

20 And now, my brethren, how is it possible that ye can lay hold upon every good thing? [He is about to explain further the process.]

Faith

21 And now I come to that faith [the foundation], of which I said I would speak; and I will tell you the way whereby ye may lay hold on every good thing.

22 For behold, God knowing all things, being from everlasting to everlasting, behold, he sent angels to minister unto the children of men, to make manifest concerning the coming of Christ; and in Christ there should come every good thing.

[It always starts with angels. JRC]

23 And God also declared unto prophets, by his own mouth, that Christ should come. [Believe in Christ and the words taught by the prophets. This is the foundation of your faith.]

24 And behold, there were divers [many different] ways that he did manifest things unto the children of men, which were good; and all things which are good cometh of Christ; otherwise men were fallen, and there could no good thing come unto them.

25 Wherefore, by the ministering of angels, and by every word which proceeded forth out of the mouth of God [by revelation, scripture, and hearing the voice of others], men [all people] began to exercise faith in Christ; and thus by faith, they did lay hold upon every good thing; and thus it was until the coming of Christ.

[This harmonizes exactly with the Lectures on Faith. JRC]

26 And after that he came men also were saved by faith in his name [receieved the Holy Ghost]; and by faith, they become the sons of God. And as surely as Christ liveth he spake these words unto our fathers, saying: Whatsoever thing ye shall ask the Father in my name, which is good [according to God’s will], in faith believing that ye shall receive, behold, it shall be done unto you. [The “believing” part is critical, for the Lord requires that we take action and if we do not believe our faith is dormant.]

27 Wherefore, my beloved brethren, have miracles [the gifts of the Spirit] ceased because Christ hath ascended into heaven, and hath sat down on the right hand of God, to claim of the Father his rights of mercy which he hath upon the children of men?

28 For he hath answered the ends of the law [Atonement], and he claimeth all those who have faith in him; and they who have faith in him will cleave [grab hold] unto every good thing; wherefore he advocateth the cause of the children of men; and he dwelleth eternally in the heavens. 

[There is a difference between having “faith in him” and having faith of him, or about him, or like him. We are saved as He becomes a part of us. This is charity, the pure love of Christ. After we receive the gift of the Holy Ghost we exercise, “The pure love in Christ.” For as we become one with him we are claimed as His Son or Daughter under the Atonement.]

[In this there is a mystery. I in you and you in me. This happens when the Lord bestows His glory upon us, as the Father bestowed His glory upon Christ.  (John 17:22) JRC]

29 And because he hath done this, my beloved brethren, have miracles ceased? Behold I say unto you, Nay; neither have angels ceased to minister unto the children of men. [Miracles will follow them that believe “in Christ.”]

30 For behold, they are subject unto him, to minister according to the word of his command, showing themselves [the angels] unto them of strong faith and a firm mind in every form of godliness.

This is a key scripture to opening a particular gift of the Spirit which includes the ministering of angels and the beholding of angels. Angels only come to those who exercise faith. These individuals are seeking truth, they believe in the gifts, and do not block the reception of them because of false traditions (unbelief). How will an angel come to you? There are divers ways [various methods] this can occur. If one has “strong faith” [seeking the Lord’s revelation and acting upon it], and they have a “firm mind in every form of godliness”[mind is filled with virtue and belief in the Lord’s power in them], they will not be inhibited from conversing with the angelic host.

31 And the office of their ministry is to call men unto repentance [bring them to Christ], and to fulfil and to do the work of the covenants of the Father [in regards to the Everlasting Covenant], which he hath made unto the children of men, to prepare the way among the children of men, by declaring the word of Christ unto the chosen vessels of the Lord [3rd and 4th estate], that they may bear testimony of him.

32 And by so doing, the Lord God prepareth the way that the residue of men [second estate] may have faith in Christ, that the Holy Ghost may have place in their hearts, according to the power thereof; and after this manner bringeth to pass the Father, the covenants which he hath made unto the children of men.

33 And Christ hath said: If ye will have faith in me ye shall have power to do whatsoever thing is expedient in me. [You will be given the gifts of the Spirit as they are needed.]

34 And he hath said: Repent all ye ends of the earth, and come unto me, and be baptized in my name, and have faith in me, that ye may be saved. [First step of the Doctrine of Christ, repent and come unto Him.]

35 And now, my beloved brethren, if this be the case that these things are true which I have spoken unto you, and God will show unto you, with power and great glory at the last day, that they are true, and if they are true has the day of miracles ceased?

36 Or have angels ceased to appear unto the children of men? Or has he withheld the power of the Holy Ghost from them? Or will he, so long as time shall last, or the earth shall stand, or there shall be one man upon the face thereof to be saved? [Are there no miracles? Will angels cease to visit the followers of Christ? No way!]

37 Behold I say unto you, Nay; for it is by faith that miracles are wrought; and it is by faith that angels appear and minister unto men; wherefore, if these things have ceased wo [sad and cursed] be unto the children of men, for it is because of unbelief [false traditions], and all is vain. [There is no hope.]

[Now I know how true this really is. If you are not having miracles in your life; if life is not ‘magical’, then something needs to change. JRC]

38 For no man can be saved, according to the words of Christ, save they shall have faith in his name [seek Jesus and act upon His words]; wherefore, if these things have ceased, then has faith ceased also; and awful is the state of man, for they are as though there had been no redemption made. [They will continue as a second estate forever.]

39 But behold, my beloved brethren, I judge better things of you, for I judge that ye have faith in Christ because of your meekness [seeking His will above all things]; for if ye have not faith in him then ye are not fit to be numbered among the people of his church.

Hope

40 And again, my beloved brethren, I would speak unto you concerning hope. How is it that ye can attain unto faith, save ye shall have hope? [The second step of the Doctrine of Christ.]

41 And what is it that ye shall hope for? Behold I say unto you that ye shall have hope through the atonement of Christ and the power of his resurrection, to be raised unto life eternal, and this because of your faith in him according to the promise. [This promise is made to the Father when we are baptized in water, a reminder of the resurrection of the soul unto Christ and life eternal.]

42 Wherefore, if a man have faith he must needs have hope; for without faith there cannot be any hope.

43 And again, behold I say unto you that he cannot have faith and hope, save he shall be meek, and lowly of heart. [You must have a broken heart and contrite spirit to accomplish this.]

Charity

44 If so, his faith and hope is vain, for none is acceptable before God, save the meek and lowly in heart [full repentance, and full submission to the Lord]; and if a man be meek and lowly in heart, and confesses by the power of the Holy Ghost that Jesus is the Christ, he must needs have charity; for if he have not charity he is nothing; wherefore he must needs have charity. [Charity is the power of God that opens the door to baptism of fire and the gift of the Holy Ghost. This is the “pure love in Christ.”]

Mormon now gives us a list of attributes that are obtained by those who acquire charity. These are some of the “fruits” of charity:

45

  • And charity suffereth long [patient in afflictions],
  • and is kind, and envieth not [does not compare their possessions to others],
  • and is not puffed up [humble],
  • seeketh not her own [focused on other’s needs],
  • is not easily provoked [slow to anger],
  • thinketh no evil [virtuous thoughts],
  • and rejoiceth not in iniquity
  • but rejoiceth in the truth [thoughts filled with the joy of the Lord] ,
  • beareth all things [that the Lord gives them],
  • believeth all things [that the Lord gives them],
  • hopeth all things [are possible through the Lord],
  • endureth all things. [every sacrifice the Lord requires]

[Don’t confuse charity with the fruits of charity. JRC]

46 Wherefore, my beloved brethren, if ye have not charity, ye are nothing, for charity never faileth. Wherefore, cleave unto charity, which is the greatest of all, for all things must fail— 

[To receive charity is to receive the promise of the Father that you are worthy of receiving the gift of Christ. This is the turnkey moment in your judgment, where you are found worthy to approach the Lord. Shortly thereafter the baptism of fire is given and the gift of the Holy Ghost is bestowed, as you are made holy and worthy to enter the presence of the Lord. Without this cleansing and holy sanctification, your attempt to ascend the hill of the Lord will fail.]

47 But charity is the pure love of Christ, and it endureth forever; and whoso is found possessed of it at the last day, it shall be well with him.

[Me: Pure love of Christ for you. See him as he is. See him as he sees you. See others as God sees them. This is what makes a marriage holy.]

There are seven virtues of godliness that lead to charity. Once we are fully tested, the Father opens our heart and the light pours into us. We are ready to receive the Son.

[This is clearly outlined in the following verse. Charity isn’t something we learn. It is bestowed upon us, and as us result of all of the above. JRC]

[“Charity is seeing ourselves and others the way God sees us.” PR https://purerevelations.wordpress.com/2015/08/24/the-seven-most-important-words-to-ask-the-lord/]

48 Wherefore, my beloved brethren, pray unto the Father with all the energy of heart [full submission, contrite heart], that ye may be filled with this love [light of Christ], which he hath bestowed upon all who are true followers of his Son, Jesus Christ; that ye may become the sons [and daughters] of God; that when he shall appear we shall be like him, for we shall see him as he is; that we may have this hope; that we may be purified even as he is pure. Amen.

[Our spirits are made pure and holy when we receive the third part of the Doctrine of Christ, the baptism of fire and the gift of the Holy Ghost. By this, we are able to stand in His presence, filled with light and glory, and be like Him in that we will not wither in His presence.]

This truly is a beautiful sermon given of Moroni’s father Mormon. He lays out the Gospel in its simplicity and the pitfalls that prevent many from receiving a fullness.

4 Responses to The Gift of Charity – Moroni 7:1-48

December 10, 2019 at 1:56 am

Vs 37: If faith is asking, can the word “asking” be used in place of the word “faith” in this verse?
“for it is by (asking) that miracles are wrought; and it is by (asking) that angels appear and minister unto men…” 

[Yes, and asking comes at different levels.

  • The first question, “Are you there?
  • Do you love me?
  • And, then later you ask more questions with increased faith.
  • Also, true faith requires us to act upon what is received. PR]

December 10, 2019 at 2:28 pm

I am still having a hard time understanding these core concepts of the Doctrine of Christ. I will try to ask my main question as clear as I can.

How and when we may hope to receive the gift of charity, and partake of this “fruit”? [It comes at the very moment we have reached a fullness of the requirements of a broken heart and contrite spirit. I have referred to these before as the seven virtues of godliness. PR] I have often thought that charity is the main gift bestowed upon those who receive the baptism of the Holy Ghost. But you often describe it as a preliminary gift prior to receiving the baptism of the Holy Ghost. Isn’t receiving the gift of charity synonymous to being spiritually begotten/mighty change of heart/receiving the baptism of the Holy Ghost? [It does come at the same time. Charity is the Father’s declaration of your worthiness. It brings the baptism of fire followed by the gift of the Holy Ghost. It is the state of being one with the Father, Son, and the Holy Ghost. “Without charity you are nothing.”]

[Preparing to receive charity. JRC]

Likewise, I have a hard time understanding how to fit Moroni’s imagery in with Nephi’s. I often believe that we “enter the gate” to the strait and narrow path by being spiritually begotten/mighty change of heart/receiving a full baptism (of water AND the Holy Ghost)… and that not until then can we fully cling to “the iron rod” (words of Christ given through personal revelation)… However, how does charity (the love of God) fit in with this, because Nephi/Lehi seem to separate these by saying we don’t partake of the fruit of the tree of life (the love of God) until after following the iron rod (words of Christ given through personal revelation) along the path for some time…. [The angel called the Tree of Life the “love of God.” Mormon called charity the “pure love of Christ.” They are closely connected, but not the same as I will explain in a moment. PR]

Is charity “the fruit of the tree of life” we are to partake of (after the baptism of the Holy Ghost)? If so, why does Nephi/Lehi seem to separate the concept of partaking of the fruit (charity) and following the iron rod (the words of Christ given through revelation)?

Don’t we need to be doing both (partaking of the fruit AND clinging to the rod) upon being begotten spiritually / entering the gate / receiving the mighty change of heart / receiving the baptism of the Holy Ghost? [Yes. PR]

Thank you dear Brother!!!

[The following lays out and clarifies the whole process. There is a difference between “the pure love of Christ” and “the love of God”. JRC]

  • Cling to the iron rod
  • Virtues
  • Charity
  • Baptism of Fire and the Holy Ghost – now you entered the gateway and are on the path
  • Cling to the iron rod even more
  • Partake of the love of God (Tree of Life, Jesus Christ, fruit is eternal life)

[I was shown that charity is the gift that opens everything. It is the promise of the Father that we are worthy to receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. It comes in its fullness just before we have our baptism of fire and Holy Ghost experience. When I had my vision of the Tree of Life I saw something interesting regarding those who grabbed hold of the rod of iron – their bodies lit up. This was symbolic of them receiving charity and the Holy Ghost. The Tree of Life is Jesus Christ, and the fruit is Eternal Life. As we grab hold of the word of God and push forward we will come unto Christ (literally) and partake of Eternal Life. This is my understanding from my experience, but you can seek your own confirmation. PR]