69
“The True Points of my Doctrine”
W
isdom
from the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints (Known as
Strangites)
“Yea, and I will also bring to light my gospel which was ministered unto them, and, behold, they shall not deny that which you have received, but they shall build it up, and shall bring to light the true points of my doctrine, yea, and the only doctrine which is in me.” Doctrine and Covenants 10
From the Writings of Samuel E. West
Redacted by Thomas H. Durand
Elders in Latter Day Zion
If
any man preach any other gospel than that which I have preached, he
shall be cursed;"
(Teachings
of the Prophet Joseph Smith, p. 366)
Contents
The Next World and Degrees of Glory 11
Teaching and Evangelization 26
Mary and the Birth of Christ 62
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Scriptures and Truth
The more we pray, study, and discuss the gospel and doctrinal subjects the more it is evident that we must study to be true latter day saints. “15 Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.” (2 Tim. 2) Before we can claim to embrace the truth we must have an open mind and invite the truth into our lives. “21 Prove all things; hold fast that which is good.” (1 Thess. 5)
Truth is truth regardless of its source. In Zion’s Reveille it is written, “Brother Smith makes some remarks, and exhorts the elders not to buy, or encourage the sale of the books published by the Brighamite leaders, as he says they contain many errors, and false doctrine, and some of them had been voted down at a general conference in the days of Joseph. We, however, believe that whatever truth they may have published is as true as if it had been published by the greatest saint that ever lived; and while the elders continue humble they will be able to detect the error.” (Vol. 2, No. 14, p. 58/110)
We have the greatest library of doctrinal books of any generation before us. We have the books of Scripture plus all of the great writings found in the official church journals plus writings by such inspired men as our late Bro. Lloyd Flanders plus we have innumerable other good books. Bro. Strang took great pride in his library. The more we learn the more we learn just how little we really do know and should have an earnest desire to learn all we can. A mind is a terrible thing to waste.
Bro. Strang had no problem in publishing anything that was true; regardless of the source. The articles of P. P. Pratt most likely had a broad circulation. I have a copy of his Voice of Warning. Benjamin Winchester did not follow James; but, his tract on the Priesthood is almost entirely true. The Brighamites, on the other hand, censure most material; as there is much to demonstrate their false doctrines.
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If a person accepts the Bible as the word of God, it follows that we must accept the teachings of Jesus as taught in the Bible. “33 But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.” (Matt. 6) If we desire to be counted among members of the kingdom of God, we must abide by the rules of the kingdom. “13 Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat: 14 Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it.” (Matt. 7) According to the Bible the gospel is that gate. “16 For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek.” (Rom. 1)
The problem is that the gospel was not given in word alone. “5 For our gospel came not unto you in word only, but also in power, and in the Holy Ghost, and in much assurance; as ye know what manner of men we were among you for your sake.” (1 Thess. 1) Belief in Jesus or a sincere desire to be counted with the believers requires walking even as Jesus walked. “6 He that saith he abideth in him ought himself also so to walk, even as he walked.” (1 John 2) “21 Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven.” (Matt. 7) “1 Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that entereth not by the door into the sheepfold, but climbeth up some other way, the same is a thief and a robber.” (John 10)
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The Book of the Law was lost to the Jewish nation at the time of the Babylonian Captivity in 588 BC. I don’t have all my books with me. It seems Jeremiah hid the Ark of the Covenant containing the original plates of the law in the cave. See the Apocrypha. All of the public copies of the Book of the Law were destroyed. The Book of the Law was not available when the Septuagint translation was made. Fortunately, in 600 BC Lehi brought a copy of the Book of the Law to Zion. Joseph was not permitted to translate the Book of the Law because he was not of the tribe of Judah and the people were not worthy to have it translated for them. “19 Say unto them, Thus saith the Lord GOD; Behold, I will take the stick of Joseph [Book of Mormon], which is in the hand of Ephraim [Joseph Smith], and the tribes of Israel his fellows, and will put them with him, even with the stick of Judah [Book of the Law which is in the hand of Judah], and make them one stick, and they shall be one in mine hand.” (Ezek. 37) It seems God in His plan did not intend for the Book of the Law to be translated until after the death of Joseph and the split by Brigham Young. This left Brigham honoring “the venerable day of the sun.”
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The law was first given to Adam. We know this because Cain violated the law. A Book of the Law was most likely kept through the lineage of Adam until the Egyptian Captivity. Moses restored the Book of the Law. The signed copy on the two tables of stone was kept in the Ark of the Covenant. Public copies were made for use by the Priests. Before the Babylonian Captivity in 588 BC a Prophet of God (Jeremiah?) buried the ark in a cave in the mountains (see the Apocrypha). The public copies were destroyed because the book was held as to holy to fall into the hands of heathens. Fortunately, in 600 BC, Lehi obtained a copy of the Book of the Law with other plates of Laban. There were two works to be realized by Prophets in the last days. “19 Say unto them, Thus saith the Lord GOD; Behold, I will take the stick of Joseph [Book of Mormon], which is in the hand of Ephraim [Joseph Smith], and the tribes of Israel his fellows, and will put them with him, even with the stick of Judah [Book of the law in the hand of Judah], and make them one stick, and they shall be one in mine hand.” (Ezek. 37) Joseph was not permitted to translate the Book of the Law, the sealed record, the complete Book of Mormon, and possibly other works. James, being of the tribe of Judah, was given the Book of the Law to translate. The sealed record is reserved for James.
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How did J. J. Strang get the Plates of Laban for the Book of the Law of the Lord?” He was given the plates by an angel and after translating the Book of the Law returned the plates to the angel. There were two works to come forth in the last days. “19 Say unto them, Thus saith the Lord GOD; Behold, I will take the stick of Joseph [Book of Mormon], which is in the hand of Ephraim [Joseph Smith], and the tribes of Israel his fellows, and will put them with him, even with the stick of Judah [Book of the Law], and make them one stick, and they shall be one in mine hand.” (Ezek. 37) It was through the translation of the Book of the Law that the original Sabbath was restored and Brigham Young was left honoring “the venerable day of the sun.” Only the Book of the Law contained the original Decalogue given to Moses. The Ten Commandments of the pagan Christians leave out the second most important commandment. “39 And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.” (Matt. 22)
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I am sure when you read the Book of the Law you will understand why it is the most important book of Scripture. It was lost shortly before the Babylonian Captivity in 588 BC. Fortunately, Lehi brought a copy with him to Zion in 600 BC. Although it was among the plates recovered by Joseph, it was not for Joseph to translate. Joseph was of the tribe Ephraim and therefore translated the stick of Joseph. James was of the tribe of Judah so was qualified to translate the Book of the Law.
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The Book of the Law was written by the finger of God, signed by Him, and placed in the Ark of the Covenant. Public copies were made of parts of the law for the Priests to use in instructing the people. The first law given to Moses was the pure spiritual law. When Israel fell into idolatry and other evils, they were placed under a code of carnal commandments and the Levitical Priesthood was organized to administer it. This was to place Israel under a taskmaster until Jesus. “17 Think not that I am come to destroy the [spiritual] law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfil [the carnal law]. 18 For verily I say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled. 19 Whosoever therefore shall break one of these least commandments, and shall teach men so, he shall be called the least in the kingdom of heaven: but whosoever shall do and teach them, the same shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven.” (Matt. 5)
Lehi brought a copy of the Book of the Law with him. James translated those parts which apply to this time. He did not translate the carnal law. Almost half of the Book of the Law is written for the time when the kingdom will again be established with dominion. There are only parts of the second half which directly apply to us today. When James returns, the whole book will be used. “11. For by this Law shall men be judged in the portion of Joseph: God will give it to you, that you may possess it for an everlasting dominion.” (Book of the law, p. 205)
When translating books of an earlier time, it is proper to use current terminology. The identity of Jesus was known by Adam. “15 And I will put enmity between thee and the woman, and between thy seed and her seed; it shall bruise thy head, and thou shalt bruise his heel.” (Gen. 3) Satan bruises the head of man through death of the mortal body. Jesus was to bruise his heel by living a perfect life in which Satan could have no power over Him; including death of the physical body. Thus, Jesus was given power by God over our resurrection.
“1 In the beginning was the Word [Jesus], and the Word was with God, and the Word was God [of this creation]. 2 The same was in the beginning with God [the Father]. 3 All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made.” (John 1) Thus, we find in Genesis 1, “26 And God said, Let us [God and Jesus] make man in our image, after our likeness: and let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over the cattle, and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth.” In the Old Testament a tetra gram was used instead of Jesus. A Catholic Priest made it to read Jehovah. Joseph Smith used the name Jesus Christ when he translated 2 Nephi (between 559 and 545 BC); and many other places. “19 For according to the words of the prophets, the Messiah cometh in six hundred years from the time that my father left Jerusalem; and according to the words of the prophets, and also the word of the angel of God, his name shall be Jesus Christ, the Son of God.” (2 Nephi 25) “23 Behold, Jesus Christ is the name which is given of the Father, and there is none other name given whereby man can be saved.” (D&C 18 given in June, 1829)
James noted that the Book of Mormon was the worst grammatical book to reach a second edition. He also noted that was necessary because the translation was not for the wise but for the poor and uneducated of his day. It was really a great sign in favor of the Book of Mormon. Joseph was capable of having the book edited.
James only translated those parts of the law which apply to the last days. The added law given to Moses was not translated; as it was fulfilled with Jesus. There are new laws and commandments given through each new Prophet. Joseph gave those things which were to open the dispensation. James added to the laws given to Joseph. We learn line upon line, and precept upon precept. The two Prophets compliment each other. The law as translated by James will be used in the next major dispensation. “3 And many people shall go and say, Come ye, and let us go up to the mountain [kingdom] of the LORD, to the house of the God of Jacob; and he will teach us of his ways, and we will walk in his paths: for out of Zion shall go forth the law, and the word of the LORD from Jerusalem.” (Isa. 2; Micah 4:1)
About half of the book addresses the dominion. Every first degree Apostle, Lawgiver, is also a King. Moses was a King in Israel. He held dominion in the kingdom. The kingdom was a theocracy. The ministers of the gospel were also ministers of the civil law. With revelations and commandments directly from God, it is the perfect system. It does not allow for injustice. James was given the first dominion in the last days. “8 And thou, O tower of the flock [James J. Strang], the strong hold of the daughter of Zion, unto thee shall it come, even the first dominion; the kingdom shall come to the daughter of Jerusalem [July 8, 1850]. 9 Now why dost thou cry out aloud? is there no king in thee? is thy counseller perished? for pangs have taken thee as a woman in travail. 10 Be in pain, and labour to bring forth, O daughter of Zion, like a woman in travail: for now shalt thou go forth out of the city, and thou shalt dwell in the field, and thou shalt go even to [spiritual] Babylon; there shalt thou be delivered; there the LORD shall redeem thee from the hand of thine enemies.” (Micah 4) The term “first dominion” means there is to be a second.
Jesus was a King; but, could hold no dominion because the Jews were being held captive. When Jesus returns He will stand as King over the entire earth. “13 And he was clothed with a vesture dipped in blood: and his name is called The Word of God. 16 And he hath on his vesture and on his thigh a name written, KING OF KINGS, AND LORD OF LORDS.” (Rev. 19) He will be the King over all Kings called and ordained of God. All kings and governments of man will be eliminated. David was an inferior King. That is, he was a High Priest and not a Prophet. Only first and second degree Apostles are Prophets and Kings. David will once again stand as King in Israel. Only an Apostle, Prophet, and King can stand at the head of the people. Brigham Young was only a third degree Apostle. James will stand again as King in Zion; as will Joseph. See the article, “The Tribe of Joseph” in The Evening and Morning Star, Vol. 1, p. 41. “But a seer will I raise up out of the fruit of thy loins; and unto him will I give power to bring forth my word unto the seed of thy loins; and not to the bringing forth my word only, saith the Lord, but to the convincing them of my word, which shall have already gone forth among them.” Joseph wrote this applied to him. James, though, will be given a second dominion. The kingdom will be revealed in power. See Book of the Law, p. 171, vs. 13 – 15.
The plates were given to James by an angel of God—the same way they were taken from Joseph. James unearthed the Voree Plates on the Hill of Promise. See “James J. Strang, Prophet like unto Moses,” The Voree Record. The plates of the Book of the Law were taken back by an angel of God. The Voree Plates remained among the saints until the 20th century when a sister showed them to a Brighamite Elder and they disappeared. The “sealed record” is reserved for James to translate at a future time.
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The Book of the Law was part of the plates recovered by Joseph Smith. The Book of Mormon was reserved for Joseph; as he was of the seed of Joseph. The Book of the Law was reserved for one of the tribe of Judah. Bro. Strang was of the tribe of Judah. “19 Say unto them, Thus saith the Lord GOD; Behold, I will take the stick of Joseph [Book of Mormon], which is in the hand of Ephraim [Joseph Smith], and the tribes of Israel his fellows, and will put them with him, even with the stick of Judah [Book of the Law], and make them one stick, and they shall be one in mine hand.” (Ezek. 37) After translating the Book of the Law, the plates were returned to the angel who delivered them to James. The Voree Plates were kept among the saints it seems until the early 1900’s when a sister loaned them to a Brighamite and never got them back.
The original was written by the finger of God on the two tables of stone. This was the spiritual law given to Adam. When Moses returned from the mount and found Israel in various forms of wickedness, he broke the tables. Moses later returned to the mount where he was given not only the original spiritual law but also an added temporal law. This made a change in the priesthood in Israel. The Melchisedec Priesthood was taken away from Israel; except for those who were called as Prophets and Kings in Israel. The Holy Spirit was withdrawn from the people and they were left with an added temporal law that was to be a taskmaster until Jesus. Although this temporal law was fulfilled in Jesus, the Jews failing to accept Him remained under the added law. “17 Think not that I am come to destroy the [spiritual] law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfil [the added law]. 18 For verily I say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the [spiritual] law, till all be fulfilled.” (Matt. 5) Moses made an autographed copy of the law which was kept with the tables of stone. Public copies were made for use by the priests. Before the Babylonian Captivity in 588 BC, the Ark of the Covenant was hid in a cave and the public copies of the Book of the Law were destroyed; as it was considered to holy to fall into the hands of the heathen (Gentiles).
Bro. Strang translated only the spiritual law that applied to our time and season. There were only a limited number of the smaller 1851 Edition; as it was intended for use only by the priesthood. The 1856 Edition was never completed before the death of James. The saints carried the unbound sheets with them when they were driven from Beaver Island. The first two signatures of 16 pages were either lost, or they were never printed. The original book also included the penalties for violating the law. This part of the law was not included in the public copies from which James translated the Book of the Law.
While the first half of the book (through page 167) addresses the entire last days, a considerable portion of the last half addresses the dominion and the inheritance system. Bro. Strang was given the first dominion in the last days. “8 And thou, O tower of the flock [James J. Strang], the strong hold of the daughter of Zion, unto thee shall it come, even the first dominion; the kingdom shall come to the daughter of Jerusalem. 9 Now why dost thou cry out aloud? is there no king in thee? is thy counseller perished? for pangs have taken thee as a woman in travail. 10 Be in pain, and labour to bring forth, O daughter of Zion, like a woman in travail: for now shalt thou go forth out of the city, and thou shalt dwell in the field, and thou shalt go even to Babylon; there shalt thou be delivered; there the LORD shall redeem thee from the hand of thine enemies.” (Micah 4) Unfortunately, the Gentiles rejected the will of God and Bro. Strang was taken.
Many prophesies tell of him returning shortly before the day of the Lord to gather the small remnant of worthy saints to a place of refuge. See the Book of the Law, page 171, verses 13 – 15; and pages 203 and 204, verses 1 – 11. Bro. Lloyd Flanders wrote that this gathering would be administered through men and angels and there would be many from foreign lands.
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Bro. Strang did not derogate the Book of Mormon. He included six sections of “Collateral Testimony of the Book of Mormon,” by Apostle John E. Page, in the Gospel Heralds. He also quoted many times from the Book of Mormon. The question is one of doctrine. There have been those in the church that took the references from the Book of Mormon and interpreted them to mean the Father and the Son are the same personage. They considered Father as the spirit and the Son as the tabernacle of one and the selfsame god. This error is made clear in the Book of the Law.
“1 And now Abinadi said unto them: I would that ye should understand that God himself shall come down among the children of men, and shall redeem his people. 2 And because he dwelleth in flesh he shall be called the Son of God, and having subjected the flesh to the will of the Father, being the Father and the Son- 3 The Father, because he was conceived by the power of God; and the Son, because of the flesh; thus becoming the Father and Son- 4 And they are one God, yea, the very Eternal Father of heaven and of earth.” (Mosiah 15)
It is true that Jesus is the Father and the Son of this creation. He is the father because He was the creator. “1 In the beginning was the Word [Jesus], and the Word was with God, and the Word was God [of this creation]. 2 The same was in the beginning with God. 3 All things were made by him [Jesus]; and without him was not any thing made that was made.” (John 1) He is the Son because of His ordination to the highest office of the Melchisedec Priesthood. “5 So also Christ glorified not himself to be made an high priest; but he that said unto him, Thou art my Son, to day have I begotten thee.” (Heb. 5)
This type of doctrinal error is what Bro. Strang was trying to avoid. The Book of Mormon has always been taught among the followers of James J. Strang. At the time Joseph translated the Book of Mormon, it was the most accurate book of Scripture. Joseph, though, had to write it in the ancient style of writing which the people of that time understood. Bro. Strang wrote, “16. The publication of the Book of Mormon is the first epoch in the public attention to the dispensation of the fullness of times. Aside from literary defects and editorial and mechanical blunders, it is the most extraordinary Book of this productive and progressive age.” (Book of the Law, p. 246, read entire section) Bro. Strang wrote of the Book of the Law, “And being made by the same spirit by which the words were originally written [and because of James’s education], it is beyond doubt as perfect as the language will admit of.” The Book of Law resolves all questions relative to the Godhead (although I do not fully understand the Holy Spirit).
The abridged Book of Mormon translated by Joseph contained only a small part of the original book. During the restoration of all things, the original and complete Book of Mormon will be joined with the rest of Scripture; including the books of the children of Israel. Judah, Israel, and Joseph will all have to be restored. Knowledge will abound like a flood covering the earth.
Trinity and Christendom
My heart grieves deeply for the so-called Christians about us. The Prophet Jeremiah wrote, “19 O LORD, my strength, and my fortress, and my refuge in the day of affliction, the Gentiles shall come unto thee from the ends of the earth, and shall say, Surely our fathers have inherited lies, vanity, and things wherein there is no profit. 20 Shall a man make gods unto himself, and they are no gods?” (Jer. 16) They almost universally worship the Trinitarian god invented in Babylon and adopted for Christian worship by Constantine. Constantine also adopted “the venerable day of the sun” for them to honor in place of the Sabbath. Most LDS churches also honor the sun god. The translation of the Book of the Law was possibly the greatest achievement of the latter days.
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In Lecture Three (Doctrine and Covenants) he (Joseph Smith) went into detail that only the Father is GOD. Jesus was the beginning of this creation. He was the only spirit (intelligence) begotten of the Father. All other things in this creation were the work of Jesus in liaison with the Father. “1 In the beginning was the Word [Jesus], and the Word was with God, and the Word was God [of this creation]. 2 The same was in the beginning with God. 3 All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made.” (John 1) GOD had no beginning and has no end. “6 For I am the LORD, I change not; therefore ye sons of Jacob are not consumed.” (Mal. 3) Jesus became the Lord of this creation through a perfect life (in which Satan had no accusation), His resurrection from the dead, and receiving all power over this creation from the Father.
The King Follett Address was recorded by four different men. None of them recorded the false doctrine of Brigham Young that God was once a man like us and had a father, grandfather, etc. On Oct. 8, 1854, Brigham stated, "... so we had a grandfather or we would have had no father, and our grandfather had a father and grandfather and great-great-great- grandfather so far back there is no beginning - They always existed on some world - and when this world was made - our God who is Adam came and commenced the peopling of it - Though he is God and had lived and died and had been resurrected on some other planet - and obtained his exaltation and begat the Spirits of children enough to people this world." (John Pulsipher account of same discourse. Quoted from The Teachings of President Brigham Young, Vol. 3, 1852 - 1854, Comp. and Ed. by Fred D. Collier, Collier's Publishing Co., October 1987, p. 369)
Brigham went further, “Brother Pratt... could not believe that Adam was our God or the Father of Jesus Christ. President Young said that He was that he came from another world & made this and brought Eve with him." (WWJ, Sept. 17, 1854) The greatest commandment ever given to man was to love God. We cannot love either that which we do not understand, or that which exists only in the imagination of man.
Kingdom and the True Church
Through the restoration by Bro. Joseph and continuation by Bro. Strang we have been given the Melchisedec Priesthood and knowledge of the gospel of Christ. Consider for a moment what a great blessing this is. Of all the people on the earth we have been given the blessing of becoming a member of the church of the firstborn; and the opportunity to inherit the greatest blessings after this mortal life.
The sectarian churches (including LDS) live by the word of men. Their leaders are appointed by the will of man and not by the spirit of prophecy—the testimony of Jesus. Bro. Strang wrote, “We do not claim authority in virtue of numbers We have never yet subscribed to the doctrine that the voice of the people is the voice of God, or that men are made prophets by the will of man [or ministers by the voice of man]. We know very well that Christ was rejected by the voice of the people.” (Gospel Herald, Vol. 3, No. 71, p. 26/338) Having the Melchisedec Priesthood among us in these last days is a blessing more wonderful than the mind can comprehend. Had Bro. Joseph and Bro. Strang not been willing to offer their blood for the kingdom, all would have been lost.
It was written in the Zion’s Reveille (Vol. 2, No. 20), “He that works for God, works for Zion; he that works for himself only, cares nothing for God or his Zion. He that builds on the faults and fall of others only builds to be faulty and fall himself. True principles only will stand the day of burning, and the crash of the elements. The church of anti-Christ stands on its numbers and wealth. The church of God (whether many or few) stands on its faith and virtues. If the religion of Christ, as taught in the scriptures, is not an exact science, what is it?”
We have been blessed above all people on the earth to receive a correct knowledge of God and Jesus. The next greatest blessing we received was to be called of God to enter the church of the firstborn. Soon, Jesus will return, “8 In flaming fire taking vengeance on them that know not God, and that obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ: 9 Who shall be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord, and from the glory of his power; 10 When he shall come to be glorified in his saints, and to be admired in all them that believe (because our testimony among you was believed) IN THAT DAY.” (2 Thess. 1) Before the great and terrible day of the Lord, those who are found worthy among the saints (about half) are to be gathered to a place of refuge to wait out the storm. It will be a time more terrible than the Great Flood. Then the worthy will greet our Lord when He returns.
Grace and Salvation
But, as our late Bro. Lloyd Flanders wrote, “Those who gamble their eternity on Grace without works: are kidding: but they are kidding only themselves and friends: God will judge them by their works: Grace guarantees a resurrection to every soul; but it does not guarantee Eternal life: only Immortality: and that immortality can be spent among those ‘filthy still’: those who do works required (Baptism, etc.) may fall short: but if a real effort was made: Grace balances the scales for the True believer.”
There are no bad saints. Saints of God are bound to live according to the will and laws of God. Those who will not are “deported” from the kingdom. Those who do not endure faithful to the end cannot inherit the celestial kingdom in eternity. The waters of baptism wash away all prior sins. There are saints who are slothful. Those who are not faithful can inherit only the terrestrial glory in the resurrection. The opportunities are beyond human comprehension.
Only a few ever enter the kingdom of God during mortal life. There are several articles in the official church journals on this subject. Before Adam walked on the earth we all existed only as spirits. Satan rebelled against God and was cast down with a third of all the spirits (stars) never to have a physical body. Imagine what a terrible punishment this was. Those who receive the Holy Ghost and are given that assurance of spiritual truth and then turn against it will become sons of perdition, inherit the second death, and spend eternity with Satan only as spirits. One of the most important subjects in this life should be learning the will of God and walking even as He walked. Joseph Smith and Sidney Rigdon were given a vision of eternity. “40 There are also celestial bodies, and bodies terrestrial: but the glory of the celestial is one, and the glory of the terrestrial is another. 41 There is one glory of the sun, and another glory of the moon, and another glory of the stars: for one star differeth from another star in glory. 42 So also is the resurrection of the dead.” (1 Cor. 15)
Only those who are members of the church of the first born have the opportunity to be raised in the celestial glory and inherit the earth with God and Jesus in eternity. The honorable men/women of the earth who accept the gospel in the spirit (after death) will live on the earth during the Millennium; but, cannot live on the earth after it becomes the new earth in its celestial glory. They will inherit the Terrestrial glory. All others enter eternity in the telestial. Imagine the wonder of being like God. This does not mean that we will entirely like God because there is only one GOD. It does mean that we will enjoy the greatest blessings in eternity. Joseph taught that we will be able to travel from one planet to another as easy as walking next door. Imagine having the earth as our footstool and the Universe to enjoy. We have been blessed above all people on the earth. If the oceans were ink, we could not write enough praises for the opportunity that we have been given. I say opportunity; as only those who endure faithful and obedient to the end will be saved in the celestial. Our late Bro. Lloyd Flanders wrote, “Those who gamble their eternity on Grace without works: are kidding: but they are kidding only themselves and friends: God will judge them by their works: Grace guarantees a resurrection to every soul; but it does not guarantee Eternal Life: only Immortality: and that immortality can be spent among those ‘filthy still.’ Those who do works required (Baptism, etc.) may fall short: but if a real effort was made: grace balances the scales for the true believer.”
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Jesus opened a dispensation of the gospel to the spirits in prison while He was in the grave for three days. Those individuals who were honorable men/women of the world and accept the gospel in the spirit will be have the opportunity to join the other saints for the Millennium. They will, though, have to be baptized for the dead before they can cross over the great abyss.
Those who continue to refuse the will of God and obey the gospel will continue with the spirits in prison until the end of the Millennium. Satan will be loosed for a short season; gather men from all over the earth to war, and fire from heaven will destroy all mortal life. The unjust will then be resurrected and man will enter eternity. There will be a new heaven and new earth. The earth will enter its celestial glory. The righteous will inherit the earth with God and Jesus. We are not told where those who inherit the Terrestrial glory will reside. It is very possible those who inherit the telestial (distant) glory will be among the stars.
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In Christianity, there are only two basic schools of thought concerning the basic requirements for salvation. Of course, most don’t even know what they are saved from or what they are saved to. When Adam partook of the forbidden fruit he violated a law of God and fell under the judgment of death. His spirit was returned to Jesus to await the resurrection. There would be no hope for man ever receiving another physical body, unless another man lived a perfect life and therefore did not fall under the judgment of death. We do not know why Jesus spent three whole days and nights with the spirits in prison (while his mortal dead body lay in the grave). We do know that since Satan held no power over Jesus, the Father had to raise Him from the dead. This next resurrected body will be immortal.
Jesus commanded all men everywhere to repent since there were none other without sin and the only path to eternal life comes through repentance. “30 And the times of this ignorance God winked at; but now commandeth all men every where to repent,” (Acts 17) “4 John did baptize in the wilderness, and preach the baptism of repentance for the remission of sins.” (Mark 1) Remember the teachings of Jesus to Nicodemus? “5 Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God.” (John 3) Jesus, although He was without sin, He had to obey this commandment. Had he failed, He would have remained alien to the kingdom of God. Baptism of water and the spirit is like a naturalization process for citizenship in this country. Every country/kingdom has laws (although they may not be enforced) that specify the path to citizenship. We know that without repentance and baptism no man can share the grace of God that grants forgiveness of sins for the unbeliever.
The Next World and Degrees of Glory
Those who die outside of the kingdom are taken to the spirits in prison (inappropriately termed hell). Here they have the opportunity to hear and obey the gospel. “6 For for this cause was the gospel preached also to them that are dead, that they might be judged according to men in the flesh, but live according to God in the spirit.” (1 Pet. 4) Jesus opened a dispensation of the gospel to the spirits in prison while his physical body lay in the grave. Our works in mortal life follow us after death. Those who lived an honorable life—but did not know God and obey the gospel—but, accept the gospel in the spirit have the opportunity to inherit the terrestrial glory. Those who know God and Jesus, accept the gospel during mortal life, and live faithful and obedient have the approbation of inheriting the earth in its celestial glory (the new heaven and earth). All others inherit the telestial glory. “40 There are also celestial bodies, and bodies terrestrial: but the glory of the celestial is one, and the glory of the terrestrial is another. 41 There is one glory of the sun, and another glory of the moon, and another glory of the stars: for one star differeth from another star in glory. 42 So also is the resurrection of the dead.” (1 Cor. 15) The Catholic Heaven is nothing more than pagan hell. The unbaptized, pagan Roman Emperor converted Christianity to paganism. The god that Constantine adopted for Catholics to worship is nothing more than the Trinitarian god of paganism invented by Nimrod, King of Babylon. Constantine was a loyal follower of the sun god. So-called Christians still honor the sun god every Sun Day. They even worship the birth of the sun on December 25th, as if it was the birth day of Jesus.
The difference in glory is compared to the sun, moon, and stars. It is critically important for those who understand the true path to eternal life to walk even as He walked. Those who are for-ordained to hear the gospel in mortal life have the greatest opportunity ever afforded to man. A friend once told me that we should live every day as if it was our last; because it could be.
After death our spirit returns to Jesus for judgment. “5 Into thine hand I commit my spirit: thou hast redeemed me, O LORD God of truth.” (Ps. 31) “7 Then shall the dust return to the earth as it was: and the spirit shall return unto God who gave it.” (Eccl. 12) Those who died as members of the kingdom of God and endured faithful and obedient to the end are taken to the bosom of Abraham to await the resurrection. The rest are taken to the spirits in prison (hell). This is the heaven and hell envisioned by pagan Christianity. It is only for a brief time from death to the resurrection.
Jesus said, “2 In my Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you.” (John 14) There are three degrees of glory in the resurrection. “40 There are also celestial bodies, and bodies terrestrial: but the glory of the celestial is one, and the glory of the terrestrial is another. 41 There is one glory of the sun, and another glory of the moon, and another glory of the stars: for one star differeth from another star in glory. 42 So also is the resurrection of the dead.” (1 Cor. 15) The glory of the sun (celestial) is one. Those who are resurrected into the celestial glory will inherit the earth with God and Jesus in eternity. See Revelation 21 and 22.
It is important to note that spiritual opportunity does not end with death. Jesus opened a dispensation of the gospel to the spirits in prison while His mortal body was in the grave. “6 For for this cause was the gospel preached also to them that are dead, that they might be judged according to men in the flesh, but live according to God in the spirit.” (1 Pet. 4) Knowledge of life and eternity is a mystery to sectarian Christianity. Only through the restoration by Joseph Smith and by a vision given to him and Oliver Cowdery do we have a correct understanding of these principles. Those who are not given (or chose not to accept) the gospel in mortal life, if they live an honorable life, have the opportunity to be resurrected in the terrestrial glory. All others inherit the telestial glory. Those who modify their behavior to be able to live by a higher law progress upward. Only those who desire to remain “evil still” will remain in the telestial glory.
The following article on “Heaven” is by J. S. Comstock in the Gospel Herald, Vol. 4, No. 157, pp. 308/896 and 309/897.
Where is heaven? Is it a local place? And in what does its joys consist? Is it the expanse of the sky? or is it the region of the blessed? Is it a place, a dominion, a kingdom or country, separated from every jar, every discord, and every pain? If so, who can tell where that place is, and point out to us the sure practical way to get there? Since I have been in this world of wretchedness and want I have always been hearing much about the happiness of another place called heaven.
I have been acquainted with a multitude, professedly bound for that place: some pointing in one direction, and some in another; some very tenacious of some peculiar doctrine, without which none could get there; others of some particular ceremonies to be observed; others have concluded that doctrines and ceremonies are useless, further than the strict observance of a good moral life; some seem to think it necessary to organize in companies, appoint officers, institute ordinances, make laws, and hire some one to take the lead, and point out the way; others equally as well organized, with different doctrines and ceremonies, have also a teacher hired who points another way for heaven, and thus disputes all other companies, claiming to himself the exclusive right of teaching the truth in the matter, and guiding men to heaven.
Amidst these contradictions many have got bewildered, and not willing to allow so many wrong as must necessarily be, if but one way only be the way to heaven, have been driven to this sure alternative, that heaven cannot be a local place, and as God resides there, he consequently has no local residence. But, the consequent doctrine growing necessarily out of this conclusion makes God unable to move from one to another place, consequently one place is as much heaven as another. Hence the wide spread notion has arisen that the kingdom of heaven must be in the hearts of the saints. And in support of this idea there may be some apparent plausible deductions drawn from the scriptures, like the following: “Know ye not that your bodies are the temples of the Holy Ghost?" If any man defile it, him shall God destroy.
Again, "he that dwelleth in love dwelleth in God, and God in him." And again, though his throne be fixed on high, yet on earth he has a mansion too, and with the humble and contrite heart is his delight, &c. But notwithstanding all this, and much more that might be said, this truth is clear, that the Savior said, I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go away I will come again, and take you unto myself, that where I am ye may be also. Now it is evident that the Lord is gone away from this place up to where he was before, consequently can move from place to place. And in order to fulfill his word must come to earth again, and receive to himself his chosen people. And their dwelling must be somewhere in some place, and that place will be heaven, or kingdom of God, and none be permitted to enter it but they that do his commandments. Consequently it will be unlike any country or society now upon the earth, and perhaps quite unlike the hearts of most, if not all, professors of religion now living.
Therefore it might not be a safe directory to point the inquiring mind, who might be seeking the kingdom of heaven, to look into the hearts of believers to find it, neither into his own heart, lest he be deceived. However honest he may be, “he that trusts to his own heart is a fool." No doubt but many who are zealously seeking for heaven in various ways, will find themselves sadly mistaken, should they get there, and altogether unfitted to enjoy it, and would choose rather to go to their own place, that was more congenial to their ideas of heaven and happiness. For instance, God's only son, when he was here, was rebuked for a supposed breach of the law, by those too who claimed to be guides in the way to heaven, and he said, "my Father worketh hitherto, and I work."
Here then was an example of a work done in heaven, and of what God himself was doing. How could such dictators be happy in heaven, were they to arrive there with that spirit of rule, unacquainted with the employment that constitutes heaven an abode of bliss? What a sad change must be necessary in order to prepare them to receive with joy instructions, and behold constantly practiced that which they ever stood ready to rebuke upon the earth.--The invisible things of God are clearly manifested by the things he has made. So that from a correct observation of the work of creation, and of the redemption by Jesus Christ, we may form some just conceptions both of the character of God and of the happiness of heaven.
We are not to suppose that the character of Christ will be changed when he appears in judgment, after what was manifested by him while he was here upon the earth. But what he was yesterday he is to-day, and will be forever. It is thought by many that when the good man dies he goes immediately to heaven. Perhaps this idea may be correct, according to their views of it. The first description of heaven on record locates the place above the earth, in the open firmament, where the waters are divided from the waters. But Paul speaks of a man being caught up to the third heaven. And inspiration, I think, makes mention of a place called the heaven of heavens. And some suppose the third heaven is the place from whence the new Jerusalem will descend to the earth when the tabernacle of God shall be with men thereafter forever.
If so, where is the christian philosopher that will contend that heaven is not a local place, and one too that can be moved to some other place, especially when he allows the words of inspiration that declare the heavens shall depart as a scroll when it is rolled together, as well as the earth pass away? But the same inspiration tells us that mount Zion shall never be removed. They that trust in the Lord are as mount Zion, which shall never be removed. So that the sum of the matter seems to rest in this conclusion, viz., that heaven is the place where God not only resides, but presides, and his law is perfectly observed by all the inhabitants of the place. Consequently no ill can happen to any one.
One reason we know so little about heaven is, that so few have returned from that place to give information upon the subject. Another still greater reason is, we are unprepared for much of such intelligence as Jesus Christ, our great High Priest, could have told that generation that were contemporary with him, and perhaps did tell his disciples many things that were not transmitted to posterity. And even the disciples themselves could not bear as much as he was disposed or ready to say to them. Thus he speaks: I have many things to say to you, but you cannot bear them now. And again : If I have told you earthly things, and you believe not, what if I should tell you of heavenly things ?
One said he saw heaven open and angels ascending and descending upon the son of man. Who believed it? Stephen said he saw the heavens open, and Jesus sitting at the right hand of God. Here is good testimony of location, both of heaven and of God. Who disbelieves it? What is testimony good for if it weighs nothing in our minds? Not only was it local, but within sight of an inhabitant of this earth, who was prepared to view it. Angels from heaven used to frequently visit the inhabitants of earth in former days.
But I think it will be observed upon close examination that those individuals who welcomed them were such as were most ready and willing to entertain strangers, and to treat them hospitably, that were thus highly favored of God. Their names are worthy of remembrance, for the example of succeeding generations. And that it is possible for such visits to be yet enjoyed we need only credit the testimony of the Apostle Paul, who said, be not forgetful to entertain strangers, for thereby some have entertained angels unawares. Hebrews xiii. J. S. C.
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Those who obey the first principles of the gospel but fail to endure faithful and obedient during mortal life will be resurrected in the terrestrial glory. Those who were honorable men/women of the earth and accept the gospel in the spirit will also inherit the terrestrial glory and not sent to everlasting punishment. Those who choose to remain filthy still will inherit the telestial glory or a kingdom without glory. Those who were sons of perdition in mortal life will suffer the second death and be sent with Satan and his followers to live far from this creation and will remain spirits for all eternity.
This plan of salvation is both reasonable and in conformance with the teachings of the Bible and latter day Prophets. You have been given the greatest opportunity ever given to man. You can be a part of the celestial glory and inherit the earth, be “like” God, and travel the universe. Here is an approbation afforded to none others—only to you my friends and those like you. Those who treasure the pleasures of the world more than those of the Spirit and are not valiant in the testimony of Jesus will begin eternity in the terrestrial glory. What a loss! My prayers are with you.
Eucharist
The Eucharist unites us with the sacrifice made by Jesus. “53 Then Jesus said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Except ye eat the flesh of the Son of man, and drink his blood, ye have no life in you.” (John 6) This holy ordinance can only be blessed by one holding the Melchisedec Priesthood. It can be administered by Priests of the Aaronic Priesthood. Those who partake of the Eucharist with a pure heart and continue faithful and obedient will be established in righteousness and grow up into everlasting life.
Pre-Mortal Existence
There are blessings after this life that is beyond the comprehension of the human mind. We have to think of ourselves in eternity. This mortal life is like a snap of the fingers compared to our total life. We all existed as spirits before the foundations of earth. A third followed Satan and was cast down never to have a physical body. Imagine the horror of such a judgment. There is no allowance in the law of God for rebellion. Those few who were actively loyal to God and Jesus were for-ordained to various spiritual missions in mortal life. “4 According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love: 5 Having predestinated [for-ordained] us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure of his will.” (Eph. 1) Some were called to missions as great as a Prophet. “5 Before I formed thee in the belly I knew thee; and before thou camest forth out of the womb I sanctified thee, and I ordained thee a prophet unto the nations.” (Jer. 1) The body [members] of Christ has many parts and many missions. When we fulfill the mission given to us, we are promised the greatest rewards after death.
Temporal activities are partly a product of for-ordination and partly the result of our own decisions. Many people in the world never have an opportunity to move up the social ladder. Mary and I sold our house to raise enough money to get my pilot certificates. Then I worked full-time while attending college. I have pursued many temporal activities. Thankfully, God called me for the mission He had prepared.
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