Mysteries of God

A question I had recently was, "What do the scriptures call mysteries? When the scriptures talk about the mysteries of God, what topics are discussed in that context?" I felt like if I did a survey of the scriptures that referred to "mysteries of God" I might get an idea of what those things are and also how to obtain them.

What follows are notes I made from investigating the scriptures. I think you'll find them illuminating.

Mysteries of the kingdom (Matt 13:11) (given to the disciples to know these)
Mysteries of God (1 Cor 4:1)
Mysteries of God (1 Nephi 2:16 (in context of Nephi wanting to know his father was right or not)
Mysteries of God (1 Nephi 10:19) in context of Nephi asking about Lehi’s dream of the tree of life
Mysteries of God (Mosiah 1:3) associated with the things already written in the scriptures
Mysteries of God (Mosiah 2:9) associated with the vision Mosiah had of an angel that gave him a message about the Messiah
Mysteries of God (Alma 10:5) associated with preserving the lives of the Nephites
Mysteries of God (Alma 12:9) about the resurrection from the dead and the judgment
Mysteries of God (Alma 26:22) associated with revealing new things and bringing people to repentance
Mysteries (Alma 37:4) in the scriptures
Mysteries (Alma 37:11) about how the hardened Nephites will be brought to repentance
Mysteries (of God) and secret works of darkness (Alma 37:21) associated with the 24 Jaredite plates
Mysteries  (Alma 40:3) concerning what happens to the soul between death and resurrection
Mysteries of God (D&C 6:7) that will make rich and give eternal life
Mysteries (D&C 6:11) great and marvelous, to bring many to know the truth, to convince others of their error.
Mysteries (D&C 28:7) given to the prophet
Mysteries (D&C 42:61 peaceable things, which bring joy, which bring life eternal
Mysteries (D&C 43:13) to be given because of charitable giving
Mysteries of my kingdom (D&C 63:23) as a well of living water, spring up unto everlasting life
Mysteries out of the scriptures (D&C 71:1)
Hidden mysteries of my will (D&C 76:7-10) from days of old, for ages to come, good pleasure of my will concerning all things pertaining to my kingdom. Wonders of eternity. Things to come. Things of many generations. Understanding reach to heaven. Secrets of my will. Things eye has not see, nor ear heard, nor yet entered into the heart of man.
Mysteries (D&C 77:6) associated with the book sealed with 7 seals. Revealed will, mysteries, works of god. Hidden things of his economy.
Mysteries of the kingdom (D&C 84:19) key of the knowledge of God, associated with the power of godliness in the ordinances of the church.
Mysteries of the kingdom (D&C 107:19) of heaven, having the heavens opened to them. Enjoying the presence of the Father and Jesus.
God revealeth secrets (Dan 2:28) in association with Daniel telling the dream of the king and interpreting it.  What shall come to pass (v29)
Secrets (Amos 3:7) revealed to the prophets before they happen.

Fascinating, huh?

Scriptures on Ministering

We had some talks on ministering last week in church, and it hit me that there were probably lots of interesting scriptures about ministering and why not look for them?  I know there are more wards than just ours out there that are asking members to give talks on ministering, and there is something about using scriptures that brings the Spirit so quickly.

I have an app that allows me to do an exhaustive search for words and phrases in the scriptures, so I looked up “minister” and “ministering” and “ministered.” I found some interesting things. In the Old Testament, the predominant use of those words was about the priests and Levites ministering to the Lord in the tabernacle and temple. In the New Testament, there were more scriptures with instruction about personal ministry of the saints to one another. In the Book of Mormon about 2/3rds of the scriptures containing those words were about Christ and angels ministering to men. And in the Doctrine and Covenants, about 3/4ths of the scriptures were about ministering angels.

I felt like those different emphases carried some implicit principles about ministering. 1) Temple worship and service is part of ministering, both for patrons and staff. 2) We must minister personally to each other, becoming as ministering angels. 3) Christ and the angels from heaven minister to men still.

The scriptures that follow are concentrated on the second principle—learning to minister to each other—but it would be instructive to anyone to survey all the scriptures on ministering.

I’m also going to let these scriptures speak for themselves without commentary and trust my readers to see what makes each of them valuable.

And so, without further ado…

25 But Jesus called them unto him, and said, Ye know that the princes of the Gentiles exercise dominion over them, and they that are great exercise authority upon them.

26 But it shall not be so among you: but whosoever will be great among you, let him be your minister;

27 And whosoever will be chief among you, let him be your servant:

28 Even as the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many. (Matt. 20:25-28)

And it came to pass that when Jesus had spoken these words unto Nephi, and to those who had been called, (now the number of them who had been called, and received power and authority to baptize, was twelve) and behold, he stretched forth his hand unto the multitude, and cried unto them, saying: Blessed are ye if ye shall give heed unto the words of these twelve whom I have chosen from among you to minister unto you, and to be your servants; and unto them I have given power that they may baptize you with water; and after that ye are baptized with water, behold, I will baptize you with fire and with the Holy Ghost; therefore blessed are ye if ye shall believe in me and be baptized, after that ye have seen me and know that I am. (3 Nephi 12:1)

Seemeth it but a small thing unto you, that the God of Israel hath separated you from the congregation of Israel, to bring you near to himself to do the service of the tabernacle of the Lord, and to stand before the congregation to minister unto them? (Numbers 16:9)

The manner of their elders and priests administering the flesh and blood of Christ unto the church; and they administered it according to the commandments of Christ; wherefore we know the manner to be true; and the elder or priest did minister it— (Moroni 4:1)

[Concerning a bishop] Nevertheless, a high priest, that is, after the order of Melchizedek, may be set apart unto the ministering of temporal things, having a knowledge of them by the Spirit of truth; (D&C 107:71)

6 If thou put the brethren in remembrance of these things, thou shalt be a good minister of Jesus Christ, nourished up in the words of faith and of good doctrine, whereunto thou hast attained.

7 But refuse profane and old wives’ fables… (1 Tim. 4:6-7)

2 And sent Timotheus, our brother, and minister of God, and our fellowlabourer in the gospel of Christ, to establish you, and to comfort you concerning your faith:

3 That no man should be moved by these afflictions: for yourselves know that we are appointed thereunto. (1 Thes. 3:2-3)

Now this was done in the presence of the queen and many of the servants. And when they saw it they greatly marveled, and began to fear. And the king stood forth, and began to minister unto them. And he did minister unto them, insomuch that his whole household were converted unto the Lord. (Alma 22:23)

49 And there were about three hundred souls who saw and heard these things; and they were bidden to go forth and marvel not, neither should they doubt.

50 And it came to pass that they did go forth, and did minister unto the people, declaring throughout all the regions round about all the things which they had heard and seen, insomuch that the more part of the Lamanites were convinced of them, because of the greatness of the evidences which they had received.

51 And as many as were convinced did lay down their weapons of war, and also their hatred and the tradition of their fathers. (Helaman 5:49-51)

28 And now behold, this is the commandment which I give unto you, that ye shall not suffer any one knowingly to partake of my flesh and blood unworthily, when ye shall minister it;

29 For whoso eateth and drinketh my flesh and blood unworthily eateth and drinketh damnation to his soul; therefore if ye know that a man is unworthy to eat and drink of my flesh and blood ye shall forbid him.

30 Nevertheless, ye shall not cast him out from among you, but ye shall minister unto him and shall pray for him unto the Father, in my name; and if it so be that he repenteth and is baptized in my name, then shall ye receive him, and shall minister unto him of my flesh and blood.

31 But if he repent not he shall not be numbered among my people, that he may not destroy my people, for behold I know my sheep, and they are numbered.

32 Nevertheless, ye shall not cast him out of your synagogues, or your places of worship, for unto such shall ye continue to minister; for ye know not but what they will return and repent, and come unto me with full purpose of heart, and I shall heal them; and ye shall be the means of bringing salvation unto them. (3 Nephi 18:28-32)

16 Therefore, being grieved for the hardness of their hearts and the blindness of their minds—went forth among them in that same year, and began to testify, boldly, repentance and remission of sins through faith on the Lord Jesus Christ.

17 And he did minister many things unto them; and all of them cannot be written, and a part of them would not suffice, therefore they are not written in this book. And Nephi did minister with power and with great authority.

18 And it came to pass that they were angry with him, even because he had greater power than they, for it were not possible that they could disbelieve his words, for so great was his faith on the Lord Jesus Christ that angels did minister unto him daily.

19 And in the name of Jesus did he cast out devils and unclean spirits; and even his brother did he raise from the dead, after he had been stoned and suffered death by the people.

20 And the people saw it, and did witness of it, and were angry with him because of his power; and he did also do many more miracles, in the sight of the people, in the name of Jesus. (3 Nephi 7:16-20)

10 As every man hath received the gift, even so minister the same one to another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.

11 If any man speak, let him speak as the oracles of God; if any man minister, let him do it as of the ability which God giveth: that God in all things may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom be praise and dominion for ever and ever. Amen. (1 Peter 4:10-11)

14 And also trust no one to be your teacher nor your minister, except he be a man of God, walking in his ways and keeping his commandments.

15 Thus did Alma teach his people, that every man should love his neighbor as himself, that there should be no contention among them. (Mosiah 23:14-15)

18 And many of them saw and heard unspeakable things, which are not lawful to be written.

19 And they taught, and did minister one to another; and they had all things common among them, every man dealing justly, one with another. (3 Nephi 26:18-19)

-->

Some Helpful Context about Tokens and Signs

I ran across the word “token” in my reading of D&C 88, and I wondered where else in the scriptures tokens are mentioned, so I did a search. I was surprised to see how many instances there were.

The rainbow was made a token of the covenant God made with Noah that He would not flood the earth and destroy all flesh. (see Genesis 9:12-15)

God made circumcision a token of the Abrahamic covenant to Abraham and his seed after him. (see Genesis 17:10-11)

God’s presence with Moses and the promise that he and the Israelite would serve God upon that mountain was to be a token to Moses that God had sent him to Pharaoh. (see Exodus 3:11-12)

The lamb’s blood put upon the doorposts was to be Israel’s token to God so that God would pass over them and not destroy them. (see Exodus 12:13)

Israel’s act to sacrifice their firstborn animals and redeem their firstborn children was to be a token they remembered the Lord’s power that brought them out of Egypt. (see Exodus 13:15-16)

Aaron’s rod that budded was to be kept in the tabernacle as a token against those who rebelled against Moses and Aaron. (see Numbers 17:10)

Rahab, who sheltered Joshua’s two spies in Jericho, asked for a “true token” that they would save her and her family from death. (see Joshua 2:12) The scarlet cord at her window was that token. (Almost like her own special Passover, huh?)

David asked God for a token for good so that those who hated him would be ashamed and see the Lord was helping him. (see Psalms 86:17)

Judas Iscariot plotted with the Jewish leaders that the one he kissed should be a token so they would know who to capture. (see Mark 14:44)

Here’s one I have to quote directly:

And in nothing terrified by your adversaries: which is to them an evident token of perdition, but to you of salvation, and that of God. (Phil. 1:28)

Paul observed to the Philippians that their lack of fear was considered a token of perdition to their adversaries, but to the righteous it was a token of salvation. Interesting; it shows that signs and tokens may be read differently, depending on the level of integrity and virtue of one’s character.

Paul would add a personally written salutation in every epistle as a token it was him. (see 2 Thes. 3:17)

In the Book of Mormon, after Captain Moroni made the Title of Liberty, the people rent their garments and piled them at his feet in token of their covenant. (see Alma 46:21)

The Lamanite king raised his bowing servants with his hand as a token of peace… and was promptly assassinated by one of Amalickiah’s goons. (see Alma 47:23-24)

The depraved Nephites devoured flesh of the daughters of the Lamanites as a token of bravery after raping, torturing, and murdering them. (see Moroni 9:9-10)   Eeeeew.

The teacher in the school of the prophets was to offer prayer on his knees to God before class in token or remembrance of the everlasting covenant. (see D&C 88:130-131)

The teacher in the school of the prophets was also to greet each brother entering and salute them in the name of Jesus Christ in token or remembrance of the everlasting covenant. (see D&C 88:133)

The class members of the school of the prophets were to greet the teacher with uplifted hands with the same prayer or covenant they were greeted by, or by saying “Amen” in token of the same. (see D&C 88:135)

Those part of the United Order were to be given what they asked for by the treasurer in token that they were in full fellowship and faithful and wise stewards. (see D&C 104:75)

Obviously there are a few bad tokens in the list, but by and large, tokens seem to have been little acts done to represent good faith, commitment, assurance of things to come, as a memorial, or as a representation of favored status before God.

I think tokens are a way of making intentions visible when they would not otherwise be. They help do away with uncertainty in relationships. (For instance, an engagement ring in our culture is a token of intent to marry.) Seeing how tokens work in the above scriptures makes me think of temple covenants, but also of the various visible things we do that may also act as tokens to God and to each other of our inward state and intentions. 

As an example, we say taking the sacrament is a witness we are renewing our covenants, and I suppose that makes it a token or sign.  Same with baptism as a token we are making the covenant. 

What other tokens can you think of that we give the Lord or that He gives us?

Some scriptures about pleasure

For curiosity’s sake, I thought I would look pleasure up in the Topical Guide to see what could be found there.  Here is what I found, organized a bit to put similar insights together.

·      I will prove thee with mirth, therefore enjoy pleasure … this also is vanity: Eccl. 2:1 .

·      lovers of pleasures more than … God: 2 Tim. 3:4 .

·      And that which fell among thorns are they, which, when they have heard, go forth, and are choked with…pleasures of this life, and bring no fruit to perfection. Luke 8:14 .

·      For we ourselves also were sometimes foolish, disobedient…serving divers lusts and pleasures: Titus 3:3 .

·      she that liveth in pleasure is dead: 1 Tim. 5:6 .

·      He that loveth pleasure shall be a poor man: Prov. 21:17 .

·      Wherefore have we fasted, say they, and thou seest not?...in the day of your fast ye find pleasure: Isa. 58:3 .

·      Ye have lived in pleasure on the earth, and been wanton: James 5:5 .

·      And shall receive the reward of unrighteousness, as they that count it pleasure to riot in the day time: 2 Pet. 2:13 .

·      ye … have pleasure in unrighteousness: D&C 56:15 .

·      Felix, willing to shew the Jews a pleasure, left Paul bound: Acts 24:27 .

·      Laman and Lemuel thought Nephi meant to make himself king so he could do with his brothers according to his own will and pleasure. (1 Ne. 16:38)

I get the sense from the above scriptures that pleasure can be dangerous, that they tend to distract us from God, that and that it is possible to find pleasure in the wrong kinds of things.  In particular, I was struck by Ecclesiastes 2:1, which implies that our pleasures prove what kind of people we are.

God, on the other hand, has His own special brand of pleasure, which we can find out about.

for thy pleasure they are and were created: Rev. 4:11 .

the pleasure of the Lord shall prosper in his [Christ’s] hand: Isa. 53:10 .

God adopts the Saints to himself through Jesus Christ according to his will and pleasure (Eph. 1:5)

It is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom: Luke 12:32 .

The Lord taketh pleasure in them that fear him: Ps. 147:11 .

I make known unto them [that fear and serve me to the end] the good pleasure of my will concerning all things: D&C 76:5, 7

Do good in thy good pleasure unto Zion: Ps. 51:18 .

Who buildeth up at his own will and pleasure: D&C 63:4 .

Let the Lord be magnified, which hath pleasure in the prosperity of his servant: Ps. 35:27 .

these things [scriptures] shall go forth according to the will and pleasure of God (2 Ne. 25:22)

according to mine own will and pleasure, that great things be required at the hand of their fathers. (D&C 29:48)

From the above, I get the sense that the Lord takes pleasure in every stage of the work of salvation, from the creation, to the atonement, to conversion, to placing the kingdom in the hands of his righteous servants, to revealing his will, and in all that serve him.

What does the Lord not have pleasure in?

·      When thou vowest a vow unto God, defer not to pay it; for he hath no pleasure in fools: Eccl. 5:4 .

·      thou art not a God that hath pleasure in wickedness: Ps. 5:4 .   

·      Have I any pleasure at all that the wicked should die: Ezek. 18:23 .

I also ran across a great example of Moses, who, according to Paul (Heb 11:24-25), chose to forsake pleasure and his high status as Pharaoh’s daughter’s son in exchange for affliction just to be with the people of God.  You have to give him credit for priorities in the right place and great strength of purpose.  How many of us are willing to sacrifice our pleasures like that?

One of the things I learn from this study is how important it is to find pleasure in the right things (things of eternity). I also learn that it is important to have some, but not to overdo the harmless temporary pleasures of life.  The Family Proclamation lists “wholesome recreational activities” as one of a list of important principles of establishing successful families. When I think of recreation, I like to read it as “re-creation,” as a way to re-create bonds of unity and re-create strength.  That gives a good way to judge the quality of my pleasure and fun. 

Some scriptures and thoughts on being steadfast

I felt like I could use a little edification on the characteristic of being steadfast, so I did some research that I want to share with you.

But behold, the righteous that hearken unto the words of the prophets, and destroy them not, but look forward unto Christ with steadfastness for the signs which are given, notwithstanding all persecution—behold, they are they which shall not perish. (2 Nephi 26:8)

Nephi spoke this about those of his people who would get to see the Savior’s visit to the Americas. This verse teaches me that steadfastness has to be used in the midst of persecution that comes. Even if the opposition is within as well as without, we need to be steadfast and not waver.

 Now this was a great trial to those that did stand fast in the faith; nevertheless, they were steadfast and immovable in keeping the commandments of God, and they bore with patience the persecution which was heaped upon them. (Alma 1:25, emphasis added)

In the context of the above verse, church members had to deal with the psychological pressure of many other church members leaving the church and also persecution from outside the church from unbelievers and people who practiced priestcraft. 

So this verse teaches me that being steadfast means doing what’s right even when others of the church are wavering, losing faith, or joining the opposition.

Wherefore, be not deceived, but continue in steadfastness, looking forth for the heavens to be shaken, and the earth to tremble and to reel to and fro as a drunken man, and for the valleys to be exalted, and for the mountains to be made low, and for the rough places to become smooth—and all this when the angel shall sound his trumpet. (D&C 49:23, emphasis added)

This tells us that deception may try to move us from our beliefs and from faith in prophecy that has been given, so we have to hang on to what we’ve been told in the scriptures about what will happen, even if we wonder how it will come about.

Deception is also used to try to get us to sin, so we have to be steadfast in believing that the commandments must be followed and that they will ensure our happiness. Commandments are a great tool for detecting deception.

Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye steadfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord. (1 Corinthians 15:58, emphasis added)

We will get thoughts floating through our heads telling us that our good work is pointless and has no eternal significance. To be steadfast, we have to ignore these thoughts and keep working, trusting that no good work is in vain.

In that vein I want to include something C.S. Lewis has written about faith in his book Mere Christianity. It has excellent application to how we maintain steadfastness as we face our challenges.

But supposing a man’s reason once decides that he weight of the evidence is for it [Christianity]. I can tell you that man what is going to happen to him in the next few weeks. There will come a moment when there is bad news, or he is in trouble, or is living among a lot of other people who do not believe it, and all at once his emotions will rise up and carry out a sort of blitz on his belief. Or else there will come a moment when he wants a woman, or wants to tell a lie, or feels very pleased with himself, or sees a chance of making a little money in some way that is not perfectly fair: some moment, in fact, at which it would be very convenient if Christianity were not true. And once again his wishes and desires will carry out a blitz. I am not talking of moments at which any real new reasons against Christianity turn up. Those have to be faced and that is a different matter. I am talking about moments where a mere mood rises up against it.

Now Faith, in the sense in which I am here using the word, is the art of holding on to things your reason has once accepted, in spite of your changing moods. For moods will change, whatever view your reason takes. I know that by experience. Now that I am Christian I do have moods in which the whole thing looks very improbable: but when I was an atheist I had moods in which Christianity looked terribly probable. This rebellion of your moods against your real self is going to come anyway. That is why Faith is such a necessary virtue: unless you teach your moods “where they get off,” you can never be either a sound Christian or even a sound atheist, but just a creature dithering to and fro, with its beliefs really dependent on the weather and the state of its digestion. Consequently one must train the habit of Faith.

The first step is to recognize the fact that your moods change. The next is to make sure that, if you have once accepted Christianity, then some of its main doctrines shall be deliberately held before your mind for some time every day. That is why daily prayers and religious reading and church-going are necessary parts of the Christian life. We have to be continually reminded of what we believe. Neither this belief nor any other will automatically remain alive in the mind. It must be fed. (p123-124)

How this helps us is it tells us a truth that is passed over by many—that our moods change and can even rebel against the things we have previously gained testimony of or what we’ve covenanted to do or decided must be done. The important thing is not to yield to the mood, but to dig in one’s heels. Once you realize it is a mood, you know that if you resist long enough or pray for help to outlast it and kick it out, it will change.

So, steadfastness is that quality of refusing to be turned from the right path just because of  1) changing mood, 2) a wholesale defection of others, 3) persecution, 4) different beliefs others hold about the prophecies of what is still to come, 5) doubts about the significance of your own efforts in the eternal scheme of things.

I studied this topic last week and it was just in time because I went through a bit of a spiritual blitz over the weekend, and I had to stay steadfast.  In other ways it was like being stuck in a spiritual whirlpool.  I had to dig in my heels, pray hard, and keep praying over and over and over.  I saw the Lord’s tender mercies strengthen me and deliver me.

Some scriptures for Valentine’s Day

As we celebrate Valentine's Day, I thought it would be nice to gather some scriptures about what the prophets have written about love over the centuries. These things help give perspective.

A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another. (John 13:34)

I know thy heart, and have heard thy prayers concerning thy brethren. Be not partial towards them in love above many others, but let thy love be for them as for thyself; and let thy love abound unto all men, and unto all who love my name. (D&C 112:11)

2 By this we know that we love the children of God, when we love God, and keep his commandments.

3 For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments: and his commandments are not grievous. (1 John 5:2-3)

Love worketh no ill to his neighbour: therefore love is the fulfilling of the law. (Romans 13:10)

Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him. (1 John 2:15)

For if ye love them which love you, what thank have ye? for sinners also love those that love them. (Luke 6:32)

There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear: because fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love. (1 John 4:18)

Happy Valentine's Day!

What can Baptism Metaphors Teach Us?

I taught a Relief Society lesson last Sunday about Baptism from the Joseph Fielding Smith manual and in the process of preparing, I noticed that there are a lot of metaphors used in the scriptures to describe baptism and what it does for us and what it means for us. 

I decided I wanted to collect them together to see what I could learn from them.  And it was neat enough that I wanted to share what I found. (I didn't have time to share these in my lesson, so this is bonus material!)

The straitness of the path (2 Nephi 31:9)  Strait does not mean not crooked here.  It is another word for narrow.  Drawing attention to the narrowness emphasizes that a correct baptism has be done in a certain way otherwise it isn’t valid or efficacious.  A path implies steps we have to take and if you learn about the requirements of baptism, you learn there really are steps (see D&C 20:37). These same steps are also applicable to preparing to take the sacrament, so it’s not like we leave this path once we’ve been baptized.

Narrowness of the gate by which they should enter (2 Nephi 31:9) – Baptism is called a gateway we should enter.  This implies it is an entrance into something.  Entrance is required, so everyone needs to be searching for this gate.  Using a gate implies that it is an entrance into a place with walls where we could otherwise not get in.  This makes me think that the gate is to the kingdom of God and we might surmise that there is no other way in besides this one.  Again, narrowness implies the specificity of baptism and the way it is done and by whom. 

A witness and a testimony (Mosiah 21:35) – This makes me think of court witness and certifying to the truth of something.  Baptism is a way that we testify to the truth of our repentance and that we have covenanted to serve the Lord.    Witness also communicates how baptism demonstrates an inner state by an outer act.  I suppose that is part of bringing the body into subjection to the spirit.

Wash away thy sins (Acts 22:16) – This gives us the sense that after baptism the dirty past that has clung to us is gone.

Washed their garments in my [Jesus’] blood (3 Ne. 27:19), cleansed by blood, even the blood of mine Only Begotten (Moses 6:59) – This gives us additional symbolism of the baptismal act.  The water we are immersed in symbolizes being washed in the blood of Christ.  (Being dunked in blood is kind of a disturbing image, so I’m glad we don’t do that literally…)  Just like it would be a miracle if anything washed in blood were to come out clean, it is similarly a miracle that we are cleansed by Christ’s vicarious sacrifice.   The idea of being washed and cleansed by Christ’s blood also communicates how Christ’s sacrifice sanctifies us in baptism.

Blotting out the handwriting of ordinances that was against us (Col. 2:14) – This one takes a bit of effort to unpack.  “ordinances that was against us” refers to the law of Moses and it means all the laws of God we’ve broken.  It’s our rap sheet, all the things we’ve done wrong.  “Blotting out the handwriting” refers to how people would erase writing on parchment or leather scrolls in an age without erasers.  They would sponge the writing with a damp or wet rag until the ink had been moistened and drawn up and out.   

So, this communicates that baptism is a wholesale erasure of the big list of our offenses on our official record, and the result is we don’t have to live in fear of judgment any more.  When a rap sheet is erased, we can walk free and not worry that we’ll be dragged to court at any moment.    Likewise, after baptism, all the list of things we’ve done wrong is erased and we don’t have to live in fear of dying and being suddenly brought to the judgment bar of God.

For the remission of sins (Acts 2:38) – Remission is an odd word.  It’s hard to get your mind around it unless you start thinking about it in medical terms.  If cancer goes into remission, then that means there is an absence of disease activity in the body.  So maybe we can think of remission of sins as an absence of sin activity in the body.  I’ve read that cancer isn’t cured unless it has been in remission long enough.  There is still potential for relapse.  Likewise, we aren’t cured of sin until we’ve been in remission long enough.  There is still the potential for relapse there too.   Remission also is used to convey the sense of cancelling a debt or a penalty. 

Our old man is crucified with him that the body of sin might be destroyed (Romans 6:6) – Crucifixion is torture.  When we begin to repent, that is torture to the natural man.  The repentance process tortures the natural man to death and destroys it, with baptism giving the coup de grace. 

Buried with him [Christ] by baptism into death (Romans 6:4, Mosiah 18:14) – This teaches us that the old natural man is meant to die and be buried during baptism.  Baptism is a likeness of the grave.  From this metaphor I get the idea that the sinful life is not prolonged, but ended, and the visible remains are placed where it will not be seen again. 

Planted together in the likeness of his death (Romans 6:5) – Paul noted that a seed can’t grow unless it dies first and is buried.  The death of the natural man in baptism is compared to a seed that is planted and then yields something much different and much better, something that sprouts and grows!  

Fruits meet for repentance (Matt 3:7-8) – Baptism is compared to fruit.  Fruit is the thing we all want from a fruit tree and we see that fruit trees go through a process before fruit ripens on them.  Fruit trees bud and flower and fruit.  That fruiting process teaches us there is a process to repentance that is meant to end with baptism. 

Born again  (John 3:3, Mosiah 27:25) -- This gives us a sense that baptism is starting over.  We get to have innocence back again without losing the knowledge we’ve gained so far.  We become a different person. 

Enter into the kingdom of God (John 3:5) – This helps us think of baptism in terms of becoming a citizen in a different country.  You take an oath of loyalty and service to the king, who is Christ.  You will be a participating citizen and help build the kingdom.  You will help defend the kingdom if called upon. 

Translated in the kingdom (Colossians 1:13) – This one is unexpected and very much overlooked.  Translated evokes the idea of changing between two different languages.  We are changed and transformed into something different. 

come forth out of the waters of Judah, or out of the waters of baptism (1 Nephi 20:1) – This is Nephi quoting Isaiah and Joseph Smith inserted that “out of the waters of baptism” as prophetic commentary.   “Out of the waters of Judah” is a strange phrase for baptism, but if we remember that baptism is meant to adopt an individual into the house of Israel, we have our first clue.  The second clue is that by the time Isaiah wrote this, the northern tribes of Israel had gone apostate after idolatry, so efficacious baptism could only be found in Judah.   Today because of the restored gospel, we can speak again of baptism as coming forth out of the waters of Israel.  This conveys how baptism is an adoption into the house of Israel and joining a group who enjoy great spiritual privileges and responsibilities.

As you can see, each of these baptism metaphors teaches something special about baptism—what it does for us, how our status changes, how we prepare for it, the importance of how it is done and how that relates to its efficacy, how it relates to the atonement of Christ, how it is an ending and a beginning all at once.

Baptism is a true principle and is necessary for entering into the kingdom of God.  These metaphors are meant to persuade us to toward repentance so that we bring forth those fruits, and they are also meant to remind us of the privileges we have received as members of the kingdom of God and to remind us of our covenants.   I’m glad the prophets and apostles worked so hard to think of these metaphors to share these truths so succinctly and powerfully.

Marriage in Guide to the Scriptures

What do Mormons believe about marriage?

I think it is interesting to see some of the bulleted points from what the LDS church’s Guide to the Scriptures says about the topic of marriage.  

These are principles from the scriptures about marriage that are fundamental to our beliefs. (Commentary is mine.)

Marriage is “a lawful covenant or contract between a man and a woman that makes them husband and wife.”

* It is not good that man should be alone, Gen. 2:18 (Moses 3:18).

* God ordained marriage (D&C 49:15).

* Marriage is honorable. (Heb. 13:4)

* God created Adam and Eve to be man and wife.  (Moses 3:7, 18, 21–25)

* A man shall cleave unto his wife, and they shall be one flesh. (Gen. 2:24; Matt. 19:5; Abr. 5:18)

* The Lord commanded Lehi’s sons to marry the daughters of Ishmael. (1 Ne. 7:1, 5; 16:7–8).

* What God has joined together, let not man put asunder. (Matt. 19:6; Mark 10:9)

* In the latter days some shall depart from the faith, forbidding to marry  (1 Tim. 4:1–3)

Mormons believe that marriage between a man and a woman is a very good thing, no matter the authority that performs it.    But we also believe that the best thing is to be married in the “new and everlasting covenant” for time and all eternity, which occurs in our temples by priesthood authority.  The requirements are stricter, but the blessings are greater, and this is the goal that Mormons strive for.  It is also a blessing that Mormons desire for non-Mormons… hence another reason for our efforts to convert. 

New and everlasting covenant of marriage

Marriage performed under the law of the gospel and the holy priesthood is for mortal life and for eternity. Worthy men and women thus sealed in the temple in marriage may continue as husband and wife throughout eternity.

* Jesus taught the law of marriage.  (Luke 20:27–36)

* Neither is the man without the woman in the Lord. (1 Cor. 11:11)

* To obtain the highest degree of the celestial kingdom, a man must enter into the new and everlasting covenant of marriage. (D&C 131:1–4)

* Whatsoever you shall seal on earth shall be sealed in heaven. (Hel. 10:7; Matt. 16:19)

* If a man marry a wife not by me, their covenant and marriage is not of force when they are dead. (D&C 132:15)

* If a man marry a wife by my word and by the new and everlasting covenant, and it is sealed by the Holy Spirit of Promise, it shall be of full force when they are out of the world. (D&C 132:19)

* Husband and wife are heirs together of the grace of life. (1 Pet. 3:7)

Interfaith marriage

Interfaith marriage is between a man and a woman of different religious beliefs and practices.

Mormons have mixed feelings about marriage between a Mormon and a non-Mormon.  On one hand, they are happy for the marriage because marriage is a good thing, but they are sad because the marriage was not a covenant marriage performed in the temple for eternity.

The concern that Mormons have that their children marry “in the covenant” mirrors the concern that is found among the patriarchs of the Old Testament and also in Book of Mormon scripture.

* You shall not take a wife for my son of the daughters of the Canaanites. (Gen. 24:3)

* If a man marry a wife not by me, their covenant and marriage is not of force when they are dead. (D&C 132:15)

* If Jacob take a wife of the daughters of Heth, what good shall my life do me?, (Gen. 27:46; 28:1–2).

* Israel shall not marry the Canaanites. (Deut. 7:3–4)

* We would not give our daughters unto the people of the land, nor take their daughters for our sons. (Neh. 10:30)

* Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers. (2 Cor. 6:14)

* The Lord set a mark on the Lamanites so that the Nephites might not mix and believe in incorrect traditions. (Alma 3:6–10)

* The sons of men took them wives even as they chose. (Moses 8:13–15)

* Israel intermarried with the Canaanites, worshiped false gods, and was cursed, (Judg. 3:1–8)

* Solomon’s wives turned his heart to the worship of false gods. (1 Kgs. 11:1–6)

Some of these principles may seem pretty strict, but this is only because the world has trivialized marriage so much.  (Think “drive-in wedding chapels in Las Vegas” and “no-fault divorces” as examples.)  Marriage by covenant for time and eternity implies that choice of a partner requires much more care and good judgment than is presented in mass media culture, which focuses on good looks and attraction.

Let’s examine the implications of some of the principles that might seem strict, as in the following:

What God has joined together, let not man put asunder. If a couple God has joined together is not supposed to be separated, then this means the choice of a spouse is a very VERY important decision and one has to be willing to stick with the spouse and work at the marriage.  It means that one has to develop oneself as a desirable mate before marriage and work on correcting their faults during marriage as well.   Obviously this is the ideal, and much suffering comes if one or both spouses don’t give their best efforts for the happiness of the other.

If a man marry a wife not by me, their covenant and marriage is not of force when they are dead.  If a couple want to be together for eternity, this principle makes it very important for them to be joined together by the Lord through divinely authorized  priesthood, and not just anyone. 

Mormons were not the ones who set the requirements for an eternal marriage.  Eternity is God’s dominion, and He sets the terms for marriages that endure beyond death, and He communicated those terms to ancient and modern prophets.  He also gave to Joseph Smith the authority to perform eternally binding marriages.  This authority has been delegated to other righteous men in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and is still on the earth today.  It is for us to learn about it, exercise faith, and act in obedience to the principle.  Further, it is the privilege of a couple being married in the temple to know by the Holy Ghost that their marriage is divinely sanctioned. 

Again, any who are anxious to have these blessings are invited to learn about the church and convert.

Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers.  This may seem strict because in the liberal view of the world, all you need is love and if two people love each other, then nothing else matters.  But let’s be real here.  A believer in Christ is going to consider certain things important to do and become that an unbeliever is not going to care so much about.  An active member of the LDS church has meetings to go to and service to render that non-member doesn’t.  In an LDS temple marriage, spouses sacrifice for each other so that each one can fulfill their duties and attend their meetings.  An active member of the church has certain expectations about how they will raise their children and teach them and encourage participation in church.  If one spouse doesn’t believe in the importance of those principles, the burden will fall heavily on the believing spouse.  A burden falling too much on one partner is what Paul means by “unequally yoked.”  When a couple is unequally yoked, it means the burden of living the principles of the gospel is only on one person in the partnership when it is much better carried (and is designed to be carried) by both.

The Lord set a mark on the Lamanites so that the Nephites might not mix and believe in incorrect traditions.  This concept of marking is historically controversial because it has racial overtones, but if we forget the race issue, the principle has a certain practical application in selection of a spouse.   To those who consider marriage in the covenant necessary to receiving exaltation, wise choice of a marriage partner becomes extremely important.  When one is trying to find a spouse to whom one can be united and stay married and be equally yoked with, one must look for signs and markers of one sort or another that indicate fitness or unfitness of a person for that type of marriage.  One must also develop oneself so that potential partners will be able to recognize one as a potential mate.  

Ultimately, the principle that drives Mormons to marry in the covenant (in the temple) is the promise that only by doing so can they gain exaltation in the highest degree of the celestial kingdom.  If you want to learn about the blessings that Mormons believe are implied in the promise of exaltation, you can read here and the promise of eternal life here.

It is also the reason Mormons are very concerned about upholding traditions privileging man-woman marriage in society.  We recognize that it is easier for people to achieve an eternal marriage when they live in a society that values and upholds traditional marriage. 

 

I remember when I was married in the Chicago temple.  Before it, I felt separate from the man I was going to marry.  I felt like an individual.  After I was married, I noticed that I felt married, connected to this man I loved.  Eternal marriage is real. 

Resurrection 101

http://everonword.wordpress.com/2012/04/07/easter-or-you-didnt-stay-there/

The Church's Guide to the Scriptures has some really good basic information about resurrection strongly supported by scriptures references.  I thought I'd post it, though with changes to the order of the scripture reference list that follows to create more continuity of thought. 

The reuniting of the spirit body with the physical body of flesh and bones after death. After resurrection, the spirit and body will never again be separated, and the person will become immortal. Every person born on earth will be resurrected because Jesus Christ overcame death (1 Cor. 15:20–22).

Jesus Christ was the first person to be resurrected on this earth (Acts 26:23; Col. 1:18; Rev. 1:5). The New Testament gives ample evidence that Jesus rose with His physical body: His tomb was empty, He ate fish and honey, He had a body of flesh and bones, people touched Him, and the angels said He had risen (Mark 16:1–6; Luke 24:1–12, 36–43; John 20:1–18). Latter-day revelation confirms the reality of the resurrection of Christ and of all mankind (Alma 11:40–45; 40; 3 Ne. 11:1–17; D&C 76; Moses 7:62).

All people will not be resurrected to the same glory (1 Cor. 15:39–42; D&C 76:89–98), nor will all be resurrected at the same time (1 Cor. 15:22–23; Alma 40:8; D&C 76:64–65, 85; 88:96–102). Many Saints were resurrected after Christ’s resurrection (Matt. 27:52). The righteous will be resurrected before the wicked and will come forth in the first resurrection (1 Thes. 4:16); the unrepentant sinners will come forth in the last resurrection (Rev. 20:5–13; D&C 76:85).

Christ layeth down his life and taketh it again that he may bring to pass the resurrection of the dead: 2 Ne. 2:8; ( Mosiah 13:35; Mosiah 15:20; Alma 33:22; Alma 40:3; Hel. 14:15; )

The Lord is risen: Luke 24:34;

I am the resurrection and the life: John 11:25;

A spirit hath not flesh and bones, as ye see me have: Luke 24:39;

The Twelve Apostles taught that Jesus had risen: Acts 1:21–22; ( Acts 2:32; Acts 3:15; Acts 4:33; )

Without resurrection, we would become subject to Satan: 2 Ne. 9:6–9;

Alma explained the state of souls between death and resurrection: Alma 40:6, 11–24;

Though this body be destroyed, yet in my flesh shall I see God: Job 19:26; ( Moses 5:10; )

I will open your graves, and cause you to come up: Ezek. 37:12;

The resurrection from the dead is the redemption of the soul: D&C 88:14–16;

In Christ shall all be made alive: 1 Cor. 15:1–22;

Resurrection will pass upon all men: 2 Ne. 9:22;

They shall rise from the dead and shall not die after: D&C 63:49;

The dead in Christ shall rise first: 1 Thes. 4:16;

[At Christ’s resurrection] Graves were opened, and many bodies arose: Matt. 27:52–53; ( 3 Ne. 23:9; )

At the Lord’s [second] coming, the dead which died in Christ will come forth: D&C 29:13; ( D&C 45:45–46; D&C 88:97–98; D&C 133:56; )

Blessed and holy is he that hath part in the first resurrection: Rev. 20:6;

They that knew no law shall have part in this first resurrection: D&C 45:54;

The wicked remain as though there had been no redemption, except for the loosing of the bands of death: Alma 11:41–45;

Weep especially for those who have not hope of a glorious resurrection: D&C 42:45;

Angels who are resurrected beings have bodies of flesh and bones: D&C 129:1;

Spirit and element, inseparably connected, receive a fulness of joy: D&C 93:33;

Whatsoever intelligence we attain in this life will rise with us in the resurrection: D&C 130:18–19;

The resurrection gives us hope of life after mortality.  I have great hope in the resurrection. I believe the witnesses of the apostles and prophets.  I know of at least one current apostle who has seen Jesus and that also gives me great comfort.  Happy Easter!